Arch. Elsa Fernandes files criminal defamation complaint at Old Goa Police Station

From: Arch. Elsa Fernandes

 H. No. 1236, Segundo Bairo,

Santa Cruz – Goa

Ph. No. 09822130241

 

Date: 28^th April 2023

 

To,

The Police Inspector,

Old Goa Police Station

Old Goa – Goa

Subject: Police Complaint against Mr Justiniano Ciriaco Fernandes alias Justin De St. Cruz, Mr Felipe Barreto and Mr Jaime Jeoffrey Romano Gonsalves for defamation and discrimination against me.

 

Respected Sir,

This is to inform you that a person named Mr Justiniano Ciriaco Fernandes alias Justin De St. Cruz, a resident of H. No. 1003, Behind Santa Cruz High School, Premeiro Bairo Ward, Santa Cruz, Tiswadi – Goa 403005, Contact No.: 9657234056, Mr Felipe Barreto, Owner of V4U Studio, having his studio at V. N. Naik Road, Ambaji, Margao - Goa 403602, Contact No.: 09822165251 and Mr Jaime Jeoffrey Romano Gonsalves, Owner of 7N Creation Photography & Videography, having his residence at H. No. 248, Gudiwada, Neura, Pilar – Goa 403104, Contact No. 07507047753, collectively, severally and jointly created, wrote, composed, sang, videographed, published and then circulated a Konkani Song titled ‘Soth Tem Soth’.

That the abovementioned song was published and circulated on YouTube on Justin de St. Cruz Channel, subscribed by 6,91,000 followers on 5^th April, 2023, by the abovementioned Accused No. 1, Mr Justiniano Ciriaco Fernandes alias Justin De St. Cruz. That furthermore, the said Song has already been viewed by 23,538 viewers as on 27^th April, 2023.

That at the behest of the abovenamed accused, the song has been re-published and re-circulated on Goa News Hub Channel subscribed by 9,83,000 followers and has been viewed by 3,661 viewers as on 27^th April, 2023.

That besides the abovementioned channels, the song has been published and circulated on several Whatsapp groups, Instagram and other social media channels.

That it may be known that several fallacious, erroneous, distorted, inaccurate, discriminatory and fictitious words and gestures are made against me with the aim to tarnish my name and goodwill, in the abovementioned Song. In addition, racist, bigoted and discriminatory words and gestures, are also used against me, downrightly defaming me, both in a libellous and slanderous manner.

That I am a respectable Environmental Architect, Professor, Researcher, Architectural Expert, IGBC Accredited Professional, Expert Panel Member of several Governmental and Non – Governmental Environmental and Village Planning Boards, as well as a upstanding and upright citizen of Goa and India, as a whole and that I have earned the same through my uninterrupted, incessant and continuous hardwork, dedication, diligence and commitment for over 40 years, and that the abovementioned song has caused incomputable loss and damage to my reputation and goodwill.

That usage of libellous, slanderous and discriminatory words and gestures in the Song published and circulated jointly and collectively by the abovementioned three accused amounts to a criminal offence punishable with fine as well as imprisonment under Section 499, 500, 502, 153A, 505 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, as well is violative of Article 15 of the Constitution of India.

That I am informed that the three accused have also earned unlawful monies at the cost of my reputation, from the creation, publication and circulation of the abovementioned Song.

 

 

That I am utterly and completely aggrieved by the repulsive, criminal, unlawful and delinquent behaviour jointly and severally displayed by the above three Accused.

 

That on account of the abovementioned you are requested to take strict action and proceed under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and any other law that your honourable office may deem fit.

 

Hoping for a speedy remedy and action from your honourable office.

 

 

Yours Sincerely,

 

 Sd/-

 

Arch. Elsa Fernandes

 

 

 

 

 

