TCP Act section 39A protest: Goa MLA Borkar, 28 others booked for 'theft' of files, fans, cupboards

Panaji, Feb 26 (PTI) Revolutionary Goans Party MLA Viresh Borkar and 28 others were booked for allegedly stealing files and other items from the Goa Town and Country Planning Department office amid a protest, an official said on Thursday.

Borkar had led a protest at the office of Chief Town Planner Vertika Dagur at Patto locality here on February 20 objecting to change of zone in Pale-Siridao village under controversial section 39A of the Town and Country Planning Act, he said.

Borkar and several others have been demanding scrapping of section 39A, which empowers the chief town planner to convert any non-settlement zone into settlement, paving the way for construction.

After the group stayed put at the office through the night, Borkar was dragged out on the morning of February 21.

Citing information from the police, tribal leader Govind Shirodkar said 29 protesters, including Borkar, have been booked for allegedly stealing 10 files from the Town and Country Planning department as well as fans and cupboards.

"It is a ridiculous charge because police were there during the protest all the while. The area is also under CCTV surveillance," Shirodkar claimed.

Meanwhile, Borkar's fast unto death seeking the repeal of section 39A of the TCP Act entered its sixth day on Thursday. PTI RPS BNM