PANAJI: Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao on Friday accused the Goa government of allowing corruption, drug trafficking and criminal activity to flourish, alleging a nexus between politicians, police and criminals.
Speaking after the Business Advisory Committee meeting, Alemao alleged that corruption at checkposts was systematic, with officials allegedly given monthly collection targets.
“Today, the way looting is happening, we ourselves can see at the checkposts. It is a necessity for them because they are given a target. For example, a target of so many lakhs per month, and if you don't pay that, you get transferred. This is how corruption is running,” he said.
He alleged that both official and unofficial checkposts were operating and questioned whether the Chief Minister was aware of activities taking place there. “Who goes inside these checkposts, who comes out? Is the Chief Minister not aware of all these activities? Where is the Chief Minister's focus?” Alemao asked.
Alemao also targeted the Vigilance Cell, alleging that those exposing corruption were not being protected and that ministers involved in setting alleged targets had themselves come under scrutiny.
Turning to drugs and prison security, he questioned the effectiveness of checks and alleged that inmates at Colvale Jail had access to mobile phones and links with people in power. “Basically, today these inmates have a connection with politicians in the ruling party. They dictate orders, smuggle in cannabis (ganja), or handle other matters,” he alleged.
“It is shocking today in Goa; what is happening in Goa has never happened before. This kind of crime, this kind of law and order, we have requested a discussion on this,” he said.
Taking a swipe at the government’s land policies, Alemao said Goa was witnessing “land order” rather than law and order. “If you want land, you get into government, get a ticket, and straightaway secure land, a house, or a flat,” he said.
Alemao questioned the police response to repeated criminal incidents and recalled a video from two years ago showing a “hardcore criminal” moving around openly.
“How can such crimes not happen? First, what is the police doing? Why are they sleeping? What is this happening? Why is this happening?” he asked.
He said the government needed to address the alleged political interference, prison security lapses and failures in policing rather than merely discussing the drug and crime problem in the Assembly.
