Vasco: An FIR has been registered against Prabhu Realtors associate Amit Prabhu in the matter pertaining to the large number of diarrhoea cases reported at Prabhu Violetta housing society in Dabolim, allegedly linked to contamination of water sources due to untreated sewage discharge.
The complaint filed by Lucas Fernandes, secretary of Prabhu Violetta society, alleged that the accused deliberately and continuously discharged untreated sewage from a sewage treatment plant into open drains and the society’s garden area, creating a severe public nuisance and exposing residents to hazardous waste.
According to police officials, an FIR has been registered at Vasco Police Station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 125, 270, 271, 272 and 279.
Residents claimed the situation worsened over time, with suspected contamination of borewell water, which many households rely on for daily use. Health concerns escalated rapidly as dozens began experiencing gastrointestinal illness, primarily diarrhoea.
“We have been raising this issue for weeks, but no action was taken until people started falling sick,” said a resident.
Police said further investigation is underway under PSI Nikhil Dessai of Vasco Police Station.
Officials are also examining whether negligence or deliberate misconduct led to the outbreak.
Meanwhile, residents are demanding strict action against those responsible and immediate measures to ensure safe drinking water and sanitation.
Rane: Swift action taken to handle diarrhoeal outbreak at Dabolim
Panaji: Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Friday said that swift and coordinated action has been initiated in response to the acute diarrhoeal disease (ADD) situation in Dabolim by the teams of integrated disease surveillance programme (IDSP), Directorate of Health Services (DHS) sub-district hospital, Chicalim, and Primary Health Centre (PHC) Cortalim that are working together with the Directorate of Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) and Public Works Department (PWD).
Rane said that house-to-house surveillance has been undertaken, along with detailed inspection of water sources and surrounding areas.
“Awareness sessions have been conducted to ensure residents follow necessary precautions, including consumption of boiled water, and the situation has been formally flagged for continuous monitoring. At the same time, all affected individuals are being closely monitored, with timely medical care and guidance being provided by our health teams,” he said.
Rane also said that active case search will continue with prompt referrals wherever required.
“ORS support is being made readily accessible, and comprehensive testing of all water sources is underway. Stool sample analysis, sustained awareness efforts, and close inter-departmental coordination will guide further action,” he said.
