Controversial Demolition Sparks Political Upheaval in Goa

The Goa police's crime branch has issued summons to Puja Sharma, accused in the Assagao house demolition case. This case involves unauthorized partial demolition of a house, sparking political controversy. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered a high-level inquiry, and several individuals, including police officers, have been implicated.

The Goa police crime branch has issued fresh summons to a Mumbai-based woman in relation to the Assagao house demolition case, a senior official stated.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Superintendent of Police (crime branch) Rahul Gupta said that the crime branch has requested Puja Sharma to appear before the investigating officer on July 1.

Sharma has been named as one of the accused in the case involving an unauthorized partial demolition of a house in Assagao, North Goa.

Three police officers, including Inspector Prashil Desai of Anjuna police station, have been suspended due to their involvement in the case.

Gupta noted that the Anjuna police had previously sent summons to Sharma at her residence, but it remained unserved as she was unavailable. This marks the second summons issued to her, he noted.

According to the police, Sharma has claimed ownership of the disputed property.

Resident Prinsha Agarwadekar had lodged a police complaint alleging her home was partially demolished on June 22 and that her husband and son were abducted by unidentified persons. Police later arrested Arshad Khwaja, who claimed to be the property owner and operator of the bulldozer.

The demolition has ignited a political controversy, prompting Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to order a high-level inquiry led by Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goyal.