The tragic murder of Morjim senior citizen Umakant Khot has caused deep grief to his family, friends, and neighbours, and sent shock waves across Goa. While the Goa government and police may issue statements, give warnings, and take legal action to calm public anger, incidents like this seemed bound to happen sooner or later.
There is huge money involved in land deals. These land and real estate players have little concern for Goa’s environment and often get frustrated by Goans who oppose them. The criminal “rule of law” followed in some other states now appears to have made its way into Goa. The victim had filed several complaints months ago about illegal hill cutting with government bodies. If timely action had been taken, this tragedy might have been avoided.
The late Umakant Khot should be remembered as a Goan hero who paid the ultimate price for protecting the environment. His sacrifice should serve as an inspiration ” and a wake-up call ” for Goans to act before things get even worse and it becomes too late.
