MARGAO
Cultural institution, Ravindra Bhavan, Margao literally resembled a fortress on Sunday as armed policemen and in riot gear took up positions all around the complex, the venue of the public hearing of Coastal Zone Management Plans for South Goa.
If police sources are to be believed, around 150-odd policemen from South Goa, including Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) were mobilized to handle any law and order situation at the Ravindra Bhavan complex.
Led by district police Chief, South, SP Pankaj Kumar Singh and DySP Harish Madkaikar, the police put in place elaborate security arrangements in and around the venue. Taking no chances, policemen were even deputed to behind the Ravindra Bhavan near the compound wall to ensure no participant, other than the registered ones make their way into the venue.
Armed policemen and in riot gear patrolled the gates leading to the Ravindra Bhavan, as the authorities allowed entry inside only to those who had registered for the hearing.
The police were also deployed in strength inside the auditorium as a precautionary measure. And, when things threatened to go out of control during the proceedings, a host of policemen were deployed near the dais.
‘The Goan’ understands that the police were mobilized in strength from the police stations of Margao, Fatorda, Colva, Maina-Curtorim and Cuncolim. Police personnel were also requisitioned from Ponda and Vasco sub-division.
