Tuesday 29 January 2013

'There is no fear to speak the truth'


From:

Babi Suresh Gaonkar
H.No. 6/1, Vadacha wada, Sirgaon, Bicholim, Goa

Date: 29/01/2013

To,
Bharat Mukti Morcha
Goa Unit

Subject:  My Police torture, Human Rights violations by Constable Venkat Marshal, PSI Tukaram Walke, Police Inspector Ninad Deulkar and other police officials attached to Bicholim Police Station on duty on 25th and 26th January 2013.

I the undersigned Babi Suresh Gaonkar, 18 years of age, student, OBC, resident of H.No. 6/1, Vadacha wada, Sirgao, Bischolim, wish to state following:-
1.    At 10.07 am on 25th January 2013 I was served with notice under section 149 CrPC asking me to remain present at the Bicholim Police station on 26th January 2013. The notice signed by police Inspector, Bicholim Police Station was dated 24th January 2013.
2.    On the same day of 25th January 2013 I returned from my college at 5.00 pm and had just entered my house. I saw One Constable Venkat Marshal along with PSI Tukaram Walke was sitting in a Police jeep near my house.
3.    Constable Venkat Marshal got off from the jeep and came to my house and asked me if I have a knife with me. I replied saying ‘no’. This Constable then picked up instrument called ‘koita’ that we use to peel off coconut and caught my shoulder and pulled me out of my house towards the jeep that was marked with words ‘police control room’. ASI present kicked and pushed me inside the jeep amounting to kidnapping. I was not even allowed to close the door of my house.
4.    At a time when I was forced into the jeep my mother was not at home so she was not aware that I was taken away by police. While I was in police jeep my mother phoned me on my mobile. As I received my mother’s call Police Constable Venkat Marshal confiscated my mobile from my hand and banged it on ground. When I protested and told police that my mother will be worried about my whereabouts, Police Constable Venkat Marshal warned me saying “you will not touch mobile ever again and he banged it to the ground and then switched it off.
5.    Inside the jeep, police asked me if I was wearing any gold chain. I put counter question to them ‘why?’ On this reply of mine police – Constable Venkat Marshal and PSI Tukaram Walke began to beat me up. One of them snatched my gold chain, another one pulled my long pant and I was left without my pant just in my short pant. From the pocket of the pant police confiscated cash of Rs. 1800/- and another Rs.50/-. All this was done to me while I was being carried in a police jeep from my village of Sirgao to Bicholim Police Station.
6.    Inside jeep all together there were four policemen - Constable Venkat Marshal, PSI Tukaram Walke, one ASI and a jeep driver. Police said to me “you are doing too much. You are asking for information under RTI. What do you think of yourself?”  I was treated like a dog. They further said to me “you are doing too much; we are not going to leave you this way.” I asked police in the jeep as to why my pant is taken away. Police instead of answering forcefully caught my shirt and tore off its buttons. They then said to me “we will now parade you nude at Bicholim bus stand. Then you will feel ashamed and only then you will learn as to how to write RTI letters.
7.    I was taken to Bicholim Police Station. When got off from the jeep and ASI was pulling me from front and constable Venkat was pushing me from behind. Once I reached the police station at Bicholim I was told to sit. Police then said loudly “This boy is doing too much, he is ‘malkriad’. We have caught him and brought him here now.
8.    After few minutes police put me inside the police van and took me away to Bicholim Primary Health Centre. Over there doctor asked me “What you are feeling?” I told him that I am feeling black out in my eyes and head is heavy. Doctor checked my B.P and declared that it is very high at 190/100 and I am not fit for the lock up. I was hungry. I had only breakfast and had not taken lunch. Doctor told police to take me to District hospital in Mapusa. Doctor wanted to inject me something. I refused and did not give my consent. I was then brought to the Bicholim Police Station and police there was giving me tablets to swallow with water. I refused as I was without any food. Police said “this boy is too much” and started beating me up at Bicholim police station. Every policeman on duty beat me up with kicks and slaps. They then declared that they will beat me up even more for the reason that I refused tablets. I was beaten mercilessly. More they beat me more resolutely I refused to take the some chemical tablets offered to me. I told police that no matter how much they beat me, I will never take tablets. I was then again taken to Bicholim Primary Health Centre.
9.    Doctor here was angry at my refusal to take tablets. Doctor on duty then warned me that he will certify me as fit for police custody. The doctor then checked my blood pressure again and declared that my blood pressure is normal at 130/80. Doctor then told police that it is upto them whether they want to admit him to District Hospital in Mapusa or not.
10.  From the hospital I was taken to the police station again. My mother reached at police station. I gave my mobile to my mother at around this time 7.30 pm. My Mother Suvarna Suresh Gaonkar was called inside the cabin of Police Inspector Ninad Deulkar. PI Ninad Deulkar told my mother “We have arrested your son even though he has committed no offence of any kind, we have framed him up in criminal case because he has filed RTI letter seeking information about police.” My mother told PI Deulkar “My son is in the path of righteousness and he committed no crime.”. She walked out of the cabin of PI Deulkar. While she was walking out of his cabin PSI Walke caught her shoulder and took her back in the cabin of PI Deulkar even though my mother protested and said that no male policemen can touch her. I have not filed any RTI and not sure as to which RTI PI Deulkar found in my name. RTI letter was filed by my mother Suvarna Suresh Gaonkar in order to make democracy functional in Goa’s mining belt and I have been made the target of torture.  Even then filing of RTI letter does not warrant police torture violating anyone’s self respect and dignity. The behavior of Police team at Bicholim Police station is barbaric as I experienced it first hand.
