As the death of the Hubli native at Pajifond on Saturday brought to light that this once peaceful place has turned into a gambling den, a host of questions now stare at the Margao police, the local Margao civic body, excise, PWD and electricity departments, and the local politicos on the lawlessness prevailing in the locality.
One, were the Margao police, including DySP Dinraj Govekar and police station in-charge, PI C L Patil, in the dark that Pajifond has emerged as a gambling den right under the nose of the men-in-uniform, and that gambling activities have given rise to anti-social activities and lawlessness in the area?
Or, did the Margao Municipal Council turn a blind eye to the rampant illegalities, including the illegal structure that was allegedly used for the illegal sale of liquor in the late hours? And, whether the civic body had at any time directed the builder to either complete the project or lock the incomplete building if anti-socials had converted the premises into a gambling den?
Or, did the excise officials look the other way when liquor flowed freely from an illegal structure, disturbing peace and tranquility of the place? And lastly, will the Electricity and PWD departments explain how the structure enjoyed water and power supply despite its illegal status?
All these questions have come to the fore as Margao Police station in-charge, PI C L Patil made his presence felt near the incomplete building at Pajifond on Sunday morning “ the scene of the death of a Hubli native on Saturday.
When 'The Goan' team visited the residential area at Pajifond on Sunday, it was evident that a sense of insecurity has indeed gripped the peace-loving people inhabiting the area. They spoke about how thugs engage in scuffles around the gambling den and on the streets late at night. And, they made no bones of the fact how certain elements loiter in the dark, especially near the Pajifond Cross.
“We have totally lost confidence in the men-in-uniform. What are we supposed to do when these lumpen elements enjoy political patronage of the powers that be?” remarked a resident, while demanding to know whether the police top brass will at least now inquire with the police personnel putting up in the government Junta quarters at Pajifond about the extent of rampant gambling activities prevalent in the locality.
“Motorists passing by the Pajifond road can see with their own eyes the rampant gambling activities alongside the road. Is it not shocking that these activities have escaped the attention of the police and their families putting up at the government Junta quarters?” questioned another resident.
A resident of Junta quarters demanded to know why the police have failed to clamp down on elements loitering on the main road leading to the quarters at late nights when they are not even residents of the locality.
