SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2024
Team Herald
MARGAO: The Rumdamol -Davorlim Village Panchayat is embroiled in a dispute with the local police outpost over unpaid rent for 15 years, amounting to Rs 8.5 lakh.
The panchayat members said that this money could be used for crucial village development projects.
Former sarpanch Vinayak Volvoikar has criticised the current administration for its inaction in recovering the dues, while panchayat member Saimulla Fanibandh has defended their efforts to collect the dues, but acknowledged unanswered requests.
The outpost, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Maina-Curtorim Police Station, has played a crucial role in maintaining law and order in the sensitive housing board area.
“Rs 8.5 lakh is a considerable sum for a small panchayat like Rumdamol. This money could be used to fund various essential projects, but the panchayat has failed to take decisive action to recover it,” Volvoikar said.
He recalled that during his tenure as sarpanch, the police had made partial rent payments.
Responding to these allegations, Fanibandh defended their efforts to collect the outstanding amount.
“We have repeatedly reminded the Police Department about the pending payments," Fanibandh asserted.
“Unfortunately, our requests often go unanswered. We will be sending them another reminder as soon as possible,” Fanibandh added.
