CANACONA
Canconkars, under the banner of the Canacona Community for Harmony, continued their silent protest for a second day outside the Canacona police station, demanding immediate action to arrest Subhash Velingkar for his derogatory statements about St Francis Xavier.
Starting at 10 am on Sunday, the protesters gathered outside the police station without making any noise or raising slogans. As the group grew to a few dozen, the police, under the SDPO’s instructions, served tea to everyone and later invited the group for discussion.
In the presence of Canacona Dy Collector Madhu Narvekar, SDPO Canacona SP Tikam Singh Verma met with the protesters, led by Gaspar Coutinho, who explained their reason for being at the police station for the second day.
When asked about the line of action regarding the memorandum submitted on Saturday, seeking an update on the registration of an FIR against Velingkar for his hurtful remarks about ‘Goencho Saib,’ the SDPO informed them that the complaint had been forwarded to Bicholim police, and that action and investigation were underway.
Coutinho inquired about the delay in arresting Velingkar. The SDPO assured him that the procedure was ongoing and that authorities were doing their job. A search notice had been pasted on Velingkar’s door, giving him 48 hours to join the investigation. If he failed to comply, further action would be taken.
Coutinho later stated that the police and the Dy Collector assured them action would be forthcoming by Monday.
