MARGAO
In an order that has sent a message loud and clear that the authorities means business in clamping down on prostitution in the city, Sub-divisional Magistrate, Margao Uday Prabhudesai has called for sealing of the Goa Lords hotel in the heart of the commercial capital on grounds that the place was used for the purpose of prostitution.
Based on the SDM’s order, the Salcete Mamlatdar office has sealed the hotel and the closure will remain in force for a period of one year.
In his order, SDM Uday Prabhudesai pointed out that the police had caught red handed a couple in a compromising position in the presence of the NGO. He further said that the victim girl’s statement made it further clear that the premises was allegedly used for the purpose of prostitution.
The SDM’s order mandates the closure of the hotel for a period of one year unless it is set aside in an appeal.
The Margao police had a couple of months ago raided Goa Lords hotel following a tip off that the premises was being allegedly used for the purpose of prostitution. At the time of the raid by a Margao police team headed by PI Kapil Nayak, a couple was found inside a cubicle in a compromising position.
The police had accordingly arrested the woman owner of the hotel as well as the customer under the provisions of the Immoral Traffic Act and had sent the victim girl to the women’s protection home.
The Margao police had later sent a proposal to the Sub-divisional Magistrate, Margao, with a petition to shut down the hotel premises.
