Collapse of policing blamed on politicisation of force
MAPUSA
Raising alarm over the daring dacoity in Mapusa, opposition parties in Goa have hit out at the government, alleging a complete breakdown of law and order and growing insecurity among citizens.
Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira said the incident was a direct outcome of a politicised police force that prioritises tracking the opposition and suppressing dissent over tackling real crimes. “Such incidents only expose how hollow the chief minister sounds when he says Goa is a model State,” Ferreira remarked.
“Today Goans are not safe. If you go to a restaurant, you are attacked; if you walk on the road, a gang attacks you — and now Goans are not even safe in their own homes. What do we say to such a government and to such policing?” he questioned.
Ferreira reminded that in April, the residence of industrialist Dempo in Dona Paula was robbed in a similar manner. He blamed the collapse of policing on the politicisation of the force, claiming that efficient officers have been sidelined.
“Some constables have political backing and shirk work. They only want salaries and perhaps do other things we can’t mention. Law and order is collapsing, and the police appear clueless,” he alleged.
Pointing to “connections, lethargy and inaction” within law enforcement, Ferreira said such complacency emboldens criminals. “They operate with confidence, knowing they can ‘manage’ things,” he added.
Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) President Manoj Parab expressed similar concern, saying “Mhaje Ghar” (my home) no longer feels safe.
“There is no fear of law or police among criminals. People of Goa deserve safety in their homes,” Parab asserted, urging urgent action to restore public confidence in policing.
Shiv Sena (UBT) President Jitesh Kamat said dacoities were not new in Mapusa, with several goldsmiths previously targeted, yet culprits remain untraced.
“But for the first time, such a crime has occurred in a plush residential area surrounded by houses. If this can happen here, how safe are senior citizens across Goa?” he asked.
“Law and order in Goa has completely failed,” Kamat declared.
