According to a senior police officer, the increase in migrant workforce coming from other states has significantly resulted in several cases of murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping cases involving children, burglaries besides other crimes against women. The massive influx of migrants and their involvement in a number of crimes including 21 murder cases just this year has reportedly become a major concern for the resident population and the South Goa administration. It is impossible for the grossly under-staffed police force in the state to keep an eye on the activities of these migrants. Tenant verification and other measures including patrolling can to some extent reduce the crime rate. Many migrants live in slums hence tenant verification may not be an adequate step to stop crime. What is also worrying is the increase in the number of thefts, pick-pockets, burglaries, house-breaks and even kidnapping cases. Due to the influx of migrants, Goa may no longer be a safe place as it was in yesteryears. The state could be going the way of UP and Bihar as far as crime is concerned.
