PANAJI
The Aam Aadmi Party Goa on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Pramod Sawant-led government, accusing it of presiding over a “complete collapse of law and order” while demanding CM’s resignation.
Addressing a press conference in Panaji, AAP Goa President Amit Palekar said the State had witnessed an unprecedented rise in violent crimes in recent months. “Goa has never seen such a high rise in crime. This is a complete collapse of law and order under Pramod Sawant,” Palekar said.
He alleged that criminals were being protected by those in power and that the police acted only under political pressure. “The BJP shields criminals. I challenge the CM to a public debate,” Palekar demanded.
Citing a string of recent incidents, AAP said Goa had witnessed a surge in murders, shootings, robberies, and attacks on activists in the last two months. The party listed major cases including the double murder at Saligao; senior citizen Umakant Khot’s murder in Morjim for opposing illegal hill cutting; custodial assault of Edberg Pereira in Navelim; a shooting incident linked to illegal sand mining in Pernem; and attacks on activists including Rama Kankonkar in Panaji and an AAP volunteer in Benaulim.
Palekar alleged that in several cases, police failed to act promptly and even released vehicles or suspects following interference from BJP leaders. “Instead of arresting culprits, they file cases against activists who expose illegalities,” he said.
AAP leader Shrikrishna Parab also criticised the government, alleging that every incident in Goa today is linked to people protected by the ruling party.
“Police act only when people protest and not when crimes happen. The protectors have become destroyers while the CM is busy doing events as the public suffers,” he alleged.
