MAPUSA
With the death of the 21-year-old youth from Indore now confirmed as a drug overdose, Anjuna Police have widened the scope of the probe to examine the source of the narcotic substances and possible lapses in enforcement at the popular coastal party hub of Anjuna.
Preliminary findings from the Goa Medical College and Hospital have revealed that the youth had consumed a “cocktail of drugs”, raising serious concerns over the unchecked circulation of synthetic substances at beachside events.
Police sources informed that efforts are now underway to trace how the drugs were procured and whether local peddlers operating in the Anjuna–Vagator belt were involved.
“We are working to trace the source of the contraband. The friends who were with the deceased that night had initially claimed they consumed only alcohol and no drugs. In light of the latest findings, they will now be re-examined,” a police official said.
The incident has also put the spotlight on the party where the youth had reportedly collapsed. Questions are being raised about whether adequate safety protocols were in place and if there was any delay in providing medical assistance.
The youth had arrived to attend the Black Coffee musical event, but after it was cancelled, he and others made their way to Club Raeeth, a popular nightclub in the area, whose organisers had been hosting the event. Following the cancellation, patrons were allowed free entry into the club as a compensatory gesture.
“It was inside this club that the youth collapsed,” a police official familiar with the case said.
However, police have been very cagey in responding to queries whether the club owners and the staff will be probed in the matter.
Police have also stated that there was no delay in providing medical assistance and that they are not examining that angle.
The incident has reignited long-standing concerns over the easy availability of drugs in Goa’s party hotspots. Despite periodic crackdowns, locals allege that narcotics continue to circulate openly.
“This is not an isolated case. Drug use at parties is blatant and authorities cannot afford to turn a blind eye,” said a local resident who has been closely tracking developments in the Anjuna–Vagator coastal belt.
He said that since last month, at least a dozen cases of drug overdose have been reported from the belt, adding that such incidents often go unreported.
Police have not ruled out invoking provisions of the NDPS Act against those found responsible.
“Action will follow wherever culpability is established – whether it is supply, facilitation or negligence,” a police official stated.
While the final forensic opinion is awaited, the case has already exposed troubling cracks in regulation and enforcement, raising uncomfortable questions about how such high-risk drug use continues unchecked in one of Goa’s busiest nightlife hubs.
DGP orders fresh investigation
With fresh developments confirming that the 21-year-old youth from Indore died of a drug overdose, top police officials have stepped in, ordering a re-examination of the case.
Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Kumar on Tuesday summoned Anjuna Police Inspector Suraj Gawas and Deputy Superintendent of Police Salim Shaikh, directing them to revisit the investigation in light of the new findings.
Sources said the DGP has instructed the officers to re-record statements of all persons previously examined.
Officials indicated that the probe will now focus on verifying earlier claims made by witnesses and companions of the deceased, particularly in the context of the overdose findings.
