While an unnecessary debate, whether HIV/AIDS test should be mandatory or not raises, we ask the doubting Thomases to talk to these four women who got HIV becasue their husband's married them with the infection. Now they are about to take their wife's life, even after they are dead.
PANJIM: * Arti never knew what HIV/AIDS was until her husband fell seriously ill. Tests revealed that he was HIV positive. She was also advised to go for HIV/AIDS test. This was four years back. In 2002, she lost her husband. Even Arti's elder daughter was found positive. From then life has become an unending struggle: struggle to live, earn and lead a healthy life. Living with HIV/AIDS, Arti is trying hard to ensure that two of her children who were tested HIV negative have a secure future.
* Sheela's was a child marriage. At the age of four, her parents got her married to a person much older to her. At the age of 12, she came to live in Goa. She had five kids. Four years ago her husband died of HIV/AIDS. Later her three kids also fell prey to the dreaded disease and lost their lives. Her only consolation is that two of her younger children were tested negative.
* Everything was perfect for Sarita. She had a caring family; a loving husband and she felt her world was complete when the doctor told her that she was pregnant. They felt blessed and happy. But this happiness was short-lived. Without informing the couple, Sarita's gynaecologist got an HIV/AIDS test and the result was positive. Life changed forever. Since last two years she is a victim of blame game and acute criticism, which increased when her husband was also found to be HIV positive.
* From a lower middle class family, Shabnam's life has been full of thorns. She was forced to drop out of school and work as a daily wage earner. At the age of 17, her parents got her married to a man, who worked as a bus driver. After marriage she used to fall sick often. Life at her in-laws place was a nightmare and she hardly used to be with her husband. After two years, her husband expired and she was blamed for his death. As her health deteriorated, she was asked to do an HIV/AIDS test. She was also found to be positive.
Arti, Sheela, Sarita and Shabnam's experiences in life maybe different, but they share a harsh reality: they all infected the disease from their husband after marriage. Living and struggling with HIV/AIDS, they strongly support Goa government's decision to make HIV/AIDS test mandatory before marriage. After all AIDS affects people primarily when they are most productive and leads to premature death thereby severely affecting the socio-economic structure of whole families, communities and nations.
It must be recalled that the Goa government is planning to make HIV testing a mandatory requirement for couples planning to get married. Couples would be tested to find out their HIV status, and then - depending on the results - decide whether or not to go through with the ceremony. However, a final decision will be taken only after public consensus is reached on the issue.
Even as many raise questions about the social fate of people tested HIV positive, thereby creating a new stigmatised underclass, these HIV positive women believe that it is only mandatory HIV testing that would curb the spread of the disease. Not only will it save young women from falling prey to the disease but also prevent mother-to-child transmission. After all, majority of women infected with HIV/AIDS in Goa are in the age group of 15 to 35.
Before writing off the policy as unethically draconian, check out what these women have to say:
IT'S MY RIGHT:
If right to privacy is a fundamental human right and people living with HIV/AIDS have a right to live without discrimination. Then women's right to safe sexuality and to autonomy in all decisions relating to sexuality also needs to be respected. Living with HIV/AIDS, four of them strongly believe that if right to privacy is a fundamental right embalmed in the Constitution of India, then right to live is an equally important right and no one should be denied that right. They believe, "By and large, most men, however poor can choose when, with whom and with what protection if any, to have sex. Most women cannot. Often men even after knowing their HIV status marry a woman, thereby denying her right to live. Which is a greater right: Right to live or right to privacy?"
RESTRAIN THYSELF:
If you make the test mandatory, people will be more careful and not risk their life as well as the lives of their partner. They will be scared and restrain from leading an unhealthy sexual life for they know that there is a mandatory testing before marriage. This is a shared view. Sarita adds, "It is very difficult for a woman with HIV/AIDS. Besides, stigma and social ostracism there is this ever-growing financial tension and fear of an uncertain future and inevitable death".
IT'S A LIFELONG AFFAIR:
This one is for those who argue that mandatory testing prior to marriage would only give the state a false sense of security and a false belief that the infection is being effectively prevented from spreading. They believe that along with testing government should also make counselling mandatory to prevent any untoward happening in the future. Still better, Arti says, "Testing should be done at regular intervals and there should be timely intervention to ensure that menace of HIV/AIDS is curbed. Besides, testing should be affordable and within the reach of ordinary people. After all everyone wants to live and live a healthy life of dignity and peace." But how would the policy protect women in India, when many of them end up being infected after marriage by unfaithful spouses? "You have to make a beginning," she adds.
NEED OF THE HOUR: The common view: HIV/AIDS destroys families and houses. It not only affects the couple infected with HIV/AIDS but also devastates parents of the girls infected with HIV/AIDS. Sheela says, "HIV/AIDS testing is necessary not just to save a partner but also to save the future generation. So many kids are born with HIV/AIDS because their parents are ignorant about their HIV status. It is painful to see your kids suffer and die of HIV in front of your eyes. We need to protect their innocence and ensure a better, safer life for them."