11.  I was stopped from talking to my mother and was whisked away and taken back into Jeep that drove towards District Hospital, Mapusa. Here I was taken to casualty ward. Doctor here inquired and examined my health status. I told doctor that my eyes are feeling black out and my head is heavy. Doctor got my ECG and checked my blood Pressure. He found that my blood pressure was very high at 160/90. Doctor said that I have to be admitted in the hospital. I was made to sit on the wheel chair and taken in for admission.
12.  Since it was already late and food was already served before I was admitted in the hospital nurse on duty told police that it is the responsibility of police to provide food for me. Police kept silent. Doctor wrote prescription of tablets. I refused tablets. Nurse asked me to sign the documents/papers that I am refusing tablets. I refused. Nurses then went to doctor. Then three policemen came back to me and warned me “if you are not going to sign these papers then we will beat you up. I signed these papers under duress. Nurses went away. I was neither given any food nor water to drink. Police put handcuff and tied me up to bed the whole night. I was on bed number 22 and I do not remember the ward number. I requested police to get my handcuff off my hands but police refused. The whole night I slept on bed with handcuff in my hands and locked to bed. By morning my left hand was totally numb. Many doctors came and inquired but no treatment was given to me.
13.  Handcuffs were removed from my hands just for 20 minutes in the morning of 26th January 2013 to go the toilet to answer nature’s call. After this span of 20 minutes of freedom to my left hand I was handcuffed again. At around 10.00 am I was given medicines. I refused again. Doctor then wrote on my discharge paper “Fit for lock up”.
14.  I was very weak and handcuffed even on 26th January 2013, Republic day of my beloved country. I did not take even water. I did not take dinner. From the hospital I was dragged and brought to Bicholim Police Station at around 11.00 am with handcuffs on. I complained about handcuffs. Police told me “If we do not put handcuffs on you then what else to put on?” On this Republic day I was brought to harsh and uncomfortable realization that I as OBC and mulnivasi is just a slave in free India and my freedom struggle has just began through handcuffs in my left hand.
15.  At Bicholim Police Station my handcuffs were removed. I am not sure as to who gave permission to handcuff me.
16.  At 1.00 pm on 26th January 2013 PSI Walke spoke to me at the Bicholim Police Station “We arrested you yesterday at 5.00 pm and now we will remand you for 14 days of judicial custody. This is a minor offence. You can take bail with two sureties. Now inform someone at home.” I told him that I was not allowed to call my mother and when my mother called on my mobile you snatched and destroyed my mobile.” PSI Walke retorted “You are still talking too much?” I told him “There is no fear to speak the truth.” I was then asked to call up my mother. I called my mother from police telephone and after that I was sent into police lock up again. Handcuffs were put again on my hands inside the lock up. Several policemen gathered and said “we now have some more time to beat you and torture you. We were not able to do it as you spend most of the time in hospital last night.” While I was being tortured and beaten up inside the police custody I noticed my mother walking from a distance and I cried aloud “Mummy”. My mother heard my cries and she started to walk towards police custody. One policeman came and stopped her and told her to go in some other direction where lawyer was waiting with bail application.
17.  Then on 26th January 2013 while still in police custody I was forced to sign Memo of Arrest signed by T.P.Walke, PSI, Bicholim Police Station dated 25th January 2013 that reads as “You are hereby informed that you have been placed under arrest in Bicholim P.S. Cr.No. 17/13 u/s 341 of I.P.C today i.e. on 25.01.2013 at 17.00 hrs. You are further informed that the said offence is a bailable offence  and you are entitled for bail.’ I also signed arrest form after consulting my lawyer. I have not restrained anyone to attract section 341 of I.P.C. and I hold that this police action is in total violation of my human right to life and dignity enshrined in the Constitution of India on the eve and on the day of the Republic Day 2013. Police did not return my pant, my cash and my gold chain till date even though I am released on bail and out of police custody.
18.  In my understanding Bicholim police acted in this manner with me under the directions from Rajaram Bandekar (Sirigao) Mines Pvt. Ltd as they have past history of using police and other bodies of state administration like Panchayat and BDO for their vested interest of capturing 1,19,000 square meters of my family land near my house in Sirigao.
19.  I pray that suitable action be taken against all the named Constable Venkat Marshal, PSI Tukaram Walke, Police Inspector Ninad Deulkar and unnamed policemen attached to Bicholim Police station responsible to my torture on 25th and 26th January 2013.
20.  I pray to you to do everything possible for this matter has not just caused grave harm to me but to the very core of the spirit of the Constitution of India that governs all people of India.

