Xeldem panchayat calls for discussion on ‘land grab’ case

Margao: The Xeldem panchayat issued a notice calling for a discussion regarding allegations of illegal land grabbing involving property belonging to Shri Sateri Shantadurga temple, Xeldem. The notice was served to a resident of Xeldem, directing him to appear at the panchayat office on Friday for a discussion.

Panchayat sources said the notice was issued based on a memorandum from the block development officer, Quepem, following a complaint about alleged illegal grabbing of a house situated at Pontebandul, Chandegal, Xeldem. What raised eyebrows among villagers was the inclusion of the names of three persons as having “other rights” in the property in the ownership documents as mutation entries.

Ownership documents show that the property, measuring 13,000sqm, is registered under the name ‘Devi Sateri Devasthan Xeldem’ as the occupant. The property is classified as agricultural land. The case involves allegations that the transaction occurred without proper intimation to the temple committee and the administrator of the devasthan, despite the property’s official ownership by the devasthan.

The matter was placed before a fortnightly meeting of the panchayat held on Feb 11, where a resolution was passed to conduct a discussion. The outcome of the discussions scheduled to be held on Friday is expected to decide the future course of action in the case.