DO WE HAVE A VOICE?: Women cannot negotiate safe sex because of her low status in society or lack of personal power. "Therefore, men whether knowingly infected or unaware of their HIV status, have a special responsibility of not putting others at risk. Women are in fact more at risk of getting infected because of their increased vulnerability. In addition, their low status within the family and society further heighten their vulnerability to infection," opined Shabnam.
WHY IS THERE OPPOSITION TO MAKING THE TEST MANDATORY BEFORE MARRIAGE?
WINDOW PERIOD: The window period. Window period is one in which even though a person is infected with HIV, she/he would be tested negative, as her/his antibodies are not developed.
FALSE ALARM: False positive results may actually ruin the life of a person not who is not HIV positive and destroy their career and life.
RUNNING AWAY FROM REALITY: Mandatory testing would only drive the disease underground and would be very costly for the state in the long run. Not many persons are aware of HIV, the nature of the disease, the testing methods, the methods of transmission of HIV, etc. Due to the ignorance, there is fear even to get an HIV test done.
NACO SAYS…: It is against the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) policy on testing, which encourages voluntary testing after pre-test counselling as the appropriate public health strategy in dealing with HIV/AIDS and the Union Health Minister has been quoted recently reaffirming this stand. Besides it is contrary to fundamental rights of Indian citizens RUNAWAY MARRIAGE: Further, it would only have the consequence of people going outside the state to marry, where such tests are not required.
ITS CONFIDENTIAL!: The results should be kept confidential. But here you are sharing the results with the prospective bride or groom.
YET TO PASS THE TEST: It has been tried out at other places and failed. The American Civil Liberties Union Report of March 1998 reported that mandatory pre-marital HIV testing was a record of failure. It stated that more than 30 states in the USA considered pre-marital HIV testing. However, all the states except for Illinois and Louisiana rejected the idea. Illinois and Louisiana enacted and enforced mandatory pre-marital testing, but subsequently repealed them.
VOX POP
1. UK Vohra, Health Secretary, Goa
"Government has proposed to make the test mandatory. We are throwing the issue open for public debate. At the moment there are two schools of thought: one for the test and another against it. We will call all the opinion makers and debate whether a consensus can be reached on the issue. We don't want to rake controversies.
2. Dr Denis Broun, Country Director, United Nations AIDS programme
"You can curb the disease only by spreading information, counselling and convincing families to go for HIV test before marriage. The government shouldn't interfere and introduce mandatory testing before marriage."
3. Rosy da Silva, artist
"I would definitely insist on a HIV/AIDS test before marriage. No one wants to fall into the trap. After all a relation is based on trust and truth, so does one person has the right to destroy his/her partner's life. Right to live is a much bigger right than right to privacy."
4. Rohit Phalgaonkar, teacher
"Personally speaking, I would get myself tested and also encourage my partner to get tested. However, it is more of a personal matter and the couple need to reach a consensus on the issue. More than making the test mandatory, the focus should be on spreading awareness about the disease."
IF YOU CAN DO THIS… THEN …
* If you can get tested and produce HIV free certificate when going for a job abroad, why can't you get yourself tested before marriage?
* If people are more worried about stigma and right to privacy, then the government, as a people's representative is worried about large scale spread of pandemic like situation and denial of right to live for many innocent souls.
http://goadourada.blogspot.com/
Preetu Nair
Senior Reporter
Gomantak Times
Panaji- Goa
India
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Gulliver's Travel: A voyage to Goa
Peter de Souza and Preetu Nair
PANJIM: If someone were to write a sequel to Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels: A Voyage to Brobdingnag; it would be called Gulliver's Travel: A voyage to Goa. However, Swift's Gulliver, the surgeon, would be replaced by very many Russian, European, Nigerian and Israeli Gullivers'.
Just like the friendly creatures welcomed Gulliver into their land, in the same manner Goans would have also welcomed travellers from all over the world to Goa. However, unlike Gulliver who after spending two years in Brobdingnag wants to return home, the Gulliver's in Goa have no will or inclination to return home.
The urge to explore and discover Goa is so high for the Russian, European, Nigerian and Israeli Gullivers' that they find very many reasons to stay in Goa. Of course the Goa police and the politicians, often help them in their endeavours and ensure that these Gullivers' find a safe haven in the state. And they continue to live, earn and flourish in Goa, even though they don't have a work permit. Even though their Visa expires they continue to stay in the country for years without any fear of the law of the land.
