MARGAO
South Goa district Collector’s ban on Housie in South district has come under close scrutiny after reports spoke of the game being organised at two different places in the district in as many days, beginning from Sunday.
The office of the district Collector has replied back to the reports on violation of the ban by pointing out that the Verna police station has registered an offense against the Housie organizers under the Public Gambling Act. Reports indicated that another housie reportedly took place in the Margao police sub-division area a day ago, bringing law enforcement agencies, including the deputy Collectors and the Police station in-charges under sharp focus.
People who had gone to play housie in the jurisdiction of Verna police station informed that housie was organised late night on Sunday.
The incident has thrown up a host of questions in the corridors of police department and amongst supporters of political parties, more so in constituencies represented by the opposition. In fact, police officers as well as politicians in the opposition in private say that the administration should either enforce the ban uniformly and in letter and spirit or allow level playing field to everyone.
A senior police officer in private pointed out that they have to face questions from opposition politicians and their supporters as to why the ban is enforced only in opposition ruled constituencies. “When people approach us seeking permission to organise Housie in their areas on the plea that Housie is allowed in other areas, we have no answer. People then charge the police for bias. A way out needs to be found to the issue”, remarked the police officer.
After the Housie in the jurisdiction of the Verna police station on Sunday, sources said hectic behind the scene activity took place as opposition politicians sought to know why their supporters should be denied the opportunity to organise Housie in their areas.
“We also feel that there ought to be restrictions in the manner in which Housie is being organised with huge stakes. But, the administration has to come clear. The official machinery should either enforce the ban in letter and spirit or allow everyone to hold the Housie. What face we will show to our supporters when they point to places where Housie is organised on the turf of ruling MLAs”, the opposition politician questioned.
In fact, the opposition politician has threatened to move the High Court in the event the administration discriminates and shows bias against the opposition on the question of Housie games.
