GOA NEWS: GENERAL
Comba locals blacken Christian sect members BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, NOV 3 - Two members of a Christian sect, believed to be from the Jehovah’s Witness, were smeared with black oil paint at Comba here on Saturday morning after locals suspected them of indulging in conversion. Margao police received complaints and cross complaints from the two members of the sect and also from the locals, who were accused of assaulting the duo. The police later arrested two persons for dacoity and assault against the two members of the sect and stealing their mobile phones. The two members of the sect were also arrested for hurting the religious sentiments of the other community. Margao PI Santosh Dessai informed that the male member of the sect was stripped naked and smeared with the black oil paint. The female was let off with oil paint on her face after being locked inside the house. The duo alleged they were beaten up before being freed. PI Dessai said the locals in a cross complaint, alleged that the duo tried to hurt their religious sentiments by allegedly questioning the presence of a picture of Lord in the house of one Prakash Faterpekar and the sacred thread worn around their neck. Late this evening, the two arrested parties moved for bail. A group of Hindu activists were seen assembled in front of the Margao police station late Saturday evening, demanding the release of the two locals from Comba. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3790&cid=26 Women groups march to Vasco PS Demand arrest of woman’s husband BY HERALD REPORTER VASCO, NOV 3 - Outraged by the dowry-related harassment of a handicapped woman, representatives of various women groups on Saturday marched to the Vasco police station and demanded the immediate arrest of the woman’s husband Harischandra alias Dinesh Ulhas Naik. Harischandra and his family have been accused of demanding dowry from Vandana Mandrekar, his second wife, and allegedly threatened to kill her. Tara Kerkar, president of ‘Savera’ and ‘Mahilanchi Pragati’ along with other representatives of Saili Mahila Mandal and Swastik Mahila Mandal went to the police station and demanded an explanation for the delay in arresting the accused. The women activists also insisted that the accused should return the valuables of both the women whom he had married. “We will not tolerate any atrocity towards women. The accused, Harischandra, married two women and kicked them out of his home. If such characters are left scot-free, women will be taken for granted,” said Kerkar. The women activists alleged that the accused boasted of political patronage and hence, the police had failed to arrest him till date. They warned that a large rally would be organized outside the police station, if the police failed to nab the accused immediately. The NGOs and Mahila Mandals have convened a meeting at New Vaddem on Sunday at 5 pm, to express their solidarity with both victims and to chalk out their further course of action in the matter. Later speaking to reporters, Vasco PI Sammy Tavares claimed that investigations are in progress and that Investigation Officer Sanjay Dalvi had recorded about 12 statements of various people. Refuting the allegations of the women activists that the police had been biased towards the accused, PI Tavares said the accused would be dealt within the framework of the law. Vandana Mandrekar had a lodged complaint against Harischandra and seven of his family members on October 31. Meanwhile, the first wife of accused Harischandra has decided to lodge her complaint against Harischandra for remarrying without obtaining a divorce from her. PSI Dalvi said the first wife has approached the police in this regard that that, the complaint against Harischandra is yet to be registered. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3789&cid=26 HC upholds Administrative Tribunal’s order convicting Loliem panch BY HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, NOV 3 - A panch of Loliem-Polem Village Panchayat had to lose his panchayat membership for assaulting police constable and a police driver on duty. The Bombay High Court on Friday upheld the order passed by the Administrative Tribunal in which election of Loliem-Polem panch Meghanath Bandekar was set aide as he was convicted for a criminal offence. Rejecting the petition Justice R S Mohite observed that “In my view, the conduct of the petitioner involved in this case is more serious so far as he assaulted the police constable and the driver who were put on duty to maintain the law and order.” Petitioner was elected from Ward V of Loliem-Polem Village Panchayat in elections held in May 2005. Sanjay Pinge who had also contested panchayat elections from ward V