Despite Anita Rodrigues, SP, Foreigner's Branch claim, "We issue them deportation order and they leave the country", foreigners overstaying in the state adopt numerous tricks to ensure that they are not deported from the country:
Trick 1: I WANT TO STUDY
Many, especially Nigerians, come to Goa on study visa. Once in Goa they either take admission in a college or join a football club and continue to stay in the country. Most of them ensure that they never pass the exams and thus use this as an excuse to overstay in Goa.
Trick 2: PAY FINE & LIVE IN GOA
Those who are overstaying can be booked under the Passport Entry Act into India, 1995, if they don't have a passport. If Visa has expired then the tourist can be booked under the Foreigners' Regulation Order for violating Visa conditions. Once the police book them, they are produced in court. The Act says that any foreigner who overstays is either imposed a fine of Rs 2000 to 5000 or jailed for six months. Foreigners opt to pay the fine and stay in Goa.
Trick 3: ONCE FINED, FREE FOREVER
According to the Act, once a person who is overstaying is fined a sum and pays it, then they can't be arrested for the same offence again. Many take advantage of the loophole in the law and whenever police questions them, they produce the court fee challan. However, the situation would be different, if once convicted of overstaying, the government takes immediate steps to deport the person who is overstaying, said a top police official. He added that until the time they are deported they should be sent to a remand home and the deportation process should be expedite.
TRICK 4: A CASE OR TWO DOES THE TRICK
Often foreigner's overstaying get entangled in legal battles to ensure that they overstay. Once the matter is in court, it becomes all the more difficult to deport them.
TRICK 5: I AM BROKE
Government officials on condition of anonymity say that to deport the foreigner's overstaying in the state, government has to spend from its own pocket. "This the government claims is a burden on the public exchequer and this refrains us from taking any action against those overstaying. The result is that they keep overstaying and involve themselves in nefarious activities," said another top police official.
What is worse is that though the Foreigners Registration Act, 1946 clearly states that foreigners should not carry, buy, sell or use psychotropic drugs or any other narcotic substances while in India as their purchase, sale or possession is a cognisable offence, many indulge in the sale of drugs. While several Israelis and Russians are involved in the drug trade, the Nigerians work as runners. They are never caught, either for overstaying or for selling drugs, thanks to the political patronage that they enjoy in the state.
As a senior police official rightly said, "Overstaying of foreigners has caused innumerable problems, but the government is hardly interested in tackling the issue".
When contacted, Rina Torcato, DySP, Foreigner's Branch said, "Most of these people who are overstaying are engaged in court cases and when a matter is pending in the court, we can't deport them because the matter is in the court. However, on two occasions we have deported a Nigerian". But when asked to name them and the day they were deported, she failed to give any answer.
Our investigations reveal that Foreigner's office in Panjim issues leave India notice but never follows it up. "It is beyond our capacity to deport a foreigner, though we know that innumerable Israelis, Germans and Russians in the Northern coastal belt have taken advantage of this", revealed a staffer at the Foreigner's office in Panjim.
Rules are made to be broken and many foreigners in Goa continue to break laws in Goa and yet continue to live in the state unaffected. Check out a few who have managed to stay in the state, even though they have violated continuously violated the law of the land. This is just a tip of the iceberg.
· It is a known fact that Nigerians are used as "runners" by bigger Israeli and Russian drug lords in the state. But this gained importance when Charles Vozar, a Nigerian was arrested in 1992 for carrying cocaine. It is the same year that he came to Goa with his wife. It is reliably learnt that Charles had swallowed a big sachet of cocaine. Police got him admitted at the GMC. Police requested the doctors to give him a stomach wash but the initial efforts were futile. Later Charles was sent to the lock-up and it is here that he panicked fear that the cocaine pouch in his stomach may burst and he may die. He complained of stomach pain and fainted. It was here at the GMC that Dr Madhu was asked by Charles to give him a stomach wash again. Dr Madhu mentioned about this in the case paper which proved to be an important ground for Charles conviction. Later, he was arrested by Police Inspector Shetgaonkar for overstaying and he contested that his passport was with the ANC. At the moment he runs a notorious place called the Santana bar and restaurant at Gaura waddo in Calangute. This place is frequented by various notorious Nigerians and whatever plans and underhand dealings, even in the black Dollar trade are hatched here. Police officials say that he is taking undue advantage of the court cases against him and hanging him in Goa. Sources at the ANC revealed that both he and his wife are topping the list of the ANC compiled by the National Narcotic Control Bureau, among the Nigerians and the government is doing pretty little to deport them. The former controversial ANC team were much grateful to the existence of Charles and they were overfriendly with them and also a police informer who would provide the names of minor runners in the drug trade. Charles deosn't have money to go back but yet stays in a palatial house.
Arrested by PSI Rajan Prabhudessai and convicted for eight months for possessing 169 gram of brown sugar, worth Rs 25,000 in 2001. Charles had come to live in Goa along with his wife Gloria in 1992. Charles went to appeal in the high Court and the case is still going on.
