MAPUSA
Expressing deep concern over the armed dacoity in Ganeshpuri, Mapusa, local MLA and Deputy Speaker Joshua D’Souza said that rising incidents of crime appear to be becoming the “new normal” in Goa and urged citizens to be more alert and security-conscious.
Speaking to reporters after the shocking incident in which a doctor couple was held hostage at knifepoint, D’Souza said the crime has shaken the peace of the locality and underscored the urgent need for improved surveillance across the State.
“Goa, Goem… we have opened our State to the entire country, but we now feel there is harm coming to the Goan community where such crimes were once rare. Rising crime seems to be the new normal and having something like this happen so close to my house is extremely concerning,” he said.
The MLA added that initial reports suggest that the gang involved in the Mapusa dacoity were not locals but “apparently North Indians.”
D’Souza emphasised that Goans can no longer afford to be as carefree as before.
“Many people keep their houses and gates open “ that’s the Goan way of life. But times have changed and we have to be more vigilant,” he said.
Calling for stronger preventive measures, D’Souza urged the government to prioritise installation of CCTV cameras at all entry and exit points of cities and villages across Goa.
“It must be a priority, especially since Goa is a tourism State where people from all over the world visit. The safety of Goans has to come first,” he said.
He further informed that CCTV cameras have already been proposed in major areas of Mapusa and efforts will be made to install them soon with government support.
D’Souza said he has been closely monitoring the situation since the incident came to light.
“This family is a very peaceful family. It’s very sad that such a crime has occurred in their home,” he said.
The MLA also announced that a meeting of local residents would be held later in the evening to discuss strengthening neighbourhood surveillance and setting up cameras at Mapusa’s key entry and exit points to deter and detect criminal elements.