Interrogating Justin de Santa Cruz Konkani song on Archt. Elsa Fernandes

Two days ago Justin de Santa Cruz uploaded his newly composed Konkani song "Soth tem Soth" on Archt. Elsa Fernandes. There are few things in this song that are offensive to Archt. Elsa Fernandes, her integrity and reputation. Infact they are dehumanizing to the core. He not only sang threatening life of Archt. Elsa Fernandes but crosses several more boundaries. His song is a collage of personal allegations against her as well as her family members. Her principled stand in defence of ecology has been re-interpreted as hurdle for development. 'Soth tem soth' which means Truth is Truth is a talented Public Relations work - if not mercenary mission - for Santa Cruz Panchayat that has launched tirade against Archt. Elsa Fernandes in multiple ways from February 26, 2023 Gram Sabha nine questions. The strategy seems to be to demonstrate mass dissatisfaction against the very presence of an individual : Archt. Elsa Fernandes at Panchayat Gram Sabhas. This is some kind of prejudice that Santa Cruz Panchayat members are harboring and it got spilled out in Justin de Santa Cruz YouTube song wherein Archt. Elsa Fernandes is referred to as 'Khapullem' which means Negro. People with black complexion are referred to as Negros. Justin de Santa Cruz has forgotten the phrase "Black is Beautiful!" Archt. Elsa had no choice on colour of her skin. It is part of her genetic information. Justin has launched attack on genes of Arct. Elsa Fernandes because of her skin colour. This is prejudice so deep. Justin de Santa Cruz has launched racist attack against Archt. Elsa Fernandes that is violation of her Fundamental Right under Article 14 of the Constitution of India that prohibits race as the basis of discrimination. Justin de Santa Cruz is liable to be criminally as well as civilly charged under various laws in force and can earn him jail sentence should Archt. Elsa decides to act. It is violation of her dignity as a human and as woman and case needs to be lodged. It is also an offence under Information Technology Act to promote racism by use of Internet. And even if she doesn't act the onus is upon People of Goa to condemn this racist stereotyping.

Justin de Santa Cruz has accused Archt. Elsa of taking bribes and allowing filling up of paddy fields and salt pans in Merces village. This is an attack on her reputation that attracts criminal as well as civil defamation against Justin de Santa Scruz. 

Archt. Elsa Fernandes had no authority in past or present either to allow or disallow any such activities in her neighboring village of Merces. Why didn't Justin de Santa Cruz block those paddy fields and salt pans in Merces from getting filled up? Who had stopped him? Perhaps Justin might not even be aware that video clips he has included in his video in this regard are of Merces Panchayat Jurisdiction.

Justin de Santa Cruz has defended illegal compound walls in the village without considering planning ethics. Then goes about launching allegations against her brother with use of another racist word 'ghati'.

He goes further in his five minutes video and sings glories to construction of Panchayat Ghar in Khazan land. So according to him the destruction of Goa's khazan lands are desirable! Justin de Santa Cruz has to re-asses his position on Khazan land as CZMP approved by Central Government has demarcated that land as Khazan land even though some builders might have purchased the land to put up their constructions projects in Khazans.

Justin de Santa Cruz trumpets that Archt. Elsa Fernandes is removed as convenor of Village Development Committee (VDC) even though Santa Cruz Panchayat website continues to list Elsa Fernandes as the Convenor of VDC as of on April 05, 2023. It appears that Justin de Santa Cruz hasn't checked his facts before composing his song and got himself in rot under influence from some quarters best known to him. Hope he know to swim in troubled waters he has jumped into before commenting upon Archt. Elsa's swimming skills.

Overall Justin de Santa Cruz is an ugly specimen of worst available racist, male chauvinistic,  deteriorated and degraded bundle of values peddled as art form: Cantar. This is tragic for the reason that Calapur is historically known aa high standard art village. Village now is sought to be ripped apart for a massive urban prowl. 

Yet the song is not just about Santa Cruz. Its call for an aggression against all those people all over over Goa who stand up to the oppresive system and share values that Archt. Elsa Fernandes shares. In other words Justin de Santa Cruz gives out the message to eliminate those standing up to defend Goa's Ecology: Khazan, Forests, Rivers, Coast, Paddy Fields. This is not acceptable as it amounts to erasure of what the green, ecologically frail Goa we know and cherish.

Song is interspersed with photo of Santa Cruz Sarpanch and interviews with Panchayat officials that gives an impression that Panchayat is behind this nasty video against Archt. Elsa Fernandes.

From where do Justin de Santa Cruz got all these destructive ideas? Such ideas are demonic in character and there is a need to investigate and find out as to where he has been frequenting to sing his aggression heading towards deadly disaster. 

There is a need to investigate as to who planted flags of rebellion against Archt. Elsa Fernandes in his mind, for those responsible to encourage and finance him are equally responsible and must be identified and tried criminally.

Justin de Santa Cruz is just in the massive rot. And he is not Just. He is an epitome of unparalleled prejudiced creature. He is in need of exorcism to get himself sober and vommit out all the evil in his thoughts and heart.

Archt. Elsa Fernandes strong message to People of Goa!

