-- Samir Umarye
BICHOLIM: A trip by a group of students, along with an anti-mining activist, to a historic site in Bicholim, to film a documentary, ended in vandalism with students alleging the mining company officials who confronted them later, smashed their car. The mining company, Sesa Goa, filed a police complaint stating that Ramesh Gawas had trespassed into the mining area, while Gawas in his counter reply, accused the company staff of damaging their car. According to reports, the incident took place in the morning when three students from Bangalore arrived in Bicholim to make a documentary on the Western Ghats. On reaching Bicholim, they met anti-mining activist, Ramesh Gawas, who suggested that they visit historic places in Bicholim and he took them to the nearby ‘Nimuzga’. The students then parked their car (KA-04-MM-4496) at the foot of the hill and walked towards the Nimuzga. As they were busy filming the place, some officials of Sesa suddenly arrived at the spot and began arguing with the students and Gawas. News of the confrontation spread like wildfire and about 100 mining workers rushed to the site and supported the students and Gawas, while company officers also summoned their team to the spot. As the situation became tense, the police went to the site and tried to diffuse the tension. As the students returned to the car, they found their vehicle had been damaged and the rear glass had been smashed, and all tyres deflated. Gawas has accused the company officers of damaging the car before meeting them at the Nimuzga. Later in the evening, the Sesa Goa manager, Sandeep Naik, submitted a letter to the Bicholim police, accusing Gawas and the three students of trespassing into mining area. Speaking to media persons, Gawas said he had gone to the site along with the three students as they were eager to know about environmental issues and historical places. “Rumours were floated that I had been assaulted. Fact is, the mining workers strongly supported me,” said Gawas. “As I learnt that a complaint was filed against me, I have submitted a reply to the letter.” Later, speaking to Herald, Gawas denied allegations by mining officers that he along with the students had trespassed into mining area. “On the contrary, it was the mining company officials who had come into a notified Archaeological site and claimed that we had entered into their area” Gawas insisted. “The mining company has also violated Rule 37 of MCR 1960 Act which clearly states that a mining lease cannot be transferred. As per the Act, any act of the mining company which violates this rule is illegal and so, the state government has to take action against the said company,” Gawas added. When contacted, Bicholim police confirmed that no complaint had been registered till late night. “We are still investigating the incident,” Bicholim PI Rupen Shetgaonkar said.
