Goa Police File Multiple FIRs Against Opposition Leaders and Protesters Over TCP Act Demonstrations
In a significant development, Panaji police in Goa have taken legal action against several prominent opposition figures and hundreds of supporters following protests related to the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act. On Saturday, authorities filed three separate First Information Reports (FIRs) targeting leaders from Congress, AAP, and Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP), along with approximately 1,500 demonstrators.
First FIR Targets March to Minister's Residence
The initial FIR names Yuri Alemao (Leader of Opposition), Carlos Ferreira (Congress Aldona MLA), Venzy Viegas (AAP Benaulim MLA), Cruz Silva (AAP Velim MLA), Manoj Parab (RGP president), and numerous activists. According to police documentation, these individuals allegedly organized and participated in a protest march to the residence of TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane at Dona Paula.
Police allege the protesters blocked the road for nearly eight hours, creating substantial disruption. The FIR states that the accused formed an unlawful assembly without obtaining prior permission from competent authorities. Their stated objective was to show solidarity with RGP St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar and demand the scrapping of Section 39(A) of the TCP Act.
Allegations of Wrongful Restraint and Obstruction
Authorities claim the road blockage resulted in wrongful restraint of road users and the general public, causing significant hardship. Furthermore, police allege the protest deterred public servants from discharging their official duties during the extended demonstration period.
Second FIR Focuses on TCP Office Trespassing
A separate FIR has been registered against Viresh Borkar (RGP St Andre MLA) and approximately 25 residents of Siridao. This complaint centers on allegations of criminal trespassing into the TCP office premises. According to police reports, the accused entered the office under the pretext of submitting a representation regarding a zone change carried out under Section 39(A) of the TCP Act in Siridao village.
Police documentation states that despite officials informing protesters that action had been initiated on their representation, they refused to vacate the premises. The FIR alleges multiple offenses:
- Wrongfully restraining office staff in one location
- Obstructing regular work activities
- Hampering smooth office functioning
- Threatening staff safety
- Harassing staff through continuous anti-government slogans
- Singing bhajans within office premises
Additionally, police claim protesters damaged the railing and boosters of the staircase at the TCP office.
Third FIR References Previous Incident
Police have also referenced a previously registered FIR against Borkar, Parab, 20 Siridao villagers, and others. This earlier case involves allegations of theft of 10 files and criminal trespass at the TCP office in Patto, indicating an ongoing pattern of protests against Section 39(A) of the TCP Act.
Common Object and Unlawful Assembly Claims
Across all three FIRs, police consistently allege that the accused persons acted with common object and formed unlawful assemblies. The protests appear coordinated around demands to scrap Section 39(A) of the TCP Act, which governs zoning and development regulations in Goa.
The legal actions underscore escalating tensions between opposition parties and the government over TCP Act provisions, with police employing stringent measures against what they characterize as unlawful protest activities causing public disruption and property damage.
