Law & order has collapsed due to political meddling in police dept: Vijai
NT Reporter
Margao
Goa Forward Party chief and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai on Friday alleged that law and order in the state has “totally collapsed” due to political interference in the police department.
Speaking to the media during the launch of AI-based CCTV cameras at Gogol, Fatorda, Sardesai recalled that former chief minister Ravi Naik had curbed the illegal silencer noise menace in the past by ordering arrests.
“I strongly feel that if reins are handed over to Naik as home minister, there is a possibility of things falling in place,” he said.
Reacting to the recent shootout reported at Madkai, Sardesai said, “If shooting can happen in a place like Madkai, imagine where we are heading. This clearly suggests that the crime underworld has entered Goa with full police protection.”
He also recalled an incident where a person allegedly beat up a police officer and escaped without punishment.
Sardesai urged the director general of police to “stand up for the cause of justice”.
He said the opposition’s role was to make people aware of the deteriorating law and order situation and urged Goans to remain vigilant against the government’s alleged failures.
“Alert citizens of Goa will definitely play a crucial role ahead to protect Goa for Goans,” he said.
He also referred to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s handling of multiple portfolios. Commenting on Digambar Kamat’s recent remark about allotting the home and finance portfolios to fellow ministers during his tenure as CM, Sardesai said, “There is a message to read between the lines.”
On the recent Mungul shootout case, he said, “Anti-social elements are not arrested, but parked. BJP office bearers are also involved — they are converted from accused to witness. I am talking based on the facts.”
Meanwhile, Sardesai highlighted that the CCTV cameras at Gogol were installed through his legislator funds. He said the 38 AI-based cameras would capture incidents of road rage, theft, and accidents, and would be monitored by the Fatorda traffic cell from September 1.
“We will extend the
CCTV in other areas soon,” he added.
Goa turning into crime capital, CM needs to step down, says Cong
NT Reporter
Panaji
Pointing to what he described as rising lawlessness, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) vice president Sunil Kawthankar has demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who also holds the Home portfolio.
“Not just common man but even the police are unsafe; gunfights are occurring on alternate days in the state,” said Kawthankar.
Kawthankar alleged that QR code stickers pasted on electricity poles along the footpath outside the Panaji police station mentioned names of chemical drugs and redirected users to the ‘dark web’ where narcotics could reportedly be purchased.
“Menu of drugs displayed outside police station in the capital city and can be ordered through dark web. It is a sorry state of affairs,” said Kawthankar.
A senior police officer said the matter of the QR code stickers is being examined by both the Panaji police and the cybercrime cell. An inquiry has been launched to identify who pasted the stickers, though it is not known when they were put up.
On law and order, Kawthankar said, “The law and order has collapsed. There are a number of incidents of gun firing. Police are being attacked. Goa is turning into a crime capital.”
He said, “Last year in June 2024 I had demanded formation of a special task force to put an end to the organised crime in the state which the government failed to do.”
Kawthankar further alleged that a crime syndicate dealing in drugs, prostitution and extortion is operating under the protection of the ruling government.
“Organised crime has increased. The situation has worsened and police are also not safe in Goa,” said Kawthankar. He added that Chief Minister Sawant should accept responsibility and resign. “Police should work without any political pressure,” said Kawthankar.
