Gaonkaari, 12 June — A commercial building in Devbag, Palolem, allegedly constructed without approvals by a company linked to newly elected West Bengal Assembly Speaker Rathindra Bose, has reignited controversy in Goa. Despite demolition orders and objections from multiple government departments, residents claim attempts are underway to regularise the structure.

Unauthorized Construction in Agricultural Zone
The building, developed by M/s R. Bose Hospitality Management Pvt. Ltd., reportedly stands on land classified as an agricultural zone. Locals allege it was built without mandatory permissions under the Town and Country Planning Act, land conversion laws, or municipal regulations.
Encroachment on Government Land
The site overlaps with land acquired by the Water Resources Department (WRD) in 2002 for irrigation infrastructure. Records show a field channel with RCC pipes was demolished during construction and later restored without official clearance. WRD engineers flagged the issue to the Canacona Municipal Council.

Drainage Blockage and Farmer Impact
Residents complain the structure and its compound wall obstruct traditional drainage, diverting monsoon water into nearby fields. Farmers report crop losses, and inspection reports by revenue authorities confirm concerns about damage to the drainage system.

Demolition Order Issued, Yet Structure Stands
The Canacona Municipal Council has already issued a demolition order, supported by encroachment reports from engineering authorities. However, locals allege the building remains intact, with efforts ongoing to secure post-facto permissions.

TCP Department Rejects Regularisation
The Town and Country Planning Department has opposed regularisation, rejecting requests for approval and advising the municipal council against legalising the construction.

Political Connection Fuels Suspicion
The issue has intensified since Rathindra Bose’s appointment as Speaker of the West Bengal Assembly. Bose is associated with the company at the centre of the dispute and has a history as a BJP office-bearer. Activists allege political influence may be shielding the project from enforcement.
Opposition MLA Vijai Sardesai previously raised the matter in the Goa Assembly, prompting Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to assure action. Yet, residents argue no concrete steps have followed, and attempts to regularise continue.

Larger Questions on Rule of Law
The controversy has sparked debate over whether politically connected individuals enjoy leniency in land-use violations. Locals warn that regularising a structure built in an agricultural zone, allegedly on government-acquired land, would erode public trust in regulatory institutions.
Activists demand transparency, a probe into the approvals process, and clarity from the state government on the demolition order’s current status.