Booked by Pernem police, 11 activists court arrest

MAPUSA: Eleven persons, including two members of a committee formed by the government on the directions of the high court to monitor sound pollution in Pernem, who were booked by Pernem police for blocking a road in Morjim in protest against noise pollution approached the Pernem police station on Sunday courting arrest as a mark of peaceful protest regarding police action
against them.
“We told the police that if we have violated the law, arrest us. It was a peaceful demonstration, we cooperated with the police, there
was no law and order situation,” said pollution committee member Prasad Shahapurkar.
The activists were supported by over 30 locals who are annoyed about the noise pollution which has become a nuisance along the beach belt in Pernem.
“We believe that some political leaders who benefit in the form of kick backs from the organizers of the late night parties pressurized the police to book us in an effort to silence the voice against illegalities and let the violators go scot free,” Shahapurkar said. Pernem police told the activists that as per law they are not required to be arrested and police will take actions in accordance with the law in the matter.