Thanking you,
Yours Sincerely,
Sd/-
(Babi Suresh Gaonkar)

Monday 28 January 2013

Report of Sao Mathias Panchayat in Tiswadi, Goa held on 27th January 2013

Gram Sabha started today Sunday 27th January 2013 at 10.45 am. 2 minutes silence observed to departed souls who died recently. Ex-Sarpanch Jose Bismarck Silveira died by doing something good for us. He acquired the present land to build our Panchayat wherein we have our health centre, sports complex etc done up.

116 members were present for last Gram Sabha meeting. Sarpanch said at today’s Gram Sabha that water tank proposal for Vanxim is sent for approval to the concerned department. What is required is NOC. People of Vanxim will be approaching Bishop’s house for NOC for water tank.

For 15 long hours we at Vanxim had no electricity power supply on 2nd-3rd September 2012. On complaining the engineer said “we are trying to find out the fault”. Many people had problems in our village; cooking got hampered, followed by aquarium; many fish died in the tank, stock in fridge had to be thrown out, people were put in big trouble. Sarpanch today concluded saying JE and AE are transferred and power restored.

Last Gram Sabha two proposals were given whereby the secretary took inward of both while reading at the Gram Sabha he read only one proposal. The second one was signed by 57 people opposing said retaining wall at Vanxim. Today when Maggie Silveira, the President of Ilha de Vanxim Association questioned the chair regarding this proposal of 57 people who the voters are of ward no. 7, as to why this very proposal was not read. The sarpanch and Secretary twisted the same and said “we kept for our monthly meeting.” “This is a game plan of Mahindra Gaunekar and Pandurang Madkaikar to do so.” Maggie said openly.

Agnelo Menezes spoke in detail regarding power line, that is electricity supply from Old Goa/Malar/Divar. The Sarpanch also spoke about the same and said that process is on and the estimate is of Rs 1 crore 54 lakhs.

Regarding BSNL tower ex-Sarpanch Tulsidas Kundaikar signed the BSNL agreement in November 2009 and used secretary Mahesh Naik and made him a scape goat for BSNL tower problem. As per Sarpanch presently Rs.3,500/- is the monthly payment made to panchayat by the BSNL. The members of the Gram Sabha collectively came to a decision that BSNL must pay at least Rs.25,000/- monthly to the Panchayat.