* Jessi again a Nigerian, who is in list of the ANC is booked in the passport forgery case. so shrewd and cunning is Jessi that in his own passport, he extended his visa from 2001 to 2010 and got caught by the police in 2003. Incidentally, he is out on bail and now moves around freely.
Johnny Lamad, Afrcian, who was overstaying along with a friend raped a British national. Johnny befriended a foreigner in restaurant in Calangute and asked her to accompany him to a disco at late night. When she refused, he offered to drop her home, which she agreed to, lest knowing what was in store. Instead of dropping her home, he took her to his friend's house and the two men took turns in raping the woman and threatened to kill her.
Johnny Young, Bahamas, a close associate of Jacarias, a notorious criminals and alleged murderer involved with various armed cases form Goa. Sources reveal that Johnny was instrumental in teaching Jacarias the trade of throwing chilli powder into the eyes of the jailor and escaping from jail. So high are Johnny's contacts at various embassies that he helped Jacarias escape to Dubai. But he himself is overstaying in Goa thanks to a on-going rape case against him.
Alexis, a notorious Russian drug dealer, whose name figures among the top drug dealer in the National Narcotic Control Bureau list had come to Goa on a work permit. Though his visa expired in, he was overstaying. Finally, law caught up with him and issued him a Leave India Notice and he was planning to shift base to Kulu Manali. Thankfully, probably for the first time, the police acted and deported him before Alexis could take advantage of a loophole in the Act and overstay.
Another Nigerian Ifeanyi Patrick Okoye came to India on June 14, 2005 and his visa expired on December 13, 2005.
Artilce appeared in Gomantak Times, Panjim edition, India,
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preetu Nair
Senior Reporter
Gomantak Times
St.Inez, Panaji
Goa-403 001
India
http://goadourada.blogspot.com/
"Freedom of mind is the real freedom"
Babasaheb Ambedkar
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PANJIM: If someone were to write a sequel to Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels: A Voyage to Brobdingnag; it would be called Gulliver's Travel: A voyage to Goa. However, Swift's Gulliver, the surgeon, would be replaced by very many Russian, European, Nigerian and Israeli Gullivers'.
Just like the friendly creatures welcomed Gulliver into their land, in the same manner Goans would have also welcomed travellers from all over the world to Goa. However, unlike Gulliver who after spending two years in Brobdingnag wants to return home, the Gulliver's in Goa have no will or inclination to return home.
The urge to explore and discover Goa is so high for the Russian, European, Nigerian and Israeli Gullivers' that they find very many reasons to stay in Goa. Of course the Goa police and the politicians, often help them in their endeavours and ensure that these Gullivers' find a safe haven in the state. And they continue to live, earn and flourish in Goa, even though they don't have a work permit. Even though their Visa expires they continue to stay in the country for years without any fear of the law of the land.
Despite Anita Rodrigues, SP, Foreigner's Branch claim, "We issue them deportation order and they leave the country", foreigners overstaying in the state adopt numerous tricks to ensure that they are not deported from the country:
Trick 1: I WANT TO STUDY
Many, especially Nigerians, come to Goa on study visa. Once in Goa they either take admission in a college or join a football club and continue to stay in the country. Most of them ensure that they never pass the exams and thus use this as an excuse to overstay in Goa.
Trick 2: PAY FINE & LIVE IN GOA
Those who are overstaying can be booked under the Passport Entry Act into India, 1995, if they don't have a passport. If Visa has expired then the tourist can be booked under the Foreigners' Regulation Order for violating Visa conditions. Once the police book them, they are produced in court. The Act says that any foreigner who overstays is either imposed a fine of Rs 2000 to 5000 or jailed for six months. Foreigners opt to pay the fine and stay in Goa.
Trick 3: ONCE FINED, FREE FOREVER
According to the Act, once a person who is overstaying is fined a sum and pays it, then they can't be arrested for the same offence again. Many take advantage of the loophole in the law and whenever police questions them, they produce the court fee challan. However, the situation would be different, if once convicted of overstaying, the government takes immediate steps to deport the person who is overstaying, said a top police official. He added that until the time they are deported they should be sent to a remand home and the deportation process should be expedite.
TRICK 4: A CASE OR TWO DOES THE TRICK
Often foreigner's overstaying get entangled in legal battles to ensure that they overstay. Once the matter is in court, it becomes all the more difficult to deport them.
TRICK 5: I AM BROKE
Government officials on condition of anonymity say that to deport the foreigner's overstaying in the state, government has to spend from its own pocket. "This the government claims is a burden on the public exchequer and this refrains us from taking any action against those overstaying. The result is that they keep overstaying and involve themselves in nefarious activities," said another top police official.