Dear All you strong and beautiful people of Goa,

Past more than a month my life was turned upside down by the powers in Santa Cruz Panchayat 

and last couple of days I had to go through attendance at the Old Goa Police station for inquiry into a Police complaint on me as part of the misuse of powers in my Santa Cruz village through coercion by the elected members

I have received unparalleled support across many people of Goa for standing for the rights of simple villagers in the Gram Sabha which reflects the state of our grass root democracy. If Goa grass root panchayat democracy is strong and resilient than Goa is strong and many of you have shown your presence and support to showcase issues connected with this Grass root democracy. 

There are many things which are going wrong and if we all work together to correct that than we will play a big role to save a lot for our future Generations. The issues faced by me in my Gram Sabha are a reflection of many issues needing attention and corrections across many panchayats. A vibrant democracy, an informed representation, a transparent and accountable governance reflects well being in everyone's lives and all of us want this including our adversaries if any.

On that note and for giving your time for this cause through your support in helping me pass through a lot of stressful times due to personal vendetta, I am whole heartedly grateful to each one of you, and I sincerely appreciate each one of you as a pillar in the Grass root democracy of Goa. Together we can make a big difference

DEV BOREM KORUM, 🙏🙏🙏 💚💚💚 

💚GOA💚

Elsa Fernandes

Enviromental Architect

It proved frivolous complaint against Archt. Elsa Fernandes!

Today April 06, 2023 Archt. Elsa Fernandes was called to the Old Goa Police Station on second consecutive day for the inquiry on complaint filed by 54 people from Santa Cruz Village in Goa. 

Archt. Elsa Fernandes reached Old Goa Police station along with her lawyer at 10.00 am. Police Inspector Satish V. Padvalkar was present in his office. He informed that he has called first five of the fifty-four complainants for the inquiry as well. Their group of accompanied by the Santa Cruz Sarpanch and Panchayat Secretary arrived at the Police Station - half an hour late - at 10.30 am. They were totally nine.

There were around 20 supporters of Archt. Elsa Fernandes outside the police station carrying placards saying "Truth - I support Elsa". Press was also present.

Inquiry started immediately at 10.30 am and lasted for 45 minutes. Arch. Elsa joined the proceedings along with her lawyer. After the conclusion of inquiry it was revealed by the Archt. Elsa Fernandes and her lawyer Adv. Melissa Simoes that inquiry was conducted by PI Padvalkar to ascertain whether there was any instance of law and order situation created by Archt. Elsa Fernandes at the Santa Cruz Gram Sabha on February 26, 2023. 

Complainants along with the Panchayat officials tried to impress the Police Inspector that questions raised by Archt. Elsa Fernandes in her application Constituted law and order breach. This submission was rejected by Police Inspector and counseled the Panchayat officials and complainant that Archt. Elsa Fernandes has right to ask questions and Panchayat officials and complainants should not be upset over this. As there was no evidence found during inquiry of any law and order breach during the February 26, 2023 he closed the investigations against Archt. Elsa Fernandes with a decision to communicate the same to Block Development Officer (BDO) of Tiswadi Taluka.

Complaint against Archt. Elsa Fernandes thus proved to be frivolous one that was meant to waste precious time of the Police as well as Archt. Elsa Fernandes, wicked act of the mastermind of the letter that took 54 residents of Santa Cruz for a demonic ride. Further it was found after examinination of the minutes of February 26, 2023 Gram Sabha that out of 54 signatories to the complaint 33 did not attend the Said Gram Sabha. Purpose of the complaint was to create mental pressure on Archt. Elsa but it got backfired.

In the meanwhile Justin de Santa Cruz has released defamatory konkani Cantar against Archt. Elsa Fernandes online at YouTube at this link. This song has been termed as abuse of talent by Archt. Elsa Fernandes. This abuse can take place when artist has wicked leaning s towards political masters. More investigations is needed on this to understand further implications of this YouTube intervention. This is a challenge not just for Archt. Elsa Fernandes but the people of Goa and beyond. We shall overcome!

From the Old Goa Police Station on Archt. Elsa Fernandes inquiry

Old Goa Police Station Police Inspector had called Architect Elsa Fernandes today April 05, 2023 for the inquiry regarding complaint filed against her by 54 people from Santa Cruz Village on 20th March 2023. She was called at 10.30 am but Police Inspector went away from the Police Station at 10.28 am and returned back only at 12.10 pm.

