Colva: Goa police on Tuesday transferred Colva PI Vikram Naik after villagers protested his visit to parish priest Fr Polly Lobo in connection with a property dispute between a local and a Delhi-based builder.Locals, accompanied by Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas, demanded an apology from Naik, his immediate transfer, and the registration of an FIR against him.SP Santosh Dessai, who holds additional charge of South Goa, said that there has been an ongoing dispute between villager and the builder over access to their respective properties. A few days ago, the disagreement escalated into a heated verbal altercation that nearly turned physical.The issue was subsequently brought to the notice of the parish priest, who advised the parties to resolve the matter amicably and, if required, seek the assistance of knowledgeable villagers.Acting on this advice, a meeting of villagers was organised at a chapel, where Lobo was likely to attend.Dessai said that to prevent a possible law and order situation, the PI and his staff were present at the venue. Later, Naik, along with his team, visited the Colva church and held discussions with Lobo regarding the dispute. Lobo told TOI that Naik did not threaten him and described the interaction as courteous. “Maybe his intention was to delay me from attending the meeting. Beyond that, it was a normal discussion,” the priest said.However, news of the police presence at the church spread quickly, prompting villagers to rush to the premises and demand an apology from Naik. The protest later shifted to the Colva police station, where Viegas reiterated the villagers’ demands.Dessai arrived at the police station and, after several hours of negotiations, agreed to transfer Naik. Cuncolim PI Diago Gracias has been given charge of the Colva police station.
