Cyber frauds
Between September 2024 and June 2025, 36 senior citizens were cheated in Goa, including 15 cases of digital arrest. The cheats were successful in their missions, as the seniors were lonely, had limited knowledge about the digital revolution and easily trusted people. Moreover, they were also unable to procure immediate help and were unaware about who and where to contact. Reportedly, on June 28, Goa police sent letters to all the banks seeking a list of senior citizens, who are high net worth i.e., with balances of over Rs 10 lakh, and their details like name, address, age and contact numbers. With the information, the police propose to have official communication, conduct awareness, outreach and community programmes to educate the seniors about cyber-fraud tactics and also personal visits. There are certain issues in this noble task. Importantly, is it legally tenable to seek the financial status of seniors without their approval and when they have not committed any crime? Can the banks provide the information by breaking the trust placed in them by the clients? What if the list falls in wrong hands and is misused? Presently, people get trapped in cyber-arrests (a mythical concept) just by seeing a fake cop on their mobile phone and if a genuine cop turns up at the door, they may get jittery or may even kick the bucket. A bank balance with more than Rs 10 lakh is not the only criterion for a senior to be cheated or for him/her to pay the cybercriminals. The senior citizens may have multiple bank accounts or may have invested in realty, stocks, shares etc which may be sold to pay the cybercriminals. There are cases where this has happened and police could do nothing. Overall, several younger people who are educated, techno-savvy and of different financial statuses have been targeted by cybercriminals than seniors. Information about e-frauds is already being disseminated through various media, yet the citizens fall prey. Hence, though help is extended or cautions are announced by the governments and police, it is the citizens’ alertness and timely action that will save them and not just their bank balance.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Lateral entry into CBI
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is heavily dependent on officers on deputation to serve its ranks. Also, the functioning of the agency is hampered by the reluctance of state police departments to lend officers to it. Therefore, a parliament committee had suggested that the CBI develop its own independent recruitment framework to appoint officers from the ranks of deputy superintendents and downwards. The Centre has taken a rapid stride in appointing non-Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to some of CBI’s key posts. Five Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officers and an Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS) officer have been brought in as Superintendents of Police (SP) in different departments of the agency over the last few months. Expectedly, the cadre officers are miffed but the Centre seems to be keen to appoint domain experts to a few key CBI departments considering the ever changing complexion of crimes. However, it is critical for the government to maintain a balance between the IPS officers and the lateral entrants so that the latter do not trample upon the authority of the former.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Don’t sully landscape
At a few places in Benaulim, discarded two-wheelers, along with garbage, is dumped into green areas, sullying the landscape. This is mostly done by two-wheeler garages and repair outfits. It is dangerous, as anti-social elements use such places as a hangout zone. There is also the possibility of bombs being planted in these vehicles to spread terror. The village panchayat or the law enforcement authorities should immediately dispose of this junk and penalise the agencies responsible.
Misha, Varca
Maintaining Goa’s charm
While Goa continues to thrive on its tourism industry, the quality of tourism has unfortunately seen a steep decline in recent years. The popular tagline ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’ seems to be fading, as many domestic tourists treat the state merely as a destination for cheap alcohol and unchecked partying. This growing perception is not only inaccurate but damaging to Goa’s image and well-being. In recent months, several incidents involving unruly tourist behaviour have surfaced, from road accidents caused by reckless driving to getting violent with locals and public nuisance. What is worse is that many of these offenders get away with little to no consequence. There appears to be a dip in international tourist arrivals, and while domestic tourism continues, it is vital that it does not come at the cost of Goa’s safety, culture and environment. If strong measures are not taken, Goa may slowly lose the charm and dignity of a tourist destination.
Lynn Rodrigues, Merces