Crematorium proposal from Narva/Poltodi was also read whereby 83 people signed the proposal. Vanxim people also used the same venue and supported the proposal (Tithtar). Amrut Volvoikar seconded the proposal.

We have got the Kadamba bus plying from Naroa/ Malar and Divar/Old Goa and to Panjim. Sarpapnch called upon the people to do their passes. Naroa to old Goa students will have to pay monthly Rs.55/-, Divar Rs.100/- adults. Naroa to old Goa adults Rs.135/-.  At 9.35 am ferry the Kadamba bus leaves for Panjim and returns for 12.00 pm ferry. The requirements are Rs.20/-  form to be filled with one photograph.

On 28th October 2012 Sarpanch was questioned by Maggie Silveira regarding any proposal favoring the project. Sarpanch replied by saying “No proposal received by us.” Today the minutes were read saying no proposal received.

Sarpanch said construction of Health building work is in full progress.

Amit told Sarpanch to file RTI regarding sports complex building. Nearly 5 years have gone by and work is not complete. Panchayat had no documents with them regarding the same. Three estimates have been done as of now. The Sarpanch is told to ask for the details regarding commencement and completion of the same.

Regarding water pipeline at Vanxim no concrete is put nor any work carried out. When Sarpanch was questioned he said the contractors were not found. Our Panch said Junior Engineer Sarpesh told her that divers are not found.

Naresh, Amit and Maggie proposed for Sulabh toilet at Divar Ferry point/Sao Pedro ferry (Divar), Naroa Ferry, and Vanxim ferry point as it is a need and priority for the old and the young.

Sarpanch also spoke of widening of road works which will be done very shortly.


Illegal commercial activities were going on at Vanxim whereby permission given by Sao Mathias Panchayat was also illegal  as non-voters had raised their hands, and manipulating the same ex-sarpanch Tulsidas Kundaikar gave permission violating the Panchayati Raj Act where non-voter was taken into confidence and permission was given. Revoke this permission which is illegal ab initio. Secondly,  adding to the same illegal commercial activities are going on, we have called upon the Sarpanch to come immediately inspection and stop these very  ongoing commercial activities.

Our Vanxim primary government school roof is about to come down. This was also brought to the notice of the Sarpanch more than six months ago, yet nothing has been done about it.

Our first ferry from Divar to Old Goa starts at 5 am.  “Good Job, Well done sarpanch!” he was complimented by Maggie Silveira, President of Ilha de Vanxim Association.

Prisca Fernanades addressing chair said “all the members of the Gram Sabha must be taken into confidence; we are all coming here for a purpose.”

Time and again there are inaugurations taking place at Malar in different wards. Contractors are inviting Sarpanch etc. Sarpanch having all the power is no where in the picture. No permission taken from Panchayat. Only inaugural functions are held and the panch members go for the same including the Sarpanch. We the members of Gram Sabha condemn these activities as it was a collective decision.

We also requested Sarpanch to do a playground for Vanxim though M.P.funds.

Maggie Silveira

Tuesday 15 January 2013

Mohammad Saleem appointed Convenor of Bharat Mukti Morcha for Vasco-da-Gama city

Mohammad Saleem is appointed as a convener of Bharat Mukti Morcha Vasco-da-Gama city unit in Marmagoa Taluka. He is a science graduate and connected with Bharat Mukti Morcha activities across the State of Goa. Mohammad Saleem's involvement with Bharat Mukti Morcha increased and intensified after Fomento  owned weekly 'The Goan' tagged muslims living in Goa as 'Terrorists' in its August 11, 2012 issue. Bharat Mukti Morcha then went on offensive against this Fomento attack on Muslims in Goa with its public statement. Bharat Mukti Morcha is happy to delegate this important responsibility of spreading our Mulnivasi freedom struggle in Goa's Port Town of Vasco to Mohammad Saleem.

Friday 4 January 2013

Book on Goa mining plunder published in Marathi

This book titiled Goveatil Khaniz Kazineachi Prachand Loot is authored by Sebastian Rodrigues and translated by Gurudas Gadekar is published by Mulnivasi Publication Trust in Pune. Book release function took place at Malda, West Bengal on December 24, 2012 at the BAMCEF 29th National convention in presence of its National President Waman Meshram and several other respected dignitaries.