What is worse is that though the Foreigners Registration Act, 1946 clearly states that foreigners should not carry, buy, sell or use psychotropic drugs or any other narcotic substances while in India as their purchase, sale or possession is a cognisable offence, many indulge in the sale of drugs. While several Israelis and Russians are involved in the drug trade, the Nigerians work as runners. They are never caught, either for overstaying or for selling drugs, thanks to the political patronage that they enjoy in the state.
As a senior police official rightly said, "Overstaying of foreigners has caused innumerable problems, but the government is hardly interested in tackling the issue".
When contacted, Rina Torcato, DySP, Foreigner's Branch said, "Most of these people who are overstaying are engaged in court cases and when a matter is pending in the court, we can't deport them because the matter is in the court. However, on two occasions we have deported a Nigerian". But when asked to name them and the day they were deported, she failed to give any answer.
Our investigations reveal that Foreigner's office in Panjim issues leave India notice but never follows it up. "It is beyond our capacity to deport a foreigner, though we know that innumerable Israelis, Germans and Russians in the Northern coastal belt have taken advantage of this", revealed a staffer at the Foreigner's office in Panjim.
Rules are made to be broken and many foreigners in Goa continue to break laws in Goa and yet continue to live in the state unaffected. Check out a few who have managed to stay in the state, even though they have violated continuously violated the law of the land. This is just a tip of the iceberg.
· It is a known fact that Nigerians are used as "runners" by bigger Israeli and Russian drug lords in the state. But this gained importance when Charles Vozar, a Nigerian was arrested in 1992 for carrying cocaine. It is the same year that he came to Goa with his wife. It is reliably learnt that Charles had swallowed a big sachet of cocaine. Police got him admitted at the GMC. Police requested the doctors to give him a stomach wash but the initial efforts were futile. Later Charles was sent to the lock-up and it is here that he panicked fear that the cocaine pouch in his stomach may burst and he may die. He complained of stomach pain and fainted. It was here at the GMC that Dr Madhu was asked by Charles to give him a stomach wash again. Dr Madhu mentioned about this in the case paper which proved to be an important ground for Charles conviction. Later, he was arrested by Police Inspector Shetgaonkar for overstaying and he contested that his passport was with the ANC. At the moment he runs a notorious place called the Santana bar and restaurant at Gaura waddo in Calangute. This place is frequented by various notorious Nigerians and whatever plans and underhand dealings, even in the black Dollar trade are hatched here. Police officials say that he is taking undue advantage of the court cases against him and hanging him in Goa. Sources at the ANC revealed that both he and his wife are topping the list of the ANC compiled by the National Narcotic Control Bureau, among the Nigerians and the government is doing pretty little to deport them. The former controversial ANC team were much grateful to the existence of Charles and they were overfriendly with them and also a police informer who would provide the names of minor runners in the drug trade. Charles deosn't have money to go back but yet stays in a palatial house.
Arrested by PSI Rajan Prabhudessai and convicted for eight months for possessing 169 gram of brown sugar, worth Rs 25,000 in 2001. Charles had come to live in Goa along with his wife Gloria in 1992. Charles went to appeal in the high Court and the case is still going on.
* Jessi again a Nigerian, who is in list of the ANC is booked in the passport forgery case. so shrewd and cunning is Jessi that in his own passport, he extended his visa from 2001 to 2010 and got caught by the police in 2003. Incidentally, he is out on bail and now moves around freely.
Johnny Lamad, Afrcian, who was overstaying along with a friend raped a British national. Johnny befriended a foreigner in restaurant in Calangute and asked her to accompany him to a disco at late night. When she refused, he offered to drop her home, which she agreed to, lest knowing what was in store. Instead of dropping her home, he took her to his friend's house and the two men took turns in raping the woman and threatened to kill her.
Johnny Young, Bahamas, a close associate of Jacarias, a notorious criminals and alleged murderer involved with various armed cases form Goa. Sources reveal that Johnny was instrumental in teaching Jacarias the trade of throwing chilli powder into the eyes of the jailor and escaping from jail. So high are Johnny's contacts at various embassies that he helped Jacarias escape to Dubai. But he himself is overstaying in Goa thanks to a on-going rape case against him.
Alexis, a notorious Russian drug dealer, whose name figures among the top drug dealer in the National Narcotic Control Bureau list had come to Goa on a work permit. Though his visa expired in, he was overstaying. Finally, law caught up with him and issued him a Leave India Notice and he was planning to shift base to Kulu Manali. Thankfully, probably for the first time, the police acted and deported him before Alexis could take advantage of a loophole in the Act and overstay.
Another Nigerian Ifeanyi Patrick Okoye came to India on June 14, 2005 and his visa expired on December 13, 2005.
Artilce appeared in Gomantak Times, Panjim edition, India,
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preetu Nair
Senior Reporter
Gomantak Times
St.Inez, Panaji
Goa-403 001
India
http://goadourada.blogspot.com/
"Freedom of mind is the real freedom"
Babasaheb Ambedkar
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RUSSIAN ROULETTE
Ruling the roost?
