Scarlett swab report deals blow to cops
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: British teenager Scarlett Keeling may not have been raped on the night before her death. Swab samples taken from her mouth and vagina have tested negative for the presence of sperms, top police officials told TOI on Tuesday.
This deals a severe blow to the prosecution case. The police on Saturday had filed a provisional charge-sheet against the main accused under various sections including rape and murder.
SP (North) Bosco George confirmed the test reports have arrived from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad, but refused to comment on the findings.
The police claim that a drugged Scarlett was sexually assaulted by prime accused Samson D’Souza and then left in water on Anjuna beach, leading to her death. The police had arrested Samson based on another accused Placido Carvalho alias Shana Boy’s statement that he had seen a half naked (without his trousers and underwear) Samson lying atop the minor girl and in a position of having sex at 4.45 am. Even key witness Michael Mannion aka Masala Mike, a Britisher, had confirmed this.
Later Shana was also arrested allegedly for administering drugs with the common intent to commit rape and murder. He was released on bail by the Children’s Court as there was absolutely no material to indicate that he had given Ecstasy tablets or cocaine to Scarlett nor was there any material to indicate his nexus with the offences of rape and murder.
The provisional 287-page charge-sheet filed by the Anjuna police seeks to try Samson and Placido under sections 302 (murder), 376 (rape), 201 (disappearance of evidence), 328 (causing hurt by means of poison) and 109 (abetment) of the Indian Penal Code and under section 8(1) 2 of Goa Children’s Act.
The police have also submitted a list of 87 witnesses to be examined in the case. The charge-sheet also alleges that the deceased was administered drugs and raped before the murder and that she was drowned in the sea on February 18, 2008.
2008 Jun 04 Times Of India Goa
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Security agencies under scanner
Security agencies under scanner
Background Verification For Guards
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Irrespective of how well established they are, security agencies in the state will have to queue up for fresh licenses shortly.
The Private Security Agencies Rules 2008 announced in a government gazette is expected to be notified in a week’s time.
It states that all agencies offering security services have to secure a licence from the special secretary (home) who has been appointed as the controlling authority.
In the past such licences were issued by municipal authorities and often led to the mushrooming of fly-bynight agencies which in turn caused “severe security threats”, said top police officials.
Speaking to TOI, controlling authority Diwan Chand said, “Even if the agencies have been doing business they have to take a (new) licence to operate. The fees for issue of licence is Rs 5,000 if operating in one district and Rs 10,000 if operating throughout the state. It is valid for 5 years.”
He added that the licence would be granted only after the district superitendent of police verified the credentials of the agency owners, checked if they possess skills or qualifications to operate an agency and confirmed that the business was not prejudicial to national security or public order.
Under the rules, the background and character of every security guard would also have to be verified by the police within 30 days if the guard is from Goa or 90 days if from outside the state.
All guards including ex-servicemen and former police officers would have to be given classroom and field training.
Apart from basic skills they would be trained in crowd control, identification of improvised explosive devices as well as handling and operation of non-prohibited weapons and firearms.
“We want security agencies to employ duly verified security guards so that they can offer protection rather than become liabilities to the police or threats to society,” said director general of police B S Brar who has been pushing for this notification with the home ministry.
Adding that such checks help to catch criminals guised as security guards and deter guards from indulging in crimes Brar said, “If security personnel are properly trained in handling arms we can even thwart any kind of criminal design, including terrorism.”
He admitted that the police are unaware of the number of private security agencies operating in the state and the skill levels of the guards.
Sources in private security agencies revealed that at present anyone with even a little experience or knowledge of this industry launched a company after securing permission from municipal authorities.
“There are about 20 successful establishments in the state, but 100 small time operators sign up every year along with a few fly-by-night operators,” informed a security agency officer.
He goes on to say that only 10 percent of Goans worked as security guards whereas the majority of them are hired from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, Karnataka and Assam. The rules are part of the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act 2005.
What’s in store?
All private security agencies to seek fresh license from government This license is valid for a period of 5 years All private security agencies’ owners and employees to be verified Police have to verify background and character of a person within 30 days if from Goa or 90 days if from outside the state All private security guards would be trained, some in using firearms
Background Verification For Guards
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Irrespective of how well established they are, security agencies in the state will have to queue up for fresh licenses shortly.
The Private Security Agencies Rules 2008 announced in a government gazette is expected to be notified in a week’s time.
It states that all agencies offering security services have to secure a licence from the special secretary (home) who has been appointed as the controlling authority.
In the past such licences were issued by municipal authorities and often led to the mushrooming of fly-bynight agencies which in turn caused “severe security threats”, said top police officials.
Speaking to TOI, controlling authority Diwan Chand said, “Even if the agencies have been doing business they have to take a (new) licence to operate. The fees for issue of licence is Rs 5,000 if operating in one district and Rs 10,000 if operating throughout the state. It is valid for 5 years.”
He added that the licence would be granted only after the district superitendent of police verified the credentials of the agency owners, checked if they possess skills or qualifications to operate an agency and confirmed that the business was not prejudicial to national security or public order.
Under the rules, the background and character of every security guard would also have to be verified by the police within 30 days if the guard is from Goa or 90 days if from outside the state.
All guards including ex-servicemen and former police officers would have to be given classroom and field training.
Apart from basic skills they would be trained in crowd control, identification of improvised explosive devices as well as handling and operation of non-prohibited weapons and firearms.
“We want security agencies to employ duly verified security guards so that they can offer protection rather than become liabilities to the police or threats to society,” said director general of police B S Brar who has been pushing for this notification with the home ministry.
