MARGAO
A group of citizens under the banner of Goencho Avaaz and Revolutionary Goans on Sunday sent a clear signal to the rest of the country that rapes and sexual offences against women will not be tolerated in Goa, making it clear that people will take the law in their own hands if the government fails to walk the talk.
While Capt Viriato Fernandes said they have not only come to demand justice for the victim, but to convey the message that the tourism policy pursued in Goa is only promoting black money, drugs and sex resulting in rapes, Rama Canconkar warned that the film industry should stop portraying Goa in a wrong manner before the people of Goa rise up against the injustices.
While activists carrying black flags raised slogans outside demanding justice for the victim and women in general, a delegation led by Capt Viriato later called on Margao PI Kapil Nayak demanding that the Goa police prepare a strong case against the three rapists from Madhya Pradesh.
While commending the Goa police for resolving the case immediately and booking the culprits for robbery and rape, they demanded that the men-in-uniform should invoke all relevant sections, including attempt to murder, stalking etc to make the case watertight. “This shocking rape case should not be seen in isolation. Our tourism policy is flawed and aimed at promoting casinos, black money, drugs and sex trade,” Capt Capt Viriato rued.
“All this has made Goa the sex capital and Panaji the sin city. The building lobby is also connected. There are over a lakh residential flats empty in the State. What is happening is these empty flats. These are used to promote sex trade after late night casinos,” he alleged.
He warned that Goans will not take things lying down if any attempt is made to dilute the rape case on political considerations. “The police has done a commendable job and we congratulate them. In case any attempt is made to dilute the case, we will all come on the roads,” he warned.
Praising the victim for her braveness to come before the police, Capt Viriato said Goans will protect their women and girls from these culprits who feel that Goan women are easy prey.
He demanded that the government take the tourism stakeholders and the people of Goa to frame the right tourism policy, demanding to know whether Tourism Minister Babu Azgaonkar is a fit person to head the tourism ministry. He said people of Goa will now fight a battle to get the government illuminate the beaches and provide security to the visitors.
Rama Canconkar said the culture from the rest of the country will not be tolerated here. “Women are treated with respect in Goa. We will not tolerate rape or any other incident. If the government does not ensure zero tolerance on rapes, Goemkars will take law in their hands,” Rama said.