and polled in 93 votes as against the petitioner who got 154 votes had gone before Administrative tribunal with a plea to set aside election of the petitioner. After the elections Pinge had discovered that in March 2007, Bandekar was convicted and sentenced by JMFC Canacona under Section 353 (assault of public servant on duty ) R/W 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), along with the co-accused one Rajesh Naik. Both were sentenced for a day and fined Rs 2500 each, for assaulting police constable and police driver on duty during assembly bye-election in 2005. Under Section 10 (e) of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994 — a person is disqualified from contesting the election if he is convicted for an offence involving moral turpitude. According to Pinge’s counsel Adv Venkatesh Tamba, the Administrative Tribunal found that petitioner was indeed guilty of moral turpitude. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3788&cid=26 From murder to matka, Dessai clan gets jhatka HERALD CORRESPONDENT CURCHOREM, NOV 3 - After losing the Assembly poll earlier this year, former Curchorem legislator Ramrao Dessai and his family seem to have run out of authority, patronage and luck. While Ramrao’s one brother, Rajesh, was recently charged with murder and attempt to kill, his other brother, Umesh, and six others were arrested on Saturday on charges of gambling under Section 3 and 4 of the Prevention of Gambling Act. “Police received information that closed-door gambling activities were being carried out in the bungalow of the Dessai family at Gaunwada-Xelvona,” said Curchorem PI Nilesh Rane. Police then obtained a search warrant from the court to raid the bungalow. On Saturday, at about 4.00 pm, police received a tip-off that matka activities were in progress at the Dessai bungalow. The police stormed into the bungalow and arrested Umesh Dessai, Anton Faria, Caitan Fernandes, Suresh Vishnu Naik, Soiru Velip, Rajendra G Gaonkar and Suraj Velip.Police also seized matka slips, charts, a calculator, a register and cash amounting to Rs 17,000. Investigations are in progress. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3787&cid=26 PORVORIM, NOV 3 — Where there is a (political) will, there is a way - or a road to be more precise. A family was shocked to find a road constructed in their property at Candolim without their knowledge or permission. And in the coastal belt of Candolim and Calangute, where law and procedure have been frequently replaced by influence and might, the family’s quest for justice could be delayed, if not denied, specially since their adversary happens to be the local sarpanch. Speaking to Herald, Vernon Rodrigues, said he owned a small plot of land, measuring 176 sq mtrs, in Survey 139/1 at Morod-Candolim. “The property was purchased by my grandfather Mateus Sebastiao Rodrigues by virtue of sale deed on September 28, 1925 and since then, it has been in our possession,” Vernon said. On October 13, his daughter Vanessa had taken their surveyor to inspect their property, when they were surprised to find a road being constructed in their property. “Candolim Sarpanch Lawrence Fernandes and three others supervised the construction of the road. He (Fernandes) had brought five labourers, a road roller and two drivers to construct the road,” Vanessa said. When Vanessa asked the sarpanch to justify the work on their property, Fernandes reportedly stated that a French woman owned the property and had given them permission to construct the road, as it would benefit residents in the area. “I then informed the Sarpanch that the French lady was the owner of the property by the side of our plot and that, the road was being constructed on our property. I even volunteered to produce documents to prove ownership of our property,” Vanessa said. Vanessa said she was willing to part with a one-and-half metre at the periphery of their property and suggested that the French lady donate the other 1.5 metre width of her property, so that the 3-metre road could be constructed. The sarpanch then called Vanessa to the panchayat office on October 15 at 10 am along with her property documents. “However on Sunday (October 14), we were shocked to find the sarpanch along with the road roller and two drivers continuing with the construction work,” said Vanessa. Added her father Vernon: “When objected to their work, the sarpanch who had also brought around 8 goons along with him, mercilessly assaulted my labourers who were engaged on the site. The sarpanch also abused my daughters, threatened them with dire consequences.” Vernon then went to the Calangute police station to lodge a complaint. “The police initially refused to accept my complaint, but after much persuasion, registered the complaint only three hours later,” he said. When contacted, Sarpanch Lawrence Fernandes insisted that the property belonged to a French national, who had given permission to construct the road. He, however, declined to provide further details into the controversial road. Vernon also filed an application for temporary injunction in the Court of Civil Judge Junior Division at Mapusa on October 19. In the meantime, the sarpanch restarted the construction of the road on October 28 and got it tarred the next day. “I lodged a complaint with the Calangute police in this regard on October 29, but the police has not taken any action on my complaint,” said Vanessa. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3792&cid=26 Develop creative knowledge, says Dhage HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, NOV 3— “Every parent today wishes their child to be blessed with all good qualities and talents while the children are tensed up as to what they can give their parents. But one should understand their failure in exams is not the failure of life and should always try to develop creative knowledge along with academic studies.” This was the challenge posed by. Prabhakar Dhage, Editor of Pudhari daily , Goa, towards the students. He was speaking at the inauguration ceremony of Balotsav 2007 organized by the Directorate of Art & Culture in collaboration with West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur. . Shridhar Kamat Bambolkar, Vice Chairman of State Cultural Development Committee and a Goan dramatist, presided over the entire ceremony. Director of Art & Culture, Prasad Lolayekar and Assistant Director (Culture), Ashok Parab also accompanied the guest on the dais. This festival is being held at Institute Menezes Braganza Hall. Dhage, in his speech criticized the current/ present examination system. He said that it is not right to measure/judge the yearly study of a child in just three hours. On this note, he also highlighted the examples of many, who even after having failed at the school level have shown at national and international levels their own potential and self confidence. To move ahead in life, along with academic studies it is necessary to have an adventurous nature, wide dreams, a spirit to fight for victory, positive approach, leadership quality, self confidence and a balance between physical and mental health and one should try developing these, qualities Bambolkar, said that creativity is present in every one and it begins in the childhood. It is necessary to capture these qualities and the Directorate of Art & Culture is working hard towards it. Similarly, he also announced that the department is in spotting such students and providing them scholarships. The five dayfestival (Balotsav) has enroiled many students from Panjim and its vicinity. Experts from Goa, Aril Samant (music),. Vishwas Chari (drama) and those from Udaipur Yakub Multani (bandhani),. Abdul Malik (kite making), and Ram Sahani (paper stencil craft) will guide the students. . . . Tirthana Verlekar (cultural organizer) welcomed the guests at the inauguration ceremony, Savio Lourenco (cultural organizer) presented the vote of thanks while Kranti Chari, cultural instructor compered the session. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3801&cid=26 Film creativity in Goa receives impetus HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, NOV 3— Film creativity in Goa received an impetus when the State government notified Goa Scheme of Financial Assistance for Films in March 2006 with a two fold objective of encouraging production of quality celluloid, as well as telefilms, short films and documentaries and to boost the image of the State in the film world. Under the scheme it is mandatory for registration of producers under rule 3 (d ) that the intending producer should be the resident of the state for 15 years and in case of a partnership firm, a limited company or a society, should have a registered office in the State. There is also a provision to have a majority of partners / directors as Goans in case of partnership firm or a company registered in the State. Forty one producers have been registered as on October 20, 2007 and registration numbers have been allotted to them under section 3 (f) . The list of registered producers is displayed on the notice board of Department of Information and Publicity and is also available on the department website www.goainformation .org The scheme envisages grant of financial assistance upto 50 percent of the cost of production subject to maximum of Rs. 20 lakhs for each film. This is highest ever assistance paid by the government to any industry. It maintains a provision - rule 2 (iv ) under which scheme is made applicable to all films