PONDA: Thousands bid a tearful farewell to former Ponda MLA and ex-DySP Lavoo Mamledar, who was cremated in local crematorium at Durgabhat, Ponda on Sunday afternoon.
Earlier in the day, people from all walks of life including ministers and MLAs cutting across party lines and friends made a beeline at Mamledar’s residence to pay rich tributes to the departed former legislator.
It may be recalled that the former Ponda MLA died shortly after an altercation with an auto driver, 28-year-old Mujaheed Shakeel Jamadar in Karnataka’s Belagavi district on Saturday. Jamadar was later arrested and murder case registered against him .
An emotional Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar said, “I have lost my childhood friend. Despite political differences, our friendship was intact. Lavoo was one of the leaders who participated in the agitation demanding 50 per cent bus ticket concession for students, who are reaping the benefits today.”
MGP president Deepak Dhavalikar said, “Never expected such a thing to happen. Lavoo was my childhood school friend. I am shocked by the incident. The government should conduct a thorough probe and punish the accused.”
Ponda MLA and Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik said, “It is an unfortunate incident which should not have taken place. Lavoo used to visit Belagavi since his daughter was pursuing higher studies there. On petty issues he was assaulted and the government needs to conduct a thorough probe into his death. If Goans are treated in this manner in Belagavi, we will have to think twice before visiting the city. The Karnataka government must punish the accused autorickshaw driver. Lavoo was an active person, may God grant him eternal rest.”
Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude said, “We lost a Bahujan leader. Lavoo rose from a police official to an MLA due to his hard work. He was capable of handling any situation. He was never afraid of anyone and would fight for people’s rights.”
Condemning the attack on the former MLA, Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao said, “We are anguished the way Lavoo was attacked, which is a serious offence and this should not repeat in future. A team from the Goa Police should visit Belagavi, investigate the incident and take strict action. Though the accused has been arrested, the case appears to be murder.”
“We lost a great soul. Lavoo was connected to the masses, soft spoken and simple man and contested the last election on a Congress ticket. He was a duty-bound police officer and as a MLA, he worked for the development of his constituency,” he added.
Congress State President Amit Patkar said, “The way the auto driver attacked Lavoo appears to have led to cardiac arrest. The police should probe thoroughly and give justice to Lavoo and his family. We have lost a very good legislator.”
Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa said, “Lavoo was soft spoken and a good friend. The way the autorickshaw driver attacked the former MLA was shocking.”
BJP president Damu Naik said, “This is a sudden attack on the Lavoo’s family which should not have happened. From duty-bound police officer to a politician, he was well connected with the people.”
Margao MLA Digambar Kamat said, “What happened to the former MLA is shocking and heartbreaking. I had good relations with Lavoo, which strengthened further when he became an MLA. I lost a good friend. May God give strength to Lavoo’s family to bear the loss.”
Goa Forward Party (GFP) president Vijai Sardesai said, “I am saddened by the incident which is uncalled for. This unexpected and unfortunate incident has shocked us. Lavoo was a loyal person and fought for justice for the people. The former MLA was very healthy and even performed yoga. I have no words as to how the unfortunate incident took place.”
Former South Goa MP Adv Narendra Sawaikar said, “Lavoo was a straight forward person and stood for the right.”
MGP’s Ketan Bhatikar said, “The government needs to conduct a thorough investigation into Mamledar’s death, as the former MLA was physically strong and would go on morning and evening walks.”
Congress leader Girish Chodankar said, “The government needs to probe the case as a
simple man lost his life. Such incidents are reportedly taking place in Goa where people are being attacked.”