Goa, July 11 -- A shop constructed by Merilda Fernandes along Madhalawada Road in the Morji Panchayat jurisdiction was demolished on Thursday morning following a prolonged legal dispute and official orders for its removal.

The demolition took place at 10 AM under police protection, after the authorities executed the directive issued by the Group Development Officer. The action came in response to a complaint filed by Pearl Goswami, who had initially approached the Panchayat Director regarding the allegedly unauthorized construction.

Back on March 27, 2018, the Panchayat Director had granted Fernandes six months to regularize the structure by submitting the necessary documents. Failing this, demolition was to follow. Fernandes challenged...