MAPUSA
While the Goa Police assert their commitment to delivering effective, efficient and timely policing services to citizens, the Mapusa Police seem indifferent to these guiding principles.
In a troubling encounter at the Mapusa police station, three women complainants alleging land fraud claimed they faced an unresponsive and discouraging response from Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Sandesh Chodankar, raising questions about the Mapusa Police’s commitment to addressing fraud cases effectively.
More than two months back, Maria Priscilla D’Souza, Sabrina Dias, and Vineeta D’Souza had filed a formal complaint accusing two individuals, including a person named Reggie Fernandes, of illegally transferring family-owned lands into the suspects' names.
According to the complainants, the police were unhelpful and, at times, dismissive of their grievances.
The complainants allege that DySP Chodankar not only dismissed their concerns but seemed aligned with the accused, adopting an accusatory approach towards the complainants themselves.
“We approached the police as victims of fraud but were treated as if we were the accused,” remarked Maria Priscilla D’Souza, with her co-complainant Sabrina Dias adding that DySP Chodankar appeared unwilling to listen to their side of the story, and his demeanour suggested partiality towards the accused.
The complainants voiced frustration, expressing a sense of lost trust in the justice system.
“We came forward hoping for justice but left feeling discouraged and unheard. I don’t think I would want to interact with the DySP again,” said Vineeta D’Souza.
The alleged land fraud centres around illicit modifications to official land records, namely Form I and XIV, for properties claimed to belong to the complainants’ families.
They contend that the accused fraudulently registered their own names in these records without the rightful owners’ consent.
DySP Sandesh Chodankar defended the police's stance, citing the complainants' reluctance to submit ownership documents.
"The complainants are not cooperating. We have asked them in writing to produce their ownership documents which they refuse to do,” Chodankar said, further adding that the other party has produced documents claiming his right.
The complainants argue they were cautious due to concerns over document misuse.
Vineeta D’Souza noted that she had provided a will, and Sabrina Dias attached a gift deed with their complaint, though they were wary of submitting the originals.
“We have all our title documents and were prepared to show them to the police, but we were hesitant to part with them over fears of misuse,” explained Vineeta.
The complainants have stressed that they filed the case not only for justice but also as a cautionary measure to inform other property owners in Siolim-Sodiem of the ongoing fraud threat.
“Our goal is to alert the public to take preventive action against potential fraud,” added Vineeta D’Souza.
The incident has sparked concern about the Mapusa Police’s approach to handling such cases, prompting renewed calls for transparency and impartiality in Goa Police.
While the complainants wait for a resolution, questions remain: will Goa Police address their concerns and bring the accused to justice, or will this case highlight a need for deeper reform in how cases are handled?
