MAPUSA
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday assured that those involved in the daring dacoity at the residence of a doctor couple in Ganeshpuri, Mapusa, will be brought to justice soon.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the residence of Dr Mahendra and Dr Anuradha Ghanekar, who were held hostage during the robbery, Sawant said the police have launched a detailed investigation into the case.
“Our police are on track and will catch the dacoits 100 per cent,” the Chief Minister asserted, adding that preliminary indications suggest that outsiders may be involved in the crime.
Sawant said the incident has prompted the government to further strengthen security measures, particularly during the night.
“I have given strict instructions to the police to intensify night naka bandhis and increase vigilance across the State,” he said.
Emphasising that public safety remains the government’s top priority, the Chief Minister said, “We are focusing on tightening night patrols and ensuring such incidents do not recur. The police and government’s first priority is to crack down on such elements and catch them.”
The shocking incident, which occurred in the wee hours of Tuesday, saw a group of five to six robbers storm into the Ghanekar residence, holding the family hostage at knifepoint and fleeing with cash and jewellery worth around Rs 50 lakh.
BJP Vice President Datta Kholkar emphasised the need for stronger citizen security measures following the Ganeshpuri incident.
“This is a residential area where people live peacefully. While there have been robberies in the past, tying up residents amounts to full-scale dacoity. The fact that the intruders spent nearly two hours inside underscores the seriousness of the crime. A thorough investigation is essential so that people do not live in fear,” Kholkar said.
He called for heightened vigilance and careful scrutiny of outsiders visiting the area.
“Authorities must act swiftly, and preventive measures should be taken to ensure such incidents do not recur,” he added.
