I wish to draw urgent public attention to a worrying form of organised extortion that is rapidly emerging on the streets of Goa. A new method is being used: a motorcyclist deliberately collides with a car on relatively empty roads, often causing little or no damage. Before the driver can properly understand what has happened, a group of accomplices is called in”friends, local toughs, and sometimes a self-proclaimed and poorly informed “lawyer”. A crowd quickly gathers, pressure builds, and intimidation begins. The message is clear: pay money or face trouble.
What follows is mental harassment and misuse of influence. Victims”especially those who do not speak Konkani or have out-of-state driving licences”are put in a highly vulnerable position. The situation becomes more serious when the names of “known police personnel” are mentioned to increase fear. Under such pressure, victims are forced to pay amounts ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 1,00,000, even when there is no proof of fault, damage, or any legal basis.
This is not an isolated crime but organised extortion that harms public trust. Goa has already faced damage to its image due to transport mafias, and this new racket will further weaken the rule of law and create fear among citizens and visitors. While the government focuses on public events and conclaves, basic duties like ethical governance and protection of citizens must not be ignored. This menace needs urgent action. Silence by the government will only allow such criminal behaviour to become normalised.