Archt. Elsa Fernandes reached to the Old Goa Police Station at 10.30 am to find that Police Inspector was missing from the office. She was accompanied by around 40 people from various parts of Goa in the spirit of solidarity in a fight to rescue sanity in democracy currently in coma state at Santa Cruz Panchayat.

There were some attempts to distract her but she did not loose focus of the task at hand and went about with diligence  as a mark of her efficient functioning. First she gave entry of her letter to Superitendent of Police (SP) of North Goa in Porvorim amidst heavy traffic Jam on her way from Santa Cruz to Porvorim. Then she came to Old Goa defeating wayside distractions.

There at the Old Goa Police Station she gave entry of her letter to Police Inspector of Old Goa explaining facts about the contentions of February 26, 2023 Gram Sabha of Santa Cruz Panchayat.

After 90 minutes wait at the Old Goa Police Station she gave another letter inward putting on record the fact that she came to the Police Station in response to the call letter served on her. Since Police Inspector is not available she is dispersing at 12.00 noon. After this letter was entered in Police records Inspector reached Police Station at 12.10 pm. Many people had dispersed and was about to leave the premises. Some returned back after Police Inspector came to his office.

At 12.15 pm Elsa entered the the cabin of Police Inspector Padvalkar with all her supporters and media. Police Inspector however requested everyone to leave his cabin except Archt. Elsa Fernandes, her lawyer and two more people.

Reports of the negotiations indicate that Police Inspector is inclined towards compromising this matter and has called five of the 54 signatories to the Police Station again  tomorrow April 06, 2023 at 10.00 am for a joint meeting with Archt. Elsa Fernandes.

Archt. Elsa Fernandes assisted by her lawyer has asked for uncut, unedited file of the video recording of the February 26, 2023 Santa Cruz Gram Sabha to ascertain the truth as to what exactly went through at the Gram Sabha. Further details are awaited.

Police call letter to Architect Elsa Fernandes

 According to available information Old Goa Police Inspector has served call letter to Emvironmental Achitect Elsa Fernandes to attend inquiry at the Old Goa Police Station on April 05, 2023 at 10.30 am in connection with complaint against her by 54 Villagers of Santa Cruz including few Panchayat members for instigating Gram Sabha members.

Fresh intimidation to Architect Elsa Fernandes?

According to reports Architect Elsa Fernandes has received fresh set of intimidating communications. One of her family members was contacted by someone claiming  to be calling from Old Goa Police station asking Architect Fernandes to report to the Old Goa Police Station. Legal way of Police calling anyone for inquiry is through serving of call letter.

Second intimidation communication has been the communication from Santa Cruz Panchayat that her compound wall is illegal and asking her to report to the Panchayat within seven days with documents about legality of her compound wall.

It must be noted that the tirade against Architect Elsa Fernandes is because of her principled stand in defence of Justice. She has risked her neck out and found herself being attacked relentlessly. It is now becomes duty of people of Goa to counter attack on her behalf for she defended interest of Goa specially interest of Goa's ecology with extraordinary zeal and determination. She loves Goa and Goa's Khazan with unmatched intensity. And Goa loves her too. This love keeps her moving ahead against the tide in her village and beyond in corridors of power.

Bharat Mukti Morcha strongly supports Architect Elsa Fernandes specially at this time when she has been put under pressure from various quarters. Like a burning  candle Architect Elsa continues to eminate light to both good and evil. It's upto the recipients to accept or insult her. And we know who is doing what. Everyone will be judged based on their conduct in due course of time.

In defence of Architect Elsa Fernandes

Jyotirao Phooley was born on April 11, 1827 and died on November 28, 1890. In his 63 years of life span he left indelible mark on the history of India as the Nation's greatest reformer. During the course of his reformist project several people and even British Government supported him. However he had to encounter strongest opposition from his close caste Panchayat. The opposition was so fierce that Phooley was expelled from his caste and decision was recorded in the minutes of the caste Panchayat.

Phooley and His wife Savitri carried on the reform work often swimming against the tide of his time. And after some decades found themselves enter into the history text books for their great contribution to humanity. The textbooks were read by the descends of those who expelled Phooley from caste Panchayat several decades after Phooley's death and fresh meeting was called expulsion was revoked and decision entered into the record books of the caste Panchayat!

