Two booked for violating order
MARGAO
District police chief, South SP Tikam Singh on Tuesday issued a stern warning to influencers and others that the police will crack a whip if anyone is found violating the order issued by the South Goa District Collector Egna Cleetus prohibiting swimming, bathing, or entering waterfalls, abandoned quarries, rivers, lakes, and other similar natural water bodies in South Goa.
The SP, South pointed out that the police have already booked two violators for violating the district Collector’s order banning swimming or entering waterfalls.
He also warned influencers for violating the Collector’s order and also those who get influenced by the influencers. “The police have cracked a whip against the violators. We have already registered two cases for violating the Collector’s order,” he said.
The district Collector’s order has come into force with effect from May 23 and shall remain in operation for a period of 60 days, unless withdrawn earlier.
The Collector has directed the concerned Police Inspectors and Mamlatdars to maintain strict vigilance within their jurisdictions and enforce this order diligently.
Invoking powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, the Collector has warned that any person found in contravention of this order shall be liable for punishment under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Additionally, the Deputy Collector and Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Quepem, is hereby authorised to verify violations, take necessary action, file FIRs with the concerned police stations, and initiate complaints before the appropriate Judicial Magistrate.
The order has been issued by the Collector as per a letter written by the Superintendent of Police, South Goa, mentioning the recurring and grave issue of drowning incidents occurring across various natural water bodies in South Goa during the monsoon season, including waterfalls, abandoned quarries, rivers, lakes, and other similar sites frequently visited by both locals and tourists.
