----------------------------------------------------------- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC) Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ---------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------- Authorities clamp down on illegal kiosk at Navelim --------------------------------------------------- The South Goa district administration in a surprise raid this evening clamped down on a kiosk accepting matka bets at Navelim and attached the same, even as those operating it took to their heels. The surprise raid took place as a continuation of a planned demolition of an illegal kiosk, which though slated for May 18, was not a success as the concerned block development officer and panchayat were informed that the illegal structure was demolished amid conflicting reports.
While one of the reports suggested that the illegal kiosk had been voluntarily removed, the other stated that on seeing the police party the operators of the kiosk had fled. This evening, as the district administration team comprising of the sub-divisional magistrate, Mr Suresh Pilernkar, the Salcete mamlatdar, Mr Johnson Fernandes and the joint mamlatdar, Mr Ashutosh Apte, who were passing through the Navelim church area, noticed that the kiosk was up and running (despite the earlier reports indicating otherwise). The team immediately took a turn and reached the spot to notice that kiosk was open but empty. Apparently, those involved in operating the illegal kiosk had fled from the scene after seeing the approaching government vehicle. Upon verifying documents and other material in the kiosk, the officials recovered several books and slips with the marking 'Kalyan Matka' and 'Main Matka' and also bundles of notes. Thereafter, the officials without waiting to undertake technical aspects like hiring of workers to move the illegal kiosk, lifted it physically on their own without any external help, although a large number of people gathered at the site to see the action. The Navelim sarpanch, Ms Ana Carneiro was also present. Speaking to The Navhind Times, the SDM, Mr Suresh Pilernkar revealed that the seized kiosk was now in the locked premises of the collectorate. "We are contemplating lodging a police complaint on Monday. This could be against unknown persons or the village panchayat, who had already been asked to demolish the structure but had not done so till date," the SDM stated. The authorities also carried out a video recording of the entire operation. On the amount of money recovered from the kiosk, the SDM revealed that all details were yet to be ascertained. It is learnt that in the past the same kiosk was lifted twice, but yet made an appearance at the same spot. The administration had also written to the police, who had reported that there was no gambling taking place in the area, the SDM informed. On the last occasion of demolition, the joint mamlatdar, Mr Pundalik Khorjuenkar had to return while carrying out the orders, as the kiosk was missing. -------------------------------------- The Navhind Times 21/05/06 page 3 -------------------------------------- ======================================= GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE Documentation + Education + Solidarity 11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] ---------------------------------------------------------- Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy =======================================
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