screened at the Goa State Film Festival 2005, thus making them eligible for production assistance. Accordance with rule 2 (iv ) seven film which participated in Goa state Film Festival were paid production assistance as per their eligibility . They are Aleesha by Rajendra Talak Creations ( Rs. 20,00,000 ), Sood by Damodar Arts Motion Film Production of Sanjeev Prabhudesai (Rs. 20,00,000); Kanteantlem Ful by D’Costa Film Productions Arnald Costa ( Rs. 3.50 Lakhs ); It’s My Life By Shri Shamsundar Productions of Sham Sunder Golatkar ( Rs. 3.50 Lakhs ); Ek Dis - Shadows of Life , by Fantasy Films of Shri Amar Sawant( Rs. 1,00,0007-), 6 ) Kalzache Ghave by Konkani Machi Mogi, Sangem of Shri Teotonio D’Costa ( Rs. 1,00,000) and Ordem Chador by D’Mello Production of Augie D’Mello ( Rs. 1,00,000). In the scheme, for release of first installment i.e 50% of total amount of financial assistance is paid to supplier of raw stock directly while for the release of second installment which amounts to maximum 40% of the assistance is directly paid to studio / laboratory towards post production cost and the final installment i.e remaining 10% is paid to producer after production of Censor Board Certificate, statement of expenses incurred and censor copy of the film in VCD or DVD to the Department of Information and Publicity. According to provision under rule 4(18) before the disbursement of 1st installment the producer should submit details as to the sources from where the balance 50% of the cost of the production of the film will be raised. Out of 21 films scripts approved, only six producers have submitted the requisites under the scheme viz Rajendra Talak Creations, Prasad Gurav,. Jyoti Kunkolienkar, Sudesh Lotlikar, s Vinsan Graphics,. Sharon Mazarello, Agustin D’Cruz and Rohidas Shirodkar. In case of Shri Rajendra Talak Creations, the film is completed and on approval the financial assistance due to the film has already been released under the various provisions of the scheme. The scheme also envisages grant of additional assistance under rule 4 ( 19 ). Accordingly Sanjiv Prabhudesai from Margao was sanctioned Rs. 5,00,000 for screening his film Sood for International Film Festival in 2004 while Arnald Costa was paid Rs. 1 Lakh for screening his film in different places in the State. The scheme has also a provision to exempt all films made in Goa from Entertainment Tax. As the exemption has to be given by Entertainment Tax Commissioner, necessary proposal is being processed at his level. As regards, making theatres available, the matter was discussed with theatre owners and Government is awaiting formal communication from them for acceptance of Government proposal to make available theatres for at least one week in each city. The government has also allowed outdoor and indoor shooting of the film by paying nominal charges of Rs. 1,000 per film. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3802&cid=26 Naik elected Navyuvak chief HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, NOV 3— At an annual general body meeting of Mapusa Navyuvak Mandal Vishal Vaikhunt Naik was elected as president and Pankaj Baburao Naik as secretary for the year 2007-08. Other office bearers are – Vice President:. Anant Dharwadkar., Secretary :. Pankaj B. Naik. Joint Secretary Jagdish Naik Treasurer :. Raju Nadodkar. Joint Treasurer:. Deepak Chatim Members:. Gautam Naik,. Nandu Salgoankar, Sanil Naik, Nilind Thali, Ashok Vazarkar,. Sanju Naik and.Conrad Vaz, Advisory committee :. Sandesh Naik, Ramnath Burye,. Cedric Vaz ,. Darshan Naik,. Hemant Anvekar. At this meeting it was decided to organize 18th all Goa Narkasur effigy competition, Childrens Day, Medical Camps in remote area, all Goa Ghumat aarti competition, Marathi classical programmes, cooking competitions, drawing competitions for childrens, etc. In the beginning. Ramnath Burye welcomed. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3800&cid=26 HC upholds tribunal order declaring election of Loliem-Polem panch void NT Legal Correspondent Panaji, Nov 3 The single judge of the Bombay High Court, Mr Justice R S Mohite rejected the petition filed by Mr Meghanath Bandekar and upheld the order passed by the administrative tribunal declaring the election of the petitioner null and void for being convicted for an offence of moral turpitude. The administrative tribunal by an order dated September 3 declared the election of Mr Bandekar null and void and set aside his election. Aggrieved by the order of the tribunal the petitioner had approached the High Court. Mr Sanjay Pinge had approached the tribunal challenging the election of the petitioner from ward number 5 of Loliem-Polem panchayat on the ground that Mr Bandekar was convicted for assaulting a police