Goa, Aug. 10 -- A peaceful protest against the ongoing railway double-tracking work in Velsao turned tense after local leaders, politicians and activists brought a JCB and crane to remove materials allegedly placed by the Railways and blocking access to several houses.

The development took place amid growing opposition from residents who have been demanding that their traditional access to their homes not be blocked due to the double-tracking project.

Local leaders and activists claimed that railway materials had been kept along the access route, making it difficult for residents to reach their houses. They subsequently brought heavy machinery to the site in an attempt to clear the obstruction.

A heavy police presence was deployed in t...