PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday issued a stern warning to dubious Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), cautioning them against engaging in what he termed as ‘extortion rackets’ under the guise of social welfare.
His statement comes against the backdrop of self-proclaimed activist Shreya Dhargalkar’s arrest for her controversial videos offending Hindu deities and their devotees.
Sawant claimed he was aware of the current situation and asserted that he ensured the Goa Police applied the most stringent sections against Dhargalkar.
“All necessary sections have been invoked against her, which led to her arrest. I had specifically instructed the police to take strictest action,” Sawant said in his first media interaction in Goa following a marathon Lok Sabha election campaign in Delhi.
Sawant then directed criticism towards certain NGOs, accusing them of operating extortion rackets rather than the welfare of society. “Such practices will not be tolerated. We will blacklist and penalize NGOs involved in malpractice,” he added.
Dhargalkar, initially held by Cuncolim police for making objectionable statements about Goddess Shantadurga, was bailed out by Quepem court. Subsequently, she was arrested by Bicholim police for a similar offense, this time for a video allegedly offending the sentiments of devotees of Shree Devi Lairai. Amid demands for strict action against her, Dhargalkar was remanded to judicial custody until June 4.
Sawant calls for
accountability
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has called for accountability among social media users, urging them to either refrain from misusing these platforms or face consequences for irresponsible behaviour.
Expressing concern over the proliferation of thoughtless content creation, he highlighted the prevalence of irresponsible conduct on social media. “I request people to report offensive content to the police. Accordingly, action will be taken. We will not allow unwarranted content whether directed personally, against religious sentiments, cultural norms, or any other sector,” he said.
