Mapusa Police have arrested two individuals, Ramesh Rao and Shakil Sheikh, in connection with the ongoing investigation into the Cuchelim Communidade land scam. The accused are allegedly involved in the illegal allocation of land in Cuchelim, Goa, where 140 houses were unlawfully constructed on land originally acquired by the government for a multi-religion burial and cremation facility.
Ramesh Rao, a municipal worker at the Mapusa Municipality, and Shakil Sheikh have been accused of taking money from residents in exchange for allocating them plots on this disputed land. According to complaints filed by the residents, the accused allegedly facilitated the illegal construction of houses on land that was never intended for residential purposes.
The Cuchelim Communidade land was meant to be used for setting up a multi-religion burial and cremation facility, but instead, it was encroached upon, with numerous houses being constructed illegally. The government has already taken action by demolishing several of these structures. Additionally, the administrator of the Communidade has issued show-cause notices to several other individuals suspected of illegal encroachment and construction on the land.
The Mapusa police are continuing their investigation into the land scam, and further arrests are anticipated as more details emerge. The case highlights growing concerns about land fraud and encroachment issues in the region.