PETER DE SOUZA & PREETU NAIR
* "Sound" man: Provider of imported sound systems from Singapore for Rave parties. "Sound" man protected the Israelis from police and also ensured that the Israelis got political patronage, essential for hassle-free trade in the coastal belt. Later, he brokered a truce between the warring Israelis and Russians.
* Baba: A man with long hair running up to his waist, which appears as a bun over his head, he portrays himself as a hermit. He sits near the sound system and gives dakshina to the public in the form of drugs at rave parties, ensures quick compromise when a drug dealer is in trouble.
* Aspee: A Russian, believed to be the King of Coke, he is also one of the best DJs in the world. In the international market he charges $ 2000 per hour to play.
* Baba brothers: They were partners in crime with the alleged Russian drug lord Alexis, who was recently deported from the country. They helped the Russians reach a truce with the Israelis.
PANJIM: Changes can't be prevented, especially when it concerns mafia, drug lords and the sun-kissed beaches of Goa. Anjuna, once known for its flower children has been witnessing constant changes, thanks to the mafia dons who have dominated the area with their drug trade since 1980.
If in the 1980s the Nigerians and Kenyans flourished in the coastal belt in the drug trade, then in the early 90s it was the Israeli mafia who spread their tentacles in Anjuna. And now it is the Russians, who are kingpins of the drug and the flesh trade in the Northern coastal belt. "They want to convert the place into mini-Russia," observed DIG Ujjwal Mishra.
The Israelis, mostly backpackers and soldiers, who came to Anjuna as tourists, became successful drug dealers in the early 90s with the support of Anjuna locals. "Such was the patronage of the locals to the Israeli dealers that Anjuna residents banned Nigerians and Kenyans from entering the trade, confining them to the Calangute belt," said a top police official.
By 1997, Israelis ruled the coastal belt with the help of the locals and more and more Israelis poured into Anjuna to take up the drug trade. "Between 1997 and 99, there was much hatred for the Nigerian and Kenyan drug dealers. The locals, who were Israeli supporters, often beat and threaten them. Soon they were shunted out of the business as well as the area," said the police official.
But Israelis brought along with them not just drugs but also Rave parties. It is reliably learnt that an Assagao based "Sound" man, who is the sole provider of imported sound systems from Singapore for the Rave parties, provided protection to the Israeli drug dealers. "Israelis have invested large amounts of money in these sound systems. In return the Assagao based "Sound" man ensured protection to the Israelis from the police and also ensured that the Israelis got political patronage that was essential to let their trade flourish in the coastal belt," said a top police official.
Besides the "Sound" man, another person Baba, who portrays himself as a hermit ensures that when a drug dealer is in trouble a compromise is reached at the earliest. He sits near the sound system and gives dakshina to the public in the form of drugs during the rave parties.
From 1997 to 2004, there was a spree of rave parties, where only Israelis were allowed to form the DJ line-up. But these rave parties were limited only to Anjuna.
Even though Russians arrived in the state in 2002, they didn't immediately start work. "They descended on Ashvem, Pernem and asked their man DJ Aspee in Goa to study the drug trade scenario in Goa. In 2003-2004 the Russian mafia, which is the most powerful one in the world today, extended their base in Morjim and with local and political support invested in 1.5 lakh square meters of land," said a source.
After extending their tentacles to Dubai, Singapore, Bahrain, Egypt, most of Asia and Gulf, they finally decided to invest in Goa. It is reliably learnt that in 2004, Russians entered the drug trade in Anjuna and the dealers tried to transact business at a controversial rave venue, which is situated on a hill top in Anjuna.
By 2005, they started having regular rave parties at different venues in Pernem. The reason for holding it at different venues is that if there was any drug related death then no one could be held accountable. Slowly, Russians began pouring in large numbers to Goa with women and MDMA (ecstasy tablet, which gives an orgasm for around six hours).
In the past, Israelis had limited themselves to LSD and cocaine, while the Russians specialised in MDMA and high quality cocaine. But when the Russians started gaining popularity, the Israelis joined hands with the locals and monopolised in charas. Our sources reveal that thousands of acres of fields were brought by the Israelis along with their Goan counterparts in Kulu Manali. Charas was grown here in large quantity and they have also set up 16 resorts in Kulu Manali, from where they control 40 percent of the charas trade.
However, with the growing command of the Russians in the trade, the Israelis felt threatened and a massive fight broke out between them. The mighty and by now powerful Russians beat up the Israelis at the same rave venue from where the Russians had started business, thereby ensuring that no Israeli in the Northern belt could operate without the help of Russian mafia.
