CANACONA
Canacona taluka was shut down for half-day on Friday, as people from all walks of life condemned the rape and murder of British-Irish national Danielle McLaughlin at Dumane-Canacona.
Virtually all business establishments remained shut on Friday morning, while people of Canacona and several foreigners also gathered at Chaudi to pay condolences to the murdered woman.
Besides Chaudi market, the entire Palolem beach also remained shut for the first half, with almost all restaurants closed till 1 pm.
During a condolence meeting at Chaudi on Friday morning, speakers said all shops and restaurants all over Canacona were shut till afternoon, while taxi drivers and auto-rickshaw drivers had also supported the half-day bandh.
“This is our way to show that we do care about our tourists and friends. We condemn crime against humanity and we will not allow this to happen again,” stated Canacona MLA Isidore Fernandes.
The speakers also highlighted the several meetings convened by residents concerned with Canacona PI Philomeno Costa, SDPO & Quepem DySP Sammy Tavares, SP (South) Shekar Prabhudessai, besides the letter addressed to Collector Swapnil Naik.
“We have been asking authorities to do something about these criminals since the last one-and-half year. If authorities had taken necessary steps, this heinous crime wouldn’t have occurred,” said a speaker.
Others spoke at the meet included Rajendra Desai, Ramakant Naikgaunkar, Ratnakar Dhuri, Sarvanand Bhagat, Arvind Desai, Mahesh Naik, councillors Divakar Pagui, Shantaji Naikgaunkar, Sandeep Telekar, Barsat Naikgaunkar and Vikas Bhagat.
Canacona Municipal Council chairperson Prathana Naikgaunkar, former Canacona MLA Vijay Poi Khot, Jack Fernandes and Simon Rebello were also present at the meeting.