This is an apt analogy for the yearnings of 54 Villagers of Santa Cruz Village of Goa to debar Architect Elsa Fernandes from attending the village Gram Sabha Meetings. These villagers that includes some elected members of the Santa Cruz Panchayat has not only given unfortunate letter double dated 19 as well as 20 March 2023 to the Director of Panchayat, Block Development Officer, Police Inspector at Old Goa Police Station and Village Panchayat, Santa Cruz. Detail critique of the Said letter is attempted here after probing allegations contained in the letter. The critique is put out in public domain as the Said letter containing several allegations is circulating on social media. We consider the decision to petition against Architect Fernandes unfortunate and regrettable initiative that signatories and their descendents will realize what a blunder it is once history teaches necessary lessons. Currently in defence of democratic norms the letter needs public rebuttals as under:

1. Subject of the letter reads "Complaint against Mrs. Elsa Fernandes for disrupting the Gram sabha dated 26/02/23 and instigating Gram sabha members which could end up in creating law and order situation being a government servant at polythenic College Althino."

It must be taken note that Elsa Fernandes is not just Mrs. She is qualified Architect as well as qualified in Law. This is something these 54 signatories are urged to take note and examine their own qualifications. Elsa has not instigated Gram Sabha. She has questioned following due process of law. The Panchayat authorities could not answer her questions satisfactorily is not valid ground to tag Elsa as an instigator. Further it is found that Elsa is not a government servant at Polythenic College, Althino. There is no Polythenic college anywhere in Goa. Subject of the letter itself is defective. Now let's go to the body of the letter.

2. Sir, We the Villagers of St. Cruz would request you to initiate action against Mrs. Elsa Fernandes for instigating public after being a government servant at polythenic College, Panjim.

Which public has Elsa instigated? What has been the methods of her instigating? It will be recorded in history that 54 Villagers leveled baseless allegations against one of the finest intellectuals Goa currently has and 54 St. Cruz Villagers has fallen short of treating her with respect and dignity that such a highly qualified lady who has dedicated her life for the uplifting of community is being treated so unbecoming of civilized society. No one escapes Judgement of history and these 54 people will have their rewards.

3. "Gram sabha was held in our village on 26/02/2023 where Mrs. Elsa Fernandes put up various points which could be discussed in the committee meetings but instead she of discussing in the Committee meetings she took it up Gram sabha thereby wasting time of the Gram Sabha. Even though in the Panchayat body meeting had rejected her proposal which was informed to her."

54 people here are assessing the merits of the questions Architect Elsa Fernandes has forwarded to the agenda of the Gram Sabha. In their assessment these questions could have been raised in the committee meetings. Goa Panchayati Raj Act has no such restrictions to raise questions. The condition sought to be imposed is arbitrary and baseless and in violation of Panchayat Raj Act. 54 people must touch,  read and study Goa Panchayat Raj Act that governs the conduct of the Gram Sabha. Our investigation has revealed that inspite of raising the questions at the Village Development Committee (VDC) meetings these were not answered by the member secretary who is also village Panchayat Secretary. As the leader of the VDC it became the duty of Architect Elsa Fernandes to raise those questions at the Gram Sabha. It was investment of time at the Gram sabha by Elsa and not waste of time as claimed by 54 signatories. If Panchayat body had rejected her proposal then why did Panchayat Secretary read and discussed the first three questions of the total nineteen? Why discussions on Elsa's question occupies four and half pages of the Gram Sabha minutes? Why decision of the Panchayat body rejecting her application at the Gram Sabha were posted to her days after the Gram Sabha? Why letter was not given to Elsa few days prior to the Gram Sabha so that she could have planned her schedule for the day differently? From the 54 signatories why not a single person could collect the letter from the Panchayat and hand over to Elsa before the Gram Sabha?

4. "Mrs. Elsa Fernandes was a Conveyer of the village Development Committee from the year 2017 till date and did not see to it that the registers were updated and during Gram Sabha wanted to know why the Asset Register was not updated there by trying to create a confusion between the members of the Gram Sabha."

Our probe has revealed that Elsa was not the Conveyer of the Village Development Committee. 

However letter of 54 reveals that Asset Register remained without being updated from 2017 for six years. This is seriously criminal and further actions such as Vigilance investigation are needed to be pursued against all those responsible. As per the rules it is the duty of member secretary to maintain and update Asset Register of the VDC. It needs to be probed as to why member secretary has not updated Asset Register from 2017.

The question regarding Asset Register was directed to stall proliferation of confusion and usher in winds of clarity.

5. "Mrs. Elsa Fernandes also never informed about the training program of the GPARD to the Member of the VDC even though she herself is a trainer at GPARD. And then asks questions like how many members are trained in the Village Development Committee".

