Chandor stir: Activists file applications for discharge

Anti-coal activists charged by the Goa Police for blocking the road at Chandor on the intervening night of November 1-2, 2020, have moved the Judicial Magistrate First Class, Margao for discharge in the case.

When the matter came up before the court on Wednesday morning, accused Abhijit Prabhudesai, Viriato Fernandes, Daina Tavares and Sabita Mascarenhas filed their applications for discharge. Lawyers representing the remaining four accused, also made submissions before the court they too are filing applications for discharge.

The Judicial Magistrate First Class, Margao later asked the Public Prosecutor to file a reply to the discharge application before adjourning the matter to March 1 for reply and arguments.

Anti-coal activists charged by the Maina Curtorim police for blocking the Chandor on the intervening night of November 1-2, 2020 during the historic midnight agitation, include Abhijit Prabhudesai, Freddy Travasso, Sandesh Talekar, Vikas Bhagat, John Coutinho, Diana Tavares, Viriato Fernandes, Royla Fernandes and Sabita Mascarenhas.

After coming out of the courtroom, activist Abhijit Prabhudesai said they have faith and trust that the Judiciary will do justice to them. “We have no faith in the government, which has become a slave to the coal corporates. Until we break the chains, this government will do what their master tells them to do,” Abhijit said.

He added: “It is very surprising that the government is charging its own people in the courts without any basis and

logic. The government is wasting our time by foisting false and fabricated cases. We could have used our time and energy for the good of Goa and to save and protect our State.”

He, however, said the activists are confident that the case instituted against them by the Goa police would be thrown out by the court. “This harassment meted out by the government will not deter us from our resolve to save Goa and its environment,” he added.

Viriato exuded confidence that the activists charged in the case will get justice. “There is nothing in the case filed by the Goa police. It is an open-andshut case. The government has unnecessarily slapped cases against the activists. It is a matter of time before the case is thrown out,” he added.

We have no faith in the government, which has become a slave to the coal corporates. Until we break the chains, this government will do what their master tells them,” —Abhijit Prabhudesai, activist

Santosh Mirajkar The four anti-coal activists who have filed applications before the JMFC, Margao seeking their discharge in the Chandor protest case.