PANAJI: The killing of senior citizen Umakant Khote in Morjim has revived the debate over migrants’ role in Goa’s crime graph, with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant once again asserting that migrants are increasingly involved in such offences.
He further reiterated mandatory compliance of tenant verification to help prevent and curb such incidents.
Addressing reporters today, Sawant said, “A rise in crime happens mainly because of migrants. Police verification is essential to know a person’s background before renting, so potential troublemakers can be identified in advance.”
Referring to recent cases, he added, “Incidents like the Margao gunfire and Pernem shooting show the need for strict action. To maintain law and order, the National Security Act (NSA) has been implemented, giving police full freedom to act.”
On ongoing investigations, Sawant said progress is being made in the Saligao double murder case. "People will soon know what the exact cause was. Even in the Morjim murder, the accused have already been arrested, and the investigation is ongoing. The owner will also be called for inquiry,” he added.
The NSA has been invoked for three months following a spate of gang rivalries and multiple murders reported across the state.
