In a dramatic turn of events on Monday, 13th October, 2008 at 2230 hrs at
the Hotel Ashoka, behind the Panaji Post office, fire-brand social activist
spokesperson of "Utt Goenkara" Mr Aires Rodrigues Adv hailing from
Ribandar, Tiswadi, this time round found the tables turned against him. It
was an assault of a different kind which could have turned fatal.
Speaking to newsmen this morning at 1120 hrs at Private room 5 of the Campal
Clinic, Criticare Centre, Near the Bal Bhavan, Campal where he has been
admitted last night he stated that around six local youth in "mufti"
speaking in Konkani ransacked the Hotel Ashoka after having identified their
target "Aires" and then pounced on him striking a baton, on his head and
also using a sword ( chopper ?)menancingly to chop him off. In the melee
that followed he suffered brutal injuries to two of his right hand fingers
and on his head while friend heritage activist Prajal Sakhardande who was
with him too suffered some injuries to his neck region and was admitted
alongside in the ICU at the same Clinic where he is conscience but under
medical observation. Others present were youthful activist Jatin Naik (Adv)
and another alleged to be the personal driver of Mr Rodrigues. The Hotel
Ashoka is a favourite hang out for chicken savouries.
It may be recalled that Mr Rodrigues had launched a month long tirade
against his "friend" the Minister for Education Mr Antansio (Babush)
Monserate earlier over his mis-statement of facts on affidavit over his
educational qualifications. Ironically the NCP Chief in Goa Dr Wilfred A De
Souza at a later date declared that the Saligao MLA Dilip Dnyaneshwar
Parulekar too had made similar mis-statement of facts on affidavit over his
educational qualifications before the Election Commission at the time of
contesting the elections.
As a matter of fact despite the Supreme Court in one of its ruling
recommending among other things the need for minimum educational
qualifications for elected representatives there is no such law on the
statute books necessitating the same till date.
Hence according to some legal experts the issue of mis-statement of a sworn
affidavit before the Election Commission authorities by both Mr Monseratte
and Mr Parulekar would not have any bearing on their electoral victories.
But it does cast a stigma on the moral conduct of the elected
representatives if such mis-statements have been proved to be true of the
duo as well as of several others whose educational testimonials and other
declarations on sworn affidavits have yet not come under public scrutiny.
In the instant case however according Mr Aires Rodrigues the accusing
fingers for the cowardly act of assault yesterday 13th October, 2008 is
pinned on "friend" Mr Monseratte the Minister for Education and his 21 year
old son Mr Rohit Monseratte. It all started when as legal counsel for a bold
and determined mother a German national Ms Fadela Fuchs (who was at his
bedside this morning when this writer visited him at the clinic) filed a
complaint on 2nd October, 2008 before the Calangute Police station against
Master Rohit Monserate on alleged abusive sms sent out by young Rohit to her
over 14 year (born (20.07.1994) daughter, which but for the inaction of the
Incharge Calangute Police station would in all probability have attract the
provisions of the Goa Childrens Act 2003 and the IPC resulting in penal
action against Rohit Monseratte for traumatising the young mind.
But what according to Mr Rodrigues could have provoked the 13th October 2008
incident, is that the mother Ms Fuchs of the victim refused to be cowed down
by attempts of Ms Jennifer Monserate who visited her on 3rd October, 2008 to
break bread with Ms Fuchs and even attempts by well meaning persons to
withdraw the case that probably infuriated the Monserates .
Yet again the denial by Mr Atnasio Monseratte earlier over the ownership of
the mobile No: 9822982323 used by his son in sending the lewd sms to mobile
No:9923077930 which was proved by Mr Rodrigues to be held in the name of Mr
Atnasio Babush Monseratte c/o Raj Constructions Shop No 8 Kamat Mansion
Campal Panaji and used by his son Rohit apparently resulted in the
provocation and subsequent assault.
Moreover he stated there was a meet planned today at 1130 a.m. with the SP
North, Mr Bosco George, the SDPO Mapusa Mr Gundu Naik and the new SDPO Mr
Sammy Tavares (who suddenly took charge ) besides him as legal counsel of Ms
Fuchs and Ms Fuchs . Infact Mr Rodrigues made it clear at the press briefing
that Ms Fuchs would not answer to any questions except thro her legal
counsel i.e himself.
Meanwhile Ms Loretta the spouse of Mr Aires Rodrigues who was present at the
hospital confirmed to this writer that two fingers of his right hand the
ring finger and the middle finger suffered severe injuries with a sharp
weapon. Apparently there has been some abraisons to the phalanges and
hopefully it could be restored owing to timely medical attention by the
medical practitioner Dr Oscar Rebello attending on him.
While the issue received extensive converage as Breaking news by the local
cable network "Prudent Media" which has of late has been indulging in "
social activism " the general feeling among the members of the public who
spoke to this writer is a mixed reaction.
Most politicos even in the ruling camp blamed the break down of law and
order in the State in general as a situation almost of a civil anarchy.
True the CM is the CEO but with the portfolio of Home in the hands of ex CM
and MLA POnda Mr Ravi Sitaram Naik who was ailing and out of station
(Bangalore) for medical treatment, the lax in law and order is attributed to
him. Such type of dastardly assaults are not uncommon in the State
explained some of the prominent persons visiting the Clinic. The in action
of the Police to file an FIR or take cognizance of the incident is a common
feature. This time round the Police had not acted on the 2nd October, 2008
complaint as they were "investigating" a common alibi used to explain away
delayed action on political pressure.
But the fear among activists journos NGOs alike is that the voice of dissent
is being stiffled by "unethical methods" and hence there is a cause for
revamping the who police machinery in the State.
As it is the social issues viz, mega projects, over mining activities ,
casinos and the revival of the language issue, stormy gram sabhas, ODP, RP
2021 etc have aroused peoples expectations from those governing the State,
besides that Goa expects extremism (terrorism and communal onslaught ) is
evident from the large number of Central Reserve Police Force that has been
deployed in the State since the commencement of the tourism season 27th Sept
2008.
Even at the time of writing there was unrest in Cuncolim and a total bandh
over the remarks made by the Minister for Panchayats Mr Manohar Ajgaonkar
over the involment of a person of the majority community who could have been
responsible for the damage to the Rakhondar at Pazarcone bridge.
from the Campal end
GODFREY J. I. GONSALVES,
BORDA, MARGAO, 403 602, GOA. (INDIA)
+91 98221 58584 (24 HRS)
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
GODFREY J. I. GONSALVES,
BORDA, MARGAO, 403 602, GOA. (INDIA)
+91 98221 58584 (24 HRS)
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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