PANAJI
Those committing crimes and fleeing to the State to evade law enforcement agencies may now find it difficult to escape detection, as the State government will set up CCTV cameras at all check posts in the State.
While this CCTV surveillance system has already been introduced in some coastal areas, it will be implemented at all entry/exit points in the State from September.
When contacted, Information Technology Minister Rohan Khaunte said his department has been working on this system, in a bid to identify and take action against those who have committed crimes in other States and are fleeing to Goa.
“Since Goa is a tourist State, lakhs of tourists visit Goa every year by air, rail and road. Many foreigners also come to Goa to escape detection after having committed crimes abroad,” said Khaunte.
“When such persons enter Goa, police will be able to capture his face through CCTV surveillance at the entrance and take immediate action against him.”
The minister informed that there were discussions with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Information Technology regarding this arrangement a few months ago.
“However due to the election code of conduct and some other issues, implementation of this surveillance system was interrupted,” said Khaunte.
Khaunte said such a CCTV surveillance system has been introduced in some coastal areas and will be made operational at all entry/exit points in the State after September.
According to sources, the proposal to set up CCTV surveillance at all entry/exit points in the State was prompted by an increase in crimes in the State over the last few years.
“After being regularly criticised for failing to tackle crimes, the government decided to keep a check on those with a criminal background by introducing this CCTV surveillance system,” said a source.
The source added that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant was apprised about this CCTV surveillance system. Following his approval, the departments of Information Technology and Home interacted on this and started the process of setting up this system at all entry/exit points in the State.
