TUESDAY, JULY 02, 2024
Blaise Costabir
We are all acquainted with the concept of "Bulldozer Justice", which emerged when individuals who were believed to have committed unlawful acts faced the aggressive intervention of a bulldozer, symbolizing the law, in the destruction of their residences. The term “allegedly” is employed due to the absence of a formal judicial process that determined their culpability, yet retribution was administered. The officials deemed that legal proceedings were excessively prolonged and consequently turned to swift justice. This occurrence mirrors the modern society’s inclination towards instant satisfaction.
In Goa, we were indifferent to the events transpiring far away, thus we continued our daily routines. In Goa, the primary focus lies on real estate affairs. The exponential rise in property prices has led everyone to acknowledge the lucrative nature of land in Goa. Legal ownership is often disregarded, as individuals are eager to seize and market available land through any means necessary.
The government awoke and established a “Special Investigation Team (SIT)” to investigate the escalating fraudulent land transactions. This action was taken in response to complaints from Goans who had returned, either as native Goans after extended periods abroad or as Goans who are now foreigners visiting for leisure, only to discover that their ancestral properties had been unlawfully sold.
The inundation of complaints received by the SIT serves as evidence that deceptive property transfers are widespread.
Even in our most imaginative scenarios, the recent situation in Assagao would have been difficult to conceive. A Goan individual sold a property to a woman from Delhi. The buyer would have noticed the presence of occupants, when visiting the site before buying. Typically, developers acquire properties and then relocate existing occupants before commencing any development work.
The difference here is that the new owner who has a legitimate sale deed decided to claim the property through force, a civil suit would take too long. In broad daylight, a group of 15 bouncers appeared, they kidnapped two of the three occupants, and got a bulldozer to demolish almost the entire structure.
The wife went to the police station but the not so hard to believe fact is that the men in khaki played the proverbial fiddle of Nero, while Rome burnt or rather the house was almost demolished.
Numerous inquiries arise in the mind of a concerned citizen when the governmental apparatus seeks to dismantle a structure deemed unauthorized. A contingent of police officers typically accompanies the demolition team for security purposes. However, in this particular instance, the police were conspicuously absent despite the reported complaint.
Curiously, there is a noticeable absence of viral videos capturing the demolition process, with only still photographs emerging post-demolition. This begs the question: why the lack of video documentation? In a time where even minor incidents are promptly recorded on mobile devices, what deterrent prevented bystanders from filming the demolition? Could it have been a sense of trepidation? And if so, fear of whom or what?
In a dichotomy between Goans and non-Goans, politicians of various affiliations flocked to the scene. They questioned why Goans should endure such circumstances, but the real query should be why anyone should be subjected to this level of lawlessness. They called for the apprehension of the new owner, yet the authorities instead detained a real estate agent and the operator of the bulldozer. Their actions appear perplexing, or perhaps influenced, as the police are capable of exceptional performance when given autonomy. It remains to be seen which politician will uphold their stance, and whether it will be in the best interest of Goa or for the prevalence of lawlessness.
The reconstruction of the house by the PWD has occurred more swiftly than anticipated, resulting in the evacuation of the premises. Was this not the primary aim of the demolition? Why is the house being reconstructed using public funds rather than holding the responsible party accountable?
The victim has opted to retract the complaint, raising the concern of whether they were confused, coerced or threatened, thereby reinforcing the notion that “anything goes in Goa”. While these underlying narratives unfold, it is noteworthy that the police have yet to apprehend the individual as demanded by the Siolim MLA. This situation prompts the question: should the police require explicit instructions on how to carry out their duties?
It is imperative for citizens to demand that such illicit activities be effectively curtailed and that the culprits be held accountable. Without decisive action, the safety of all residents is at risk. The lack of intervention by the authorities may suggest ulterior motives at play. It is crucial for the community, not just the victims who are unable to speak out due to their compromised state, to unite in a sustained effort. The damaged property is now uninhabitable and the process of rebuilding will be lengthy.
However, relocation will be facilitated by the compensation, which may be increased due to public pressure. The victims are eager to move on from this ordeal and seek a peaceful existence.
Citizens aspiring for a better Goa must engage actively in discourse and ensure that this pressing issue remains at the forefront of public consciousness. It is imperative to recognize that public memory is fleeting, and politicians often capitalize on this fact. In a matter of days, the general populace will revert to their daily routines, potentially allowing for the proliferation of unlawful activities, such as private demolitions, to burden Goa further.
This could lead to the establishment of a new revenue stream, with bouncers being openly solicited for such purposes, and the Government potentially resorting to their services for the demolition of illegal structures. Bulldozers may be readily available for hire for this very purpose. It is crucial to address this issue promptly and decisively. Can the Government rise to the occasion?
The Government must carefully review existing legislation and consider potential amendments to facilitate the process of property reclamation by landowners, enabling them to freely sell or utilize their land as desired.
Nevertheless, the sale of the property should be prohibited until the title and premises are clear. Implementing these changes will alleviate the burden on landowners and deter them from resorting to illicit methods to regain possession of their property.
The government must take decisive action to uphold the rule of law in Goa and enhance legislation to safeguard the rights of lawful landowners. Goa urgently requires 100%, as pledged by Chief Minister Sawant.
(The author prefers to write rather than chat in a balcao)
