OLD GOA
The posting of police personnel at the entrance of their ward has caused apprehension among the locals of St Agostinho Ward in Santa Cruz who are left to wonder whether there is any threat to the villagers.
One of the locals informed The Goan that it has been several days now that the police force is posted at the entrance and other areas of their ward, round the clock.
“It has left us wondering whether there is any threat to the locals of the wards. But when we asked the police stationed at the spot, they simply say that it is because of panchayat polls. But, the panchayat poll schedule is yet to be announced and if that is so, then why the police are stationed only in our lane of St Agostinho Ward?” the local posed.
Another local, on condition of anonymity, informed that they are being misinformed.
“We refuse to believe that the police are kept due to panchayat polls. We have doubts that it could be due to security reasons, either to an individual or a group of individuals as the police are conducting checks.”
“What we want is that the police give us proper information so that we can take precautionary measures for the safety of our loved ones,” the local added.
When contacted about the issue, St Cruz MLA Rudolf Fernandes too said that he is kept in the dark about the same.
“When I questioned the Old Goa police, they told me that it is routine. But if it is routine, then why are the police posted in only one ward and that too continuously?” Fernandes posed.
“I have doubts that there is something serious which even the Old Goa police are not aware of. The directives have probably come from high-level authorities,” the MLA added.
