NT Reporter
Panaji
Activist Kashinath Shetye was allegedly attacked on Friday at a mangrove site on the outskirts of the city where illegal filling activity is reportedly taking place.
Shetye told media persons that the incident occurred when he visited the site after a friend requested him to show the location to a journalist.
Shetye said the accused, whom he has identified, questioned his presence at the site and allegedly caught hold of his collar. He further alleged that the man later attempted to attack him with a stone and a sickle.
Shetye has filed a complaint in connection with the incident at the Old Goa Police Station.
He claimed that the accused is allegedly involved in filling salt pans
in the area.
Condemning the incident, Amarnath Panjikar, chairman of the Goa Congress Media Department, demanded the immediate arrest of the accused.
Panjikar said the attack on Shetye was not merely an assault on an individual but also an attack on citizens fighting to protect Goa’s environment, mangroves, fields and natural heritage from the land mafia operating under
political protection.
“The increasing attacks on activists, whistleblowers and officials expose the complete collapse of law and order under the BJP government. Goa is witnessing a dangerous atmosphere where those exposing illegalities are threatened, assaulted and intimidated, while the real culprits continue to enjoy protection,” Panjikar said.
Reacting to the incident, Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai said, “Those fighting for Goa are not safe in Goa, they are targetted by attackers claiming political patronage.”
Sardesai said law and order has collapsed. “Safety is a myth”.
