Daijiworld Media Network - Margao

Margao, Sep 22: The Margao town police have registered a case against Pandurang alias Bhai Naik, president of the Mathagramasth Hindu Sabha, and the managing committee of Damodar High School and Higher Secondary School for alleged unauthorised construction that raised safety concerns.

The case follows a complaint by Rajiv Naik, who alleged that the school building was expanded without necessary approvals from regulatory authorities. The complaint claimed that a ground floor and first floor were added without permission, and a primary division was started in the new structure, potentially endangering the lives of students.

Pandurang, president of the century-old Mathagramasth Hindu Sabha, which manages the school along with a Hindu crematorium and the Zambaulim Shigmo festival, denied the allegations, calling the case politically motivated. “Under whose influence the police acted so promptly on this complaint, I don’t know, but it will soon come out,” he said.

In a veiled reference to Margao MLA Digambar Kamat, Pandurang urged authorities to conduct an impartial probe, warning against investigations influenced by political directives. The controversy has gained political attention, as Pandurang’s son, Prabhav, has announced plans to contest the 2027 assembly elections from the Margao constituency.