constable and a driver under Section 353 read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code by judicial magistrate first class, Canacona. The petitioner had argued that the administrative tribunal while deciding against him had erred in relying on the ratio of the decision in Dr Shankar Ambhore’s case in as much as the assault was on a professor in that case. However, the court while dismissing the petition observed that the assault being on a police constable and a police driver the offence is more serious as it was assault on officers who are responsible for maintaining law and order. Mr Bandekar during victory celebrations after the by-elections had assaulted a police constable on duty and a police driver by catching their collars and slapping and hitting them. The JMFC had sentenced him to undergo imprisonment till the rising of the Court and to pay Rs 2500 or in default to undergo one-year simple imprisonment. Aggrieved by the order of the JMFC, an appeal was filed before the sessions judge, however, the same was dismissed. http://www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=11045 Locals march to Verna Estate to stop work on SEZ NT News Service Margao, Nov 3 Putting up a united front against the permissions issued to set up special economic zones, people from various parts of South Goa, including the sarpanchas and panchas, marched to the Verna Industrial Estate, today morning and demanded that K Raheja Pvt Ltd, a SEZ developer immediately stop work on the site.The agitating locals shouted slogans and demanded an immediate withdrawal of the SEZs in Goa. They also urged the government to institute a thorough inquiry into the allocation of land for SEZs and have warned that they would come out on the streets if no action is taken. According to the convenor of the ‘People’s Movement Against SEZs,’ Mr Charles Fernandes, the SEZ was not notified by the government. He also stated that since the Chief Minister had publicly assured to review the SEZ policy, the concerned developer should have stopped the work. The project manager of K Raheja Pvt Ltd informed the agitated public gathered there that although the SEZ had not been notified, they had got the required permissions from the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) to sink the bore wells, tap ground water and blast the hills. “We were shocked that the GIDC has usurped the powers of the department of mines and industries, water resources and town and country planning,” said Mr Charles Fernandes. He informed that there was no board put up with the project details as required by the law. ‘People’s Movement Against SEZs’ has demanded a joint inspection of the site by the collector along with the people and media. It has also demanded that all relevant documents be examined to ensure transparency in the activity. A special magistrate present at the site, today, took note of the borewell water being pumped into overflowing tanks and the mass destruction of the hills, the convenor informed. He then instructed the people to submit a memorandum to the collector giving all relevant information. http://www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=11041 IFFI event management agency fails to satisfy prog committee NT Staff Reporter Panaji, Nov 3 The Times Innovative Media Ltd, the event management agency for the International Film Festival of India slated to open later this month, today failed to satisfy the members of the programme committee of the governing council of the Entertainment Society of Goa, during its presentation. The programme committee, not content with the creative concepts of Times Innovative Media Ltd, during its earlier presentation had asked the company to come out with a revised presentation. Mr Sumeet Chatterji and Mr Sameer Khan made the revised presentation before the programme committee, headed by its chairperson, Mr Vishnu Wagh, earlier in the day. Among those present on the occasion included the vice chairperson of the committee, Mr Vishal Pai Cacode, Ms Anju Timblo, Mr Francis Martins, Mr Manguirish Pai Raikar, Mr Tomazinho Cardozo, Mr Sunil Azgaonkar, Mr Shambhu Bandekar and the general manager of the ESG, Mr Nikhil Desai. The committee members were unimpressed with the revised presentation and asked Times Innovative Media Ltd to make a fresh presentation on November 7. A member of the programme committee informed ‘The Navhind Times’ that most of the members of the committee who attended today’s presentation expressed dissatisfaction over the creative aspects of stage decor chalked out for the Kala Academy as well as other concert venues, the welcome arch, decorations at the Inox courtyard, designs of stalls at the reception centres, etc. “In fact, today’s presentation only