Mapusa CO’s call to withdraw FIR against activist sparks debate

MAPUSA

In a move that has sparked controversy among councillors, Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) Chief Officer Chandrakant Shetkar has written to his predecessor, urging the withdrawal of a police complaint filed against RTI activist and Mapusa resident Jawaharlal Shetye.

The complaint, lodged by former MMC Chief Officer Amitesh Shirvoikar, accused Shetye of allegedly forging his signature and issuing notices to various individuals, summoning them for hearings related to complaints of illegal construction.

Based on the complaint, Mapusa Police had registered a case against Shetye under multiple sections of the IPC, and the matter remains under investigation.

In response, Shetye wrote to the current chief officer, claiming that the complaint filed by the MMC was false.

He further stated that information obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act revealed that the police complaint was not recorded in MMC files and that it had become null and void due to developments in the matter.

Following this, Shetkar requested the former chief officer’s say in the matter of withdrawing the complaint.

However, Shirvoikar, who currently serves as Under Secretary-I of the Goa Staff Selection Commission, maintained that the complaint was lodged in his official capacity on behalf of the MMC.

“The withdrawal of the FIR against Jawaharlal Shetye may be decided at your end with the approval of the council, as the complaint was filed on behalf of the council in my capacity as chief officer of Mapusa Municipal Council,” Shirvoikar stated in his reply to Shetkar’s letter.

The move by the incumbent chief officer has drawn criticism, with former MMC chairperson Sandip Falari calling it a deviation from standard procedure.

“I am not commenting on the merits of the case, but if the current chief officer believed an error had been made, he could have taken a decision independently instead of writing to his predecessor,” Falari said.

Councillor Shashank Narvekar also expressed surprise over Shetkar’s action, questioning the necessity of withdrawing the complaint.

“There is no reason for the chief officer to interfere. Since the police are investigating the case, it is for them to decide the course of action,” Narvekar remarked.

The unfolding controversy has raised pertinent concerns about administrative transparency and procedural adherence within the MMC.

Critics argue that the move sets a questionable precedent, potentially undermining due process in municipal governance.

As the case remains under police investigation, the council now faces the challenge of navigating the legal and ethical implications of Shetkar’s decision.