Dangling cables
Goa has witnessed the cutting of cables lying on electricity poles in Panaji and other cities. The High Court of Bombay at Goa has refused to halt the cutting work after the electricity department submitted a report detailing casualties and other incidents attributed to dangling cable bundles. As per the department, most of the electricity poles are used by the cable operators, who use them for their business activities. The cable operators should try and avoid hanging multiple cables from the electricity poles, which could lead to accidents. These cables could be placed underground.
Raju Ramamurthy, Vasco
Incomplete welcome kit
Delegates who had registered for the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa 2025, were sent an email to pick up their accreditation badge from the counter erected outside the Kala Academy. On November 16, on producing a copy of the email and Aadhaar card, the badge and a yellow cloth bag was given on which a peacock and ‘IFFI 2025’ are printed. There is no mention of the edition number (56), dates (November 20-28) and place (Goa, India). Later, it was noticed that several delegates were carrying a small guide book that had details of movies being screened, a bookmark and a coaster. Though everyone has paid Rs 1,180 (including GST) towards the registration fees, how only some delegates obtained the other items? Was there a shortage (real or artificial), were only outside delegates given the items to keep them happy or a few bags were filled and randomly handed over to the lucky ones? Such an ‘unwelcome’ kit to the delegates for an event on which crores of rupees may have been spent! A positive aspect is that one can locate the bright yellow bag, with two pairs of handles, if you happen to misplace it.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Robberies and dacoities
There is an alarming increase in crimes, and criminals are getting bolder and violent. Residents, especially the senior citizens, are more vulnerable to such crimes. There has been a major shakeup and transfers in the state’s police force. It is reported that police officers have been not complying with the transfer orders. What is required, as stated by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who also holds the Home portfolio, is a prevention mindset. Criminals these days may be educated and mobile savvy. The police force needs to establish a good 24×7 surveillance system and garner intelligence from all sources to be able to prevent crimes. Establishing an interstate network, with a physically and mentally fit police force is the need of the hour.
John Eric Gomes, Porvorim
Child abduction
A minor boy was reportedly allegedly kidnapped near a school in Vasco on Wednesday. It is learnt that the boy was under the legal guardianship of the complainant. In yet another case of kidnapping reported near Margao, two minors have been kidnapped from Navelim. Here too, the minors were kidnapped from the lawful guardianship of the complainant without his consent. Incidentally, three minor boys from Majorda, who had gone missing from their homes earlier this month, were found in Kerala. It must be said that kidnapping of minors has been taking place at a disturbing frequency in the state. Reasons for kidnapping an unknown child include extortion of ransom from the parents for the child’s return and illegal adoption. In several instances, the kidnapper is known to the victim or there is involvement of a person known to the family like domestic help, friends or tenants who may have tipped off the kidnappers. Parents need to set boundaries with regard to the places where their children can go. Children should be supervised in places like malls, movie theatres, parks and other crowded places. They should be told to keep away from strangers and not talk to them. Children should be told not to accompany even known persons if they are being lured. In Goa, the most common reason for child kidnapping may be family dispute. Child kidnapping is the unlawful seizing, detention or removal of a minor against their will or the will of their lawful guardian. This is the most frequent form of child abduction, typically occurring during parental separation or divorce, where one parent takes or conceals the child in violation of the other parent’s custody rights.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
