Former Tivim Sarpanch Interrogated in Illegal Land Development Investigation
Colvale police conducted a significant interrogation on Monday, questioning former Tivim sarpanch Venkatesh Shirodkar concerning alleged irregularities linked to a major development project at Madel, Tivim. This inquiry follows a formal complaint lodged by the Town and Country Planning (TCP) department regarding the development of approximately 75 plots in the area.
TCP Department Flags Project as Illegal
A police officer involved in the case revealed that the TCP department had identified the project as illegal. According to official statements, no permissions or title deeds had been issued for land development in the specified area, raising serious concerns about regulatory compliance.
The investigation gained momentum after a delegation, led by former legislator Kiran Kandolkar, submitted a representation last week opposing the construction activities. In response to this opposition, the TCP department swiftly prohibited any further activity at the site, effectively halting the project pending further scrutiny.
Focus on No-Objection Certificate Issued by Shirodkar
During the questioning, Shirodkar's statement was recorded primarily regarding a no-objection certificate (NOC) that he had issued in May 2025. This NOC was for repairing an internal road that connected to the alleged illegal project. Shirodkar maintained that the NOC he granted was conditional, emphasizing that the land owner was explicitly informed about the necessity of obtaining other required departmental clearances before commencing any work.
He asserted that the certificate was not a blanket approval but rather a preliminary step contingent on full compliance with all regulatory protocols.
Police Request Key Documents for Further Investigation
To advance the investigation, the police have formally requested the Tivim panchayat to produce all relevant documents pertaining to the matter. Additionally, they have sought a detailed survey report from the office of the Bardez mamlatdar to gather comprehensive data on the land and development activities.
This case highlights ongoing efforts to enforce land use regulations and prevent unauthorized developments in the region. The involvement of multiple authorities underscores the complexity of the issue, with potential implications for local governance and urban planning standards.
