Goa, April 24 -- Tensions escalated in Cotarli on Wednesday as local villagers and workers gathered outside the Timblo Agricultural Office in protest, alleging discrimination against Goan laborers in favor of migrant workers from Jharkhand. The protest prompted immediate intervention by Sanguem police, who were present at the scene to monitor the situation.

The gherao marks the latest chapter in growing discontent among locals, who claim they are being systematically removed from employment on the agricultural farm, where Goans have reportedly worked for over five decades.

Chanda Gaonkar, a local worker, voiced the collective frustration: "They say they do not require Goans to work. They are happy to have workers from Jharkhand is what ...