MAPUSA
The Goa Pradesh Mahila Congress has strongly condemned Monday’s acid attack on a 17-year-old boy in Dhargal, Pernem, calling it a horrifying act of brutality and a stark reflection of the deteriorating law and order in the State.
Terming the incident “unthinkable and absolutely unacceptable”, Mahila Congress President Pratiksha Khalap said the attack signals a terrifying shift in Goa’s social fabric.
“This is not just an isolated act of violence – it shows how emboldened criminals have become in the absence of effective deterrence,” she said.
Khalap blamed delayed investigations and lenient bail provisions for fuelling a climate of impunity.
She also expressed concern over rising cases of violence, crimes against women and fatal road accidents, stating that Goans are living under growing fear and insecurity.
The Mahila Congress demanded a swift and thorough investigation and strict punishment for the perpetrators.
“The government must stop being a mute spectator and take concrete steps to restore public safety,” Khalap said.
The party also called for increased policing, preventive surveillance and stronger victim support mechanisms, pledging full solidarity with the victim’s family and vowing to pursue justice.
Public safety in peril, says Aldona MLA
MAPUSA: Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira on Monday termed the acid attack on a 17-year-old student as “shocking” and questioned the State government’s failure to ensure citizens’ safety. “What is our safety today? Women, including minors and even the elderly, are being raped. And now a minor is the victim of an acid attack. What are the police and government doing?” Ferreira asked, urging Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who also holds the Home portfolio, to respond.
Ferreira said the incident reflected a growing law and order crisis in the State and demanded a serious probe with clear answers on intelligence failures and preventive measures.
Calling for an overhaul of the State’s security network, the MLA highlighted the non-functional AI cameras at Merces junction and faulty CCTVs in Margao due to poor maintenance.
“This can happen to anyone. We need working surveillance systems. Police stations too lack functioning CCTVs because of contract lapses and equipment failures,” he said.