The book examines earnings from export of iron ore from Goa from 1981 to 2011. Earning are correlated with the budget deficits of the Goa state with a critical questions. This book has 11 chapters and documents protests against mining industry in Goa and various issues related to the same including co-option tactics of the mining industry in Goa. 

Contribution of then active groups voicing opposition to mining industry namely GAKUVED, GGRM, and GOAMAP are documented. The book has 38 pages and suggested contribution is Rs.20/- only.

Bharat Mukti Morcha condemns linking of Aadhaar Cards to cooking gas cylinder subsisidies


Bharat Mukti Mocha Goa Unit today January 4, 2013 triggered off meeting of customers of HP Gas supply agent in Siolim, Bardez, Goa M/s Veeresh Gas service with company’s customer service cell based in Kundaim Industrial Estate. The company was represented by its office Mr.Arvind Singh. The delegation of customers included Sandhya Gawde, Florence D’Souza, Sarpanch of Siolim-Marna Panchayat Anita Chari, Diego Rodrigues, Lawrence Braganza of Consumer cell, and Sebastian Rodrigues of Bharat Mukti Morcha. Veeresh Gas service was represented by Mr.Dangui jr.

It was disclosed that the subsidized rates for the cylinder is Rs.418/- and non-subsidized rate is Rs.911/-. During the meeting it was revealed that home cylinders cannot be taken from the storeroom the practice that is being followed by the Siolim HP agent. Cooking cylinders are to be booked by the customers prior to the delivery.

Agent is to provide home delivery of the cylinders, the service that was stopped by the agent in unilateral decision. The weekly schedule of the delivery is to be given to the villagers of Siolim, Marna, Oxel, Sodiem, Assagao, Badem, Chapora and Camurlim areas.

Siolim agent was instructed to issue proper computerized receipts instead of current practice of issuing ad hoc hand written receipts.

The problem of underweight of gas cylinders was discussed and the Siolim dealer is instructed carry weighing scale in the delivery van whiled cylinders are delivered in the villages. In case of underweight cylinders customers can take recourse to complaint book at the showroom and register their complaints. The inspection of complaint book revealed that since March 2011 not a single complaint is registered on the complaint book. Lack of organized movement of consumers has led to the inefficient and even often arrogant behavior of the Siolim dealer.

Mr. Singh instructed the dealer to create awareness about gas delivery and other issue amongst the public in Siolim.

New connections which were blocked are directed to the released as per the instructions of the petroleum ministry that were communicated by Mr. Singh at the meeting.

It was also revealed by Mr.Singh that subsidy will be given on the production of Aadhaar card from the month of February onwards. This decision of the Ministry is highly condemnable. Aadhaar cards are violation of every individual’s privacy through figure prints, iris scans, bank account, pan card, and are done only to promote surveillance as ruling bamons in the country and Goa state are scared of ongoing freedom struggle of mulnivasis against Brahmin tyranny who are Eurasians and miniscule minority of 3.5% of India’s population but having share of 79% in governance Beaurocracy, Judiciary, Executive, Press . Democracy has been subverted into brahmanocracy. This is the reason as to subsidies are linked to Aadhaar card. There is no restriction of sharing of the data under Aadhaar Card which is the case for the data gathered under census Act. There is every possibility that this data will shared with the vested interests in various parts of the country and we will be enslaved. All the major political parties Congress, BJP, Communists – CPI, CPI (M), are controlled by Bamons and that’s the reason they are deliberately silent on this dangerous conspiracy against the mulnivasi people. Bharat Mukti Morcha condemns linking of subsidies to the Aadhaar Card. This is nothing short of blackmailing of mulnivasis people of India. If not, then why there are no entitlements on this card? Linking subsidies to Aadhaar Cards is only a matter bait to get crucial private data of the mulnivasis people so that they can be controlled on the computer screen of Silas super computer.

First of all it is a conspiracy of bamons ruling this country to withraw subsidies under the influence and dictates of satanic international powers of darkness.

It was decided to carry on the awareness program in collaboration with various public bodies. Long battle here seems to be a necessity.