Staff Reporter
Panaji
Claiming that the Dev Khapreshwar temple at Porvorim was illegally demolished and the idol desecrated thereby hurting religious sentiments, the vice president of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) Sunil Kawthankar has filed a complaint before the crime branch police, Ribandar seeking to register an FIR against police officials, joint mamlatdar âBardez and the
highway contractor.
âFiled a complaint against police, revenue officials for illegal demolition of a temple to help open up the frontage of a commercial building. Government now joins the elite club of Mughals and Portuguese under Salazar for demolishing Hindu templesâ, Kawthankar posted on a social media platform.
In the complaint, Kawthankar said, âwithout any legal notice or due process, the Dev Khapreshwar temple, which holds immense religious significance for not just Hindu devotees but the local community as well, was illegally demolished and the idol was desecrated by officials from Porvorim police station, Joint Mamlatdar Bardez and contractor involved in
construction of the National Highwayâ. He said that this act has deeply hurt the religious sentiments of Hindu devotees and the general public, causing widespread distress
and outrage.
âThe unlawful demolition has not only desecrated a sacred site but has also violated fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India, including the right to freedom of religion and protection of religious institutionsâ,
said Kawthankar.
