Panaji, May 22: A dubious episode has surfaced involving Goan social activist Swapnesh Sherlekar, who recently received a fake police notice via WhatsApp, allegedly issued from Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.

The notice, sent by someone identifying himself as C. Ram Sagar from a Purakalandar police station, cited Section 179 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 and directed Sherlekar to appear for an inquiry on June 5, 2026. It claimed to be linked to a complaint filed by one Arjun Kumar Yadav.

Instead of succumbing to panic, Sherlekar consulted his legal network. Verification through local contacts in Ayodhya confirmed the document was bogus and carried no legal validity.

This incident comes amid the intensifying agitation against the House of Abhinandan Lodha (HOABL) project at Carapur-Sarvan, now stretching beyond 48 days. Activists allege large-scale violations of land use and environmental norms. Sherlekar has been a leading voice questioning the project’s legality, drawing defamation suits and political complaints against him.

South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes has also escalated the matter to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, demanding central intervention. Activists further allege pressure on the local panchayat to shield the company despite Gram Sabha resolutions.

Reacting to the fake notice, Sherlekar said activists must be prepared for intimidation tactics, but strong networks of lawyers, researchers, and fellow campaigners make it possible to fight back legally and fearlessly.

“Whether it is a defamation case or a fake notice, one should not surrender before threats. Calm, legal, and strategic responses always lead to solutions,” Sherlekar asserted.

He added that building similar support systems at the state level would empower citizens and activists to resist such pressure without fear.