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Panji, Goa: Goa Minister Subhash Phal Desai was injured in a stone-pelting incident on Monday after unveiling a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Sao Jose De Areal village, South Goa. The attack occurred as the minister was getting into his car after the statue unveiling ceremony.
Commotion Over Chhatrapati Shivaji Statue Installation
On the 394th birth anniversary of the Maratha emperor, tension escalated in Sao Jose De Areal village as conflicting groups clashed over the installation of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The statue, erected on private property donated by a Muslim resident, became a point of contention between those in favor and those opposing its presence.
Minister Injured in Mob Attack
As Subhash Phal Desai engaged in a discussion with the group opposing the statue, the situation turned violent, and a mob allegedly attacked the minister with stones. Phal Desai sustained a minor injury during the assault. The minister emphasized his commitment to maintaining communal harmony and stated that he would refrain from filing a police complaint.
Claims and Counterclaims
Phal Desai asserted that there was no objection from the landowner for installing the statue and accused local leaders, including AAP MLA Cruz Silva, of instigating violence. Silva, present at the scene, countered these claims, alleging an unprovoked lathi-charge by the police that resulted in injuries to some individuals.
According to Silva, the villagers did not oppose the statue itself but raised concerns about the approach road to the installation site. He claimed that the road passed through another private property without consultation with the owners, leading to objections.
Legal Permissions and Opposition
AAP MLA Cruz Silva highlighted the importance of obtaining proper legal permissions before installing such statues and accused the authorities of not seeking permission for the approach road. The landowner had reportedly sought permission from the local panchayat to build a platform for the statue, but a stop-work order was issued.
Villagers had been protesting against the statue since Sunday, citing concerns over the approach road, and police were deployed to maintain law and order. The situation is reported to be under control, with police presence in the village ensuring stability, according to Superintendent of Police (South) Sunita Sawant.
