Panaji: In a significant development, the Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has taken serious cognizance of a complaint filed by Shri Ganesh Raghoba Gauns Dessai, a senior citizen and permanent resident of Avedem, Quepem, alleging grave police misconduct, abuse of power, and violation of fundamental human rights.
The complaint pertains to the brutal and unlawful obstruction of final funeral rites of
Mr. Dessai’s wife, Late Sumitra Ganesh Gauns Dessai, on 25th February 2025, when
Quepem Police, allegedly acting under the influence of an active politician, a highly
influential retired police officer, and a local businessman, prevented the family from
performing the final rites on their own ancestral property, where such rites have been
peacefully conducted for generations.
The petitioner has said that On 25/02/2025, heavily armed police personnel were deployed at the Petitioner’s ancestral property in Avedem.
He said that there was no court order or official directive existed to justify such police action.
“The Petitioner and his grieving family were forcefully restrained, humiliated, and
denied access to their own property. This inhuman act constituted a violation of religious freedom, human dignity, and fundamental rights enshrined under the Constitution of India,” he said.
The complaint emphasizes that the police overstepped their legal authority, acting as
arbiters in a civil matter — without jurisdiction, and in collusion with private parties
seeking to settle personal scores under the cover of state power.
Recognizing the seriousness and gravity of the incident, the Goa Human Rights
Commission has issued a notice to the Superintendent of Police, South Goa, directing
him to appear before the Commission on 02/04/2025 and provide a detailed explanation
of the police action.
Talking to GNH, petitioner Ganesh Raghoba Gauns Dessai said “this action by the Human Rights Commission brings hope not just to my family, but to every citizen who believes in justice, dignity, and constitutional rights. No family should suffer what we endured. We are grateful that the Commission has intervened.”