discussed the backdrop for the main stage,” the member informed, pointing out, “The proposals about the mega concerts, which were put forward to the programme committee by the Times Innovative Media Ltd, concerned huge amounts.” “The committee members felt that there was no need to spend such exorbitant sum on concerts, and that the committee itself could directly contact the local cultural groups and hire them for performing in five urban as well as equal number of rural centres,” the member stated. “The members have now asked the representatives of the Times Innovative Media Ltd to put all things in order once again and give another presentation on November 7, during the scheduled meeting of the programme committee,” the member noted. The member said that the Brilliant Entertainment Network, which was another bidder for the tender for event management agency had scored over the Times Innovative Media Ltd, in terms of the creative and visual aspects. “However, it lost to the Times Innovative Media Ltd, in the area of financial bid,” the member added. The member, however, expressed confidence that the things would soon fall in place, in spite of the time running out. It was also informed that the programme committee members are working overtime to ensure completion of the ongoing preparations for IFFI 2007, by November 20. http://www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=11042 6 more Goans selected for Manchester NT Sports Reporter Margao, Nov 2 The Manchester United Soccer Schools pilot talent search programme concluded at Nehru stadium, Fatorda, here, today as the experts revealed the names of six more footballers along with four Goan coaches who will travel to UK next summer to receive further coaching from Manchester United Soccer Schools staff. The six players selected today are: Raymond Rodrigues, 15, of Don Bosco High School, Panaji; Brandon Fernandes, 13, of Loyola High School, Margao; John Pereira, 11, of Assumpta Convent High School, Sarzora; Reagan Pereira, 13, of Don Bosco High School, Panaji; Daryl Endro, 13, of Benthany Convent School, Areal and Cassius Cardozo, 15, of Loyola High School, Margao. The final selections were arrived at after screening 4653 footballers over the last one week. Among the local coaches, Paul Bast (Ribandar), Mario Aguiar (Divar), Avinash Johnson Costa (Benaulim) and Shekar Kerkar (Aldona) were selected to join the 12 footballers for Manchester. Their names were announced by Mr Gavin Rhodes, senior coach educator. The 12 Goan footballers selected will interact with footballers from over 70 different nations in Manchester during the week-long residential summer training sessions in 2008 making it an experience of a life time for them. The Manchester United Soccer Schools intends to educate the selected Goan footballers so that they emerge not only as better players but also as better people when they travel back to Goa to represent their state and nation. The nature of training will be similar to the one imparted in Goa during the MUSS programme although it will not be as intensive in nature. The final coaching will cover all attributes which will help children to become competent footballers as the experts would want the trainees to enhance their mental and physical preparedness while catering to their nutritional aspects as well. In Manchester, the selected footballers will also be exposed to guidance from top coaches and experts in football through seminars in order to keep them on their toes. Ways to make them successful in the future will be identified during the residential training programme. Meanwhile, speaking at the valedictory function today, Mr Mandeep Bhatia COO - Mobile Services, Maharashtra and Goa, Bharti Airtel said: “The success of the pilot project reaffirms our belief that talent and enthusiasm in the field of soccer are a plenty in India and especially in Goa. We at Bharti Airtel are proud of our association with the Goa Kick Off event and will continue our efforts, in one way or the other, in promoting a rich sporting culture across the country.” “To win their unique prize, the boys had to complete the same intense series of challenges that the boys selected yesterday also went through. They were judged on variety of skills including ball control, awareness, speed, and technical skill. The day involved work in small groups and then a number of competitive matches during which they were continually assessed,” Mr Steve Jones added. Mr Dale Hobson from Manchester, Dr Susana de Sousa director of sports, Mr Savio Messias, GFA secretary were present at the prize distribution function. http://www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=110326 Sanny de Quepem <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com