PANAJI
The shadow of the Mungul gang war continues to loom over Goa with the main accused still at large, but police have mounted a sweeping crackdown across the State rounding up more than 150 suspects, history-sheeters and known troublemakers in South Goa alone.
Senior officers said they are “working overtime” to ensure peace during the Ganesh festival and ahead of the tourist season, even as other offences and flare-ups have been threatening to dent the law-and-order image.
“All our officers, including those celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi are working overtime. While the drive to round up suspects and history-sheeters is underway across Goa, for the South district, we have maximum suspects rounded up in Colva, followed by Cuncolim, Vasco, Verna and Margao,” a senior source told The Goan.
He explained that some others were detained because of their criminal background, while others were picked up over minor fights. “They are produced before the magistrate and released on bail bonds,” he said.
Replying to a query on overcrowding of the Margao lock-up, the officer revealed that the detainees are lodged till legal formalities are completed. “They are being released soon after furnishing bail bonds... The lock-up also includes inmates involved in other offenses and a few from other police stations,” he added.
A separate round of detentions is underway in North Goa, particularly in slum clusters and vulnerable areas. Police said the operations are precautionary, with dozens rounded up from suspected hotspots.
As Ganesh festivities are in full swing, additional security has been deployed around Sarvajanik pandals. The department has pressed organisers to install CCTV cameras, while patrols and routine checks have also been stepped up.
Sources also revealed that notorious elements, though not directly linked to the recent cases, are under close surveillance.