However, the "Sound" man again with the help of Baba brothers struck a truce between the two warring factions because the mafia war was badly affecting their trade. It must be recalled that Anjuna based Baba brothers were partners in crime with an alleged Russian drug lord Alexis, who was recently deported from the country. "A subtle understanding was reached and it was decided that they wouldn't interfere in each other's business or wander into each other's territory," said the police official.
Lords move from Anjuna to Pernem
Anjuna's loss is Pernem's gain! Ever since GT exposed the drug trade in Anjuna with the help of the local cops and ANC, the Anjuna PI Rajesh Kumar has put his foot down and not allowed any rave parties to be held in his jurisdiction, which was once the unofficial haven for supplying drugs and flesh trade.
After GT exposed how a constable from Anjuna police station and two from the ANC, who had managed to sneak out a list of the drug dealers prepared by the National Narcotics Control Board and used it to extort money from dealers, SP Sharad Agrawal has been hunting for the dealers. The dealers on the other hand took shelter in Pernem. Once in Pernem and under constant watch of the police, the two conflicting mafia gangs - Israelis and Russians - decided to work in harmony. Almost every alternate day, they organise rave parties at the Sweet water lake, Arambol, Morjim and Ashvem beaches.
Once again, the Assagao based "Sound" man, played the connecting factor, between the Israelis and Russian. However, everyone takes orders from Aspee, who is alleged to be the biggest Russian dealer. "He is one of the most elusive dealer and has given us a tough time. Besides he is also one of the best DJs in the world and charges $ 2000 per hour to play in the international market," said a top police official. Aspee is the main attraction at any rave party and foreign tourists flock like bees to a honeycomb to a rave party whenever Aspee is playing.
In Goa, all other DJs who perform at rave parties are under his control and only if he gives permission they play, the source added. Meanwhile, Aspee, who lives in Assagao, moves around with a rough and tough looking middle-aged Russian woman, who is allegedly involved in the supply of young Russian girls between the age of 14 and 17 to customers. She is also known to be Aspee's bodyguard.
Our sources reveal that the dealers had brought almost 100 kg of cocaine this season and hafta of Rs 20 lakh was allegedly paid to the police as instalment to look the other way. The only market for cocaine is at the rave party. With no rave parties in Anjuna and the dealers on the run, there was panic among the dealers because if the cocaine were not sold during the peak season - December to February, crores of rupees would have been lost. If kept for long then cocaine loses its freshness and the prices drop. But thankfully, they found a new and safe destination at Pernem.
(Story appeared in GT Weekender, Panjim edition, India)
PETER DE SOUZA & PREETU NAIR
* "Sound" man: Provider of imported sound systems from Singapore for Rave parties. "Sound" man protected the Israelis from police and also ensured that the Israelis got political patronage, essential for hassle-free trade in the coastal belt. Later, he brokered a truce between the warring Israelis and Russians.
* Baba: A man with long hair running up to his waist, which appears as a bun over his head, he portrays himself as a hermit. He sits near the sound system and gives dakshina to the public in the form of drugs at rave parties, ensures quick compromise when a drug dealer is in trouble.
* Aspee: A Russian, believed to be the King of Coke, he is also one of the best DJs in the world. In the international market he charges $ 2000 per hour to play.
* Baba brothers: They were partners in crime with the alleged Russian drug lord Alexis, who was recently deported from the country. They helped the Russians reach a truce with the Israelis.
PANJIM: Changes can't be prevented, especially when it concerns mafia, drug lords and the sun-kissed beaches of Goa. Anjuna, once known for its flower children has been witnessing constant changes, thanks to the mafia dons who have dominated the area with their drug trade since 1980.
If in the 1980s the Nigerians and Kenyans flourished in the coastal belt in the drug trade, then in the early 90s it was the Israeli mafia who spread their tentacles in Anjuna. And now it is the Russians, who are kingpins of the drug and the flesh trade in the Northern coastal belt. "They want to convert the place into mini-Russia," observed DIG Ujjwal Mishra.
The Israelis, mostly backpackers and soldiers, who came to Anjuna as tourists, became successful drug dealers in the early 90s with the support of Anjuna locals. "Such was the patronage of the locals to the Israeli dealers that Anjuna residents banned Nigerians and Kenyans from entering the trade, confining them to the Calangute belt," said a top police official.
By 1997, Israelis ruled the coastal belt with the help of the locals and more and more Israelis poured into Anjuna to take up the drug trade. "Between 1997 and 99, there was much hatred for the Nigerian and Kenyan drug dealers. The locals, who were Israeli supporters, often beat and threaten them. Soon they were shunted out of the business as well as the area," said the police official.
