Activists of the ‘Save Mose Valley Agitation’ have begun receiving life threats from suspected pro-Lavasa groups, even as the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) team completed their second day of a three-day inspection tour of the Lavasa lake City on Thursday.
On Monday night, activist Leela Margale’s tin shed home in Mugaon village mysteriously caught fire following a blast. Leela is a key activist from the Save Mose Valley group. A spot visit to her burnt down home in the hills of Mugaon by DNA on Thursday revealed that Leela had lost every single belonging in the fire.
Leela told DNA that she was sleeping with her two daughters, Uma (14) and Kajal (8), in her home at 8.30pm when she saw a fiery object tear through her roof. “I ran out with my daughters and heard a loud blast inside the house. The entire home caught fire and before I could summon any help, the fire engulfed my gas cylinder, resulting in a second blast.”
According to Leela (40), this was a clear attempt to kill her and her children. “I do not know exactly who is behind the blast, but it is in all probability the pro-Lavasa supporters,” she alleged.
Leela used to run a small tea shop from her home to sustain herself and her school-going children. “I have lost my shop, money, some jewellery and, more importantly, all my documents pertaining to the Lavasa project.”
Leela is not alone. On Thursday, an adivasi, Bandu Valhekar, complained to activist leader Medha Patkar that he had been threatened by some persons who told him, “Tai la jaavu de. Aamhi tula bagun gehoo (Let Medha Patkar leave, then we will sort you out).”
Valhekar told DNA, “The Lavasa Corporation is using excavators forcibly in my plot of land and now that I am raising my voice, I am receiving death threats. I will not succumb to pressure.”
Deputy superintendent of police (Pune rural police), Srikrishna Kokate, has agreed to lodge Valhekar’s complaint immediately. Kokate said a part of Leela’s tin roof had been sent for forensic examination to ascertain the type of explosive used. “We are investigating the lady’s case, which has been lodged at our Paud police station.”
Patkar expressed anguish at these recent developments and urged Kokate and his police team to provide assistance and protection to the activists.
