Lobo lashes out at police over rampant desecration cases

the goan I networkrPanajirCalangute MLA and Chairman of the North Goa Planning and Development Authority Michael Lobo has lashed out at the Goa Police for failing to neither crack nor prevent a series of desecrations despite increased patrolling in the area. rSpeaking to media persons, Lobo said that if the police are proving to be incapable of getting to the bottom of the matter, the case should be handed over to some other agency. r“There are some ‘outer’ elements, groups from outside the state who are trying to disturb the peaceful communal harmony of Goa. The recent vandalism in temples, chapels and crosses… I think somewhere the Goa Police is not working. Enough is enough,” Lobo said while unequivocally condemning the acts. r“Goa had a special police force at night. They used to visit these chapels located at isolated places and sign a register to record their presence. This should be started again. These crosses should be under surveillance. Suspicious people should be rounded up. The Goa Police is not doing its job properly,” Lobo said adding that it would be the first thing he would take up with the Chief Minister upon his return. rHe said that the police should announce an award for anyone coming forward with information about who is behind the attack. rWhen asked if he agreed with former MLA Francisco “Mickky” Pacheco that the vandalism is the handiwork of the Congress party, Lobo said: “Let us not blame any political party.” r“Who will be responsible if these vandalisms result in clashes,” he asked.rrrCondemns Sadhvi remarks on beef rCalangute MLA Michael Lobo hit out at Sadhvi Saraswati, whose recent remarks that beef eaters should be hanged, as well as the Goa Police for failing to take suo motu cognizance of her statements. r“The Goa Police should take cognizance of this. She’s trying to create a communal divide. A case should be registered. I don’t know why they (the police) didn’t take cognizance of this. They should have called her and asked her to explain herself. Otherwise they are quick to register cases,” Lobo said while admitting that he was out of the state when the comments were made hence his delayed response.