But Israelis brought along with them not just drugs but also Rave parties. It is reliably learnt that an Assagao based "Sound" man, who is the sole provider of imported sound systems from Singapore for the Rave parties, provided protection to the Israeli drug dealers. "Israelis have invested large amounts of money in these sound systems. In return the Assagao based "Sound" man ensured protection to the Israelis from the police and also ensured that the Israelis got political patronage that was essential to let their trade flourish in the coastal belt," said a top police official.
Besides the "Sound" man, another person Baba, who portrays himself as a hermit ensures that when a drug dealer is in trouble a compromise is reached at the earliest. He sits near the sound system and gives dakshina to the public in the form of drugs during the rave parties.
From 1997 to 2004, there was a spree of rave parties, where only Israelis were allowed to form the DJ line-up. But these rave parties were limited only to Anjuna.
Even though Russians arrived in the state in 2002, they didn't immediately start work. "They descended on Ashvem, Pernem and asked their man DJ Aspee in Goa to study the drug trade scenario in Goa. In 2003-2004 the Russian mafia, which is the most powerful one in the world today, extended their base in Morjim and with local and political support invested in 1.5 lakh square meters of land," said a source.
After extending their tentacles to Dubai, Singapore, Bahrain, Egypt, most of Asia and Gulf, they finally decided to invest in Goa. It is reliably learnt that in 2004, Russians entered the drug trade in Anjuna and the dealers tried to transact business at a controversial rave venue, which is situated on a hill top in Anjuna.
By 2005, they started having regular rave parties at different venues in Pernem. The reason for holding it at different venues is that if there was any drug related death then no one could be held accountable. Slowly, Russians began pouring in large numbers to Goa with women and MDMA (ecstasy tablet, which gives an orgasm for around six hours).
In the past, Israelis had limited themselves to LSD and cocaine, while the Russians specialised in MDMA and high quality cocaine. But when the Russians started gaining popularity, the Israelis joined hands with the locals and monopolised in charas. Our sources reveal that thousands of acres of fields were brought by the Israelis along with their Goan counterparts in Kulu Manali. Charas was grown here in large quantity and they have also set up 16 resorts in Kulu Manali, from where they control 40 percent of the charas trade.
However, with the growing command of the Russians in the trade, the Israelis felt threatened and a massive fight broke out between them. The mighty and by now powerful Russians beat up the Israelis at the same rave venue from where the Russians had started business, thereby ensuring that no Israeli in the Northern belt could operate without the help of Russian mafia.
However, the "Sound" man again with the help of Baba brothers struck a truce between the two warring factions because the mafia war was badly affecting their trade. It must be recalled that Anjuna based Baba brothers were partners in crime with an alleged Russian drug lord Alexis, who was recently deported from the country. "A subtle understanding was reached and it was decided that they wouldn't interfere in each other's business or wander into each other's territory," said the police official.
Lords move from Anjuna to Pernem
Anjuna's loss is Pernem's gain! Ever since GT exposed the drug trade in Anjuna with the help of the local cops and ANC, the Anjuna PI Rajesh Kumar has put his foot down and not allowed any rave parties to be held in his jurisdiction, which was once the unofficial haven for supplying drugs and flesh trade.
After GT exposed how a constable from Anjuna police station and two from the ANC, who had managed to sneak out a list of the drug dealers prepared by the National Narcotics Control Board and used it to extort money from dealers, SP Sharad Agrawal has been hunting for the dealers. The dealers on the other hand took shelter in Pernem. Once in Pernem and under constant watch of the police, the two conflicting mafia gangs - Israelis and Russians - decided to work in harmony. Almost every alternate day, they organise rave parties at the Sweet water lake, Arambol, Morjim and Ashvem beaches.
Once again, the Assagao based "Sound" man, played the connecting factor, between the Israelis and Russian. However, everyone takes orders from Aspee, who is alleged to be the biggest Russian dealer. "He is one of the most elusive dealer and has given us a tough time. Besides he is also one of the best DJs in the world and charges $ 2000 per hour to play in the international market," said a top police official. Aspee is the main attraction at any rave party and foreign tourists flock like bees to a honeycomb to a rave party whenever Aspee is playing.
In Goa, all other DJs who perform at rave parties are under his control and only if he gives permission they play, the source added. Meanwhile, Aspee, who lives in Assagao, moves around with a rough and tough looking middle-aged Russian woman, who is allegedly involved in the supply of young Russian girls between the age of 14 and 17 to customers. She is also known to be Aspee's bodyguard.
Our sources reveal that the dealers had brought almost 100 kg of cocaine this season and hafta of Rs 20 lakh was allegedly paid to the police as instalment to look the other way. The only market for cocaine is at the rave party. With no rave parties in Anjuna and the dealers on the run, there was panic among the dealers because if the cocaine were not sold during the peak season - December to February, crores of rupees would have been lost. If kept for long then cocaine loses its freshness and the prices drop. But thankfully, they found a new and safe destination at Pernem.
(Story appeared in GT Weekender, Panjim edition, India)
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