PANAJI
The Opposition has come down heavily on the government as a third heinous crime on the beach belt once again raised questions on the law and order within the State.
Amar Bandekar, a 37-year-old owner of a Chabad House, was killed in an altercation with a non-Goan shack worker over the placement of shacks, at Arambol. Earlier this month, an Andhra Pradesh tourist Bhola Ravi Teja was murdered in a brawl with a Calangute shack operator and workers. This was followed by another assault on Mumbai tourists by workers and security guards of another shack in Calangute.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao slammed the government, stating that the Home Department has failed to prevent crimes while only boasting of detection.
“This means our beaches are also not safe to move around. Goa Police have failed to stop murders, rapes and other crimes. There is no fear of the police system, as they engage themselves in helping criminals to escape from custody,” Alemao said on Monday.
The Goa Forward Party has blamed the failure of the Home Department for the current incidents, arguing that inadequate policing in the coastal belt is leading to violence against locals.
“Police presence should be enhanced, and Tourism, along with Home departments, should crack down on the accused,” GFP North Goa President Deepak Kalangutkar said while addressing a press conference on Monday.
Alemao, while also citing the gang rape of a mentally challenged girl, demanded that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant should clarify the rising crimes in the State.
“This is a total failure of law and order in the state. We have seen the government boasting about the detection of crimes in the state. But in reality, it has failed to prevent crimes. The home department should check whether its staff does proper patrolling or if they are staff engaged in some other work,” the LoP pointed out.
Ex-GPCC President Girish Chodankar demanded CM’s resignation, in a social media post soon after the Arambol incident. “…It's time for you (CM) to step down, as you have failed to ensure our safety amid this complete collapse of law and order,” he posted.
