THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
More than 24 hours after a daring burglary at Nasnodkar Jewellers in the heart of the Mapusa municipal market, local police are still searching for leads, with no significant breakthrough in the case.
Despite the delay, police sources revealed that they have identified one of the suspects from CCTV footage and expect to make an arrest soon.
Mapusa Police have formed three specialised teams that have fanned out to various locations across Goa, Mumbai, Karnataka, and Maharashtra in pursuit of the culprits. However, senior police officials have remained tight-lipped about the progress of the investigation, refusing to share further details at this stage.
The burglary, which occurred early Monday morning, saw a group of around three individuals gain entry into the well-known Nasnodkar Jewellers by cutting through the roof.
Once inside, the thieves cleaned out the display panels, making off with gold and silver jewellery valued at approximately Rs 1 crore, though estimates suggest the stolen amount could be higher.
Interestingly, the burglars left the shop’s safe untouched, where additional jewellery was stored.
The incident has sparked concern in Mapusa, as the market area is a heavily trafficked zone, raising questions about the adequacy of security measures in place.
Police efforts continue and residents are hopeful for a swift resolution to the case.
Aldona MLA slams police for failing to
prevent crimes after Mapusa heist
MAPUSA:
Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira has openly criticised local police authorities for their inability to gather intelligence and prevent a recent spate of thefts, particularly highlighting the brazen burglary of a prominent jewellery store in Mapusa.
The incident, which saw gold and silver valued in crores stolen, has raised significant concerns among the community.
“This is a shocking incident, occurring right in the heart of the Mapusa market, a place frequented by countless people daily,” Ferreira stated, emphasising the alarming nature of the crime.
He pointed out that the police station is located just a short distance from the site of the theft, questioning the effectiveness of their patrols.
“I don’t know what kind of patrolling they are doing. Thieves are actively targeting people for their gold. What are the police doing?” Ferreira expressed frustration, suggesting that police efforts may be misdirected, with claims that they are preoccupied with gathering intelligence on political opposition rather than focusing on crime prevention.
He insisted that the police have a fundamental responsibility to prevent crimes, not merely respond after they occur.
Ferreira lamented, “Goa will be finished if this continues. Our homes will be targeted, and police will only arrive after the crime is committed.”
He called on Goans to awaken to this reality, urging the need for greater accountability among law enforcement to protect citizens from escalating criminal activity.
There is no fear of law
in Goa: Deputy Speaker
MAPUSA:
Deputy Speaker and Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza has called for heightened security measures across Goa to address the growing concern over criminal activities.
He also stressed the importance of instilling a "fear of law and authority" among citizens to curb the rise in crimes in the State.
Speaking to The Goan, D’Souza emphasised the need for strict directives from the top levels of government, which should be effectively implemented to ensure peace and harmony in the region.
“There seems to be a perception that the law is taken lightly, with people feeling they are above it. There must be a sense of fear “ fear that no crime, whether petty or serious, will go unpunished. Currently, it appears there is no fear of the law or the authorities,” D’Souza remarked.
Mapusa, which has traditionally been a safe town, has recently seen a surge in criminal incidents, including a spate of chain-snatching cases and burglaries. The latest incident occurred on Monday when a jewellery shop in the bustling Mapusa municipal market was burgled, with gold and silver items worth crores reportedly stolen.
Two months earlier, a murder case shocked the town when a person was killed in an assault in the Housing Board area.
D’Souza expressed concern over the spike in crime and stated that such incidents did not reflect the environment he wished to foster as the MLA of Mapusa.
“We, as citizens, want to live in a safe State where everyone can live peacefully and in harmony,” he said, noting that Mapusa has traditionally had one of the lowest crime rates in Goa.
In a bid to improve security in the town, D’Souza announced plans to install CCTV cameras at key locations. This initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the Mapusa Municipal Council, will focus on placing surveillance cameras at the town’s main entry and exit points, as well as in prominent commercial areas, as part of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) project.
“Our goal is to ensure that people feel secure, knowing there is an active surveillance system in place,” D’Souza explained.
While the local police have been conducting regular patrols across the town, D’Souza suggested that mere presence was insufficient. He implied that the police need to step up their efforts in addressing crime more effectively.
“Everything is in place, but it’s pointless if those responsible for maintaining law and order are not taking adequate action,” he said, subtly criticising the police for their perceived lack of initiative.
The Deputy Speaker's comments have sparked discussion about the need for stronger enforcement of the law and greater accountability among authorities to maintain Goa’s reputation as a safe and peaceful State.
