SOCIAL ACTIVIST, ELECTRICAL DEPT ENGINEER ALLEGEDLY ASSAULTED DURING MANGROOVE INSPECTION AT MERCES
PANAJI: A social activist who is also an engineer with the State Electrical Department was allegedly assaulted at Merces on Thursday while inspecting reported destruction of mangroves in the area. The complainant, Kashinath Shetye, lodged a formal police complaint on Friday regarding the incident. According to Shetye, he had visited the site to assess the extent of damage and destruction caused to the mangrove cover at Merces when he was allegedly attacked by a person at the location.The incident occurred during his field inspection of the ecologically sensitive zone.
Shetye, who has been active in environmental issues, said he was there in his capacity to document the alleged violations.Police sources confirmed that a complaint has been received and the matter is being looked into. Details of the accused and the nature of injuries, if any, were not immediately disclosed. Mangrove destruction has been a contentious issue in Merces, with activists repeatedly raising concerns over illegal landfilling and clearing in CRZ areas. The alleged assault has once again brought focus on the risks faced by those monitoring environmental violations. Further investigation is underway.
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