The relationship between Goa Institute of Public Administration and Rural Development (GIPARD) has its own protocol for conducting programs. GIPARD communicates to the Director of Panchayat about the training program. Director of Panchayat then communicates to Block Development Officer (BDO). BDO then communicates to the respective Panchayats to depute its delegates for training. This protocol perhaps has not been known to the 54 who signed the letter. Chairman of the VDC who is the Sarpanch has to question Director of Panchayats as to why Santa Cruz Panchayat has not been invited to the GIPARD training programs.

54 acknowledged the calibre of Architect Elsa to be the Trainer at GIPARD. Instead of mudslinging her it would be great if they collaborate and learn from her rather than go the way Phooley caste Panchayat went about only to be regretted by their future descendents when history books records exemplary contribution of Elsa Fernandes for Goa.

6. "Mrs. Elsa Fernandes being an activist is well aware that about various facts but put up such questions only with the malafied intention of creating confusion and law and order situation in the Gram Sabha".

Elsa Fernandes designated herself in public life as an Environmental Architect. She doesn't consider herself as an activists. Why these 54 are shy and reluctant to refer her to what she is - Environmental Architect? This reveals that there is confusion in the minds of these 54 people. Asking questions is a fundamental right under the Constitution of India Article 19. Minus this right and democracy is non-functional. If her questions were creating law and order situation then which sections of IPC, CRPC, would be attracted? Elsa Fernandes is not only responsible citizen but also has LL.B degree and law is well known to her. Her questions were not creating law and order situation. They were threatening to expose something that vested interests desires to remain hidden against the public interest. Elsa's role has been totally and completely in defence of public interest. 

7. "We request you to take necessary action against Mrs. Elsa Fernandes for creating panic and confusion situation for the member at the Gram sabha which could end up in law and order situation, and bar her to attend if it fits in the Panchayat Raj Act. Thanking you"

54 names and signatures

Prayer is for the action against Elsa. 54 claims that she has created panic. They have not given any details as to how many got panic attacks because of her questions and which medical doctor has certified that Elsa's questions are the source of panic? These 54 must understand that all of them put together will not equal Elsa Fernandes. Anticipation is made about law and order situation over Elsa's questions and legal references is made to Panchayati Raj Act. Obviously this law doesn't have scope over criminal matters. This supplies evidence that 54 are either self-confused or induced confused or signed letter without reading the text of the letter. 

Panchayats gets degraded like this and drastic efforts are required to overhaul the system. Affairs at Santa Cruz Panchayat putting Architect Elsa Fernandes into uncalled for stress doesn't speak well for the health of grassroots democracy.

Several people who are amongst 54 signatories were not even present for the Gram Sabha meeting on February 26, 2023. All the more reason to indicate that harassment to Architect Elsa Fernandes by Santa Cruz Panchayat draws parallel to the harassment of Jyotirao Phooley by the caste Panchayat. 

Goa Salutes You Architect Elsa Fernandes!

There are clues to indicate that Santa Cruz Panchayat has taken some steps of onslaught against Architect Elsa Fernandes for being outspoken and daring. The above video and textual document reveals that Panchayat permission granted for construction of the Gate is in violation of law that requires prior permission from Town and Country Planning Department. 

Police has refused to intervene due to Panchayat permission. 

The controversial Gate was demolished few years ago after Elsa approached Goa Bench of Bombay High Court. And there is already High Court Judgement on this matter.

This is the latest in series of high intensity steps that Panchayat of Santa Cruz has taken to silence the voice of Goa's best known Green Architect who stands up for truth.

Earlier she was asked to pay Rs.7,500/- as a cost of video recording of Gram Sabha proceedings in response to her RTI Application when market cost of pensive drive doesn't exceed Rs.600/-.

When Gambling rules the corriders of power respect for human dignity gets diced away. This is what Architect Elsa Fernandes is going through in her life and her remaining five family members on these days.

"I feel like third class citizen of this country!" Exclaims Architect Fernandes. Tragedy for people of Goa has deepened ever since Goa was annexed through conquest in 1961 and Panchayat Raj, the alien system hoisted in Goa. With this hoisting arrogance and power craze has intensified. India has allowed Gambling to pervade into veins of polity in Goa. Current Santa Cruz Panchayat stands out as sample in this context because of the defiance of Architect Elsa Fernandes. 

It's Time Goa salutes her for her courage to walk the tunnel even when all lights seems to go off and There is no glimmer of hope around. In times like this cry turns into emblem of life. 

Goa salutes you Architect Elsa Fernandes!