Adding that such checks help to catch criminals guised as security guards and deter guards from indulging in crimes Brar said, “If security personnel are properly trained in handling arms we can even thwart any kind of criminal design, including terrorism.”
He admitted that the police are unaware of the number of private security agencies operating in the state and the skill levels of the guards.
Sources in private security agencies revealed that at present anyone with even a little experience or knowledge of this industry launched a company after securing permission from municipal authorities.
“There are about 20 successful establishments in the state, but 100 small time operators sign up every year along with a few fly-by-night operators,” informed a security agency officer.
He goes on to say that only 10 percent of Goans worked as security guards whereas the majority of them are hired from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, Karnataka and Assam. The rules are part of the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act 2005.
What’s in store?
All private security agencies to seek fresh license from government This license is valid for a period of 5 years All private security agencies’ owners and employees to be verified Police have to verify background and character of a person within 30 days if from Goa or 90 days if from outside the state All private security guards would be trained, some in using firearms
Death of Russian detective bares drug, sex trade in state
Death of Russian detective bares drug, sex trade in state
Police Rule Out Any Chance Of Foul Play
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The mystery surrounding the death of the Russian law enforcement officer in Goa has exposed another tale of drugs and sex, even as TOI investigations have confirmed that Eugeny Kuzmin (25) was in the state specifically to check
whether the drug trade had any Russian links.
Kuzmin was on a secret mission to investigate if there is any involvement of Russian nationals in the drug trade in Goa. Moscow was concerned with several allegations of Russians being involved in the drug trade, and had sent Kuzmin to Goa for an undercover investigation. He was found dead in his hotel room in Mandrem on December 9, 2007.
The enforcement officer’s sudden death had created a furore in Russia. The Ministry of the Interior of the Russian Federation had written a letter to the Goa chief minister and chief secretary on February 15, 2008, raising concerns about his demise.
TOI investigations also reveal that an Assagao-based Russian is a kingpin in the drug trade. “The Russian brain behind the drug trade in Goa is a Disc Jockey (DJ) who resides in North Goa. He operates in the coastal areas of Morjim, Arambol and Ashvem in Pernem taluka with the help of locals,” a shack owner from Anjuna told TOI.
It is alleged that the DJ supplies narcotics, especially MDMA, at rave parties and women are used as runners to sell drugs. However, the Russian authorities refused to divulge any further information.
“Kuzmin’s death remains shrouded in mystery. A scrutiny of the viscera report would greatly help in bringing some clarity to the cause of death. However, the circumstances preceding his death must be investigated and recorded to assist justice,” said Vikram Varma, counsel for Consul general of Russian Federation, Mumbai.
However, the Goa police has ruled out foul play. “The inquiry conducted so far has revealed that there is no foul play in the death of Kuzmin,” said SP Bosco George.
2008 May 07 Times Of India Goa
Police Rule Out Any Chance Of Foul Play
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The mystery surrounding the death of the Russian law enforcement officer in Goa has exposed another tale of drugs and sex, even as TOI investigations have confirmed that Eugeny Kuzmin (25) was in the state specifically to check
whether the drug trade had any Russian links.
Kuzmin was on a secret mission to investigate if there is any involvement of Russian nationals in the drug trade in Goa. Moscow was concerned with several allegations of Russians being involved in the drug trade, and had sent Kuzmin to Goa for an undercover investigation. He was found dead in his hotel room in Mandrem on December 9, 2007.
The enforcement officer’s sudden death had created a furore in Russia. The Ministry of the Interior of the Russian Federation had written a letter to the Goa chief minister and chief secretary on February 15, 2008, raising concerns about his demise.
TOI investigations also reveal that an Assagao-based Russian is a kingpin in the drug trade. “The Russian brain behind the drug trade in Goa is a Disc Jockey (DJ) who resides in North Goa. He operates in the coastal areas of Morjim, Arambol and Ashvem in Pernem taluka with the help of locals,” a shack owner from Anjuna told TOI.
It is alleged that the DJ supplies narcotics, especially MDMA, at rave parties and women are used as runners to sell drugs. However, the Russian authorities refused to divulge any further information.
“Kuzmin’s death remains shrouded in mystery. A scrutiny of the viscera report would greatly help in bringing some clarity to the cause of death. However, the circumstances preceding his death must be investigated and recorded to assist justice,” said Vikram Varma, counsel for Consul general of Russian Federation, Mumbai.
However, the Goa police has ruled out foul play. “The inquiry conducted so far has revealed that there is no foul play in the death of Kuzmin,” said SP Bosco George.
2008 May 07 Times Of India Goa
Produce It, Dump It, FORGET IT
Produce It, Dump It, FORGET IT
That’s What Goa Does With The Hundreds Of Tonnes Of Garbage It Produces Every Day. Some Positives Are There But Experts Warn We May Be Sitting On An Environmental Time-Bomb
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Goa’s homes produce 300 tonnes of garbage daily. More bio-medical waste comes from the hospitals and nursing homes. But most of this waste — some of it potentially hazardous to the environment — is dumped all over the state without any regard to the norms, some of which are a decade old.
Only five towns — Panaji, Bicholim, Mormugao, Canacona and Margao — have dumping grounds right now and these, too, are more than 75 per cent full. “We are staring at a real problem,” environmentalist Clinton Vaz said. “Even these towns, which have dumping grounds, are operating without safety precautions. They should be closed down and remedial measures should be taken immediately,” he added.
The other towns and villages do not even have a dumping ground; waste is dumped wherever possible, often in rivers and the backwaters, resulting in these water bodies choking and causing floods during the monsoon.
The bio-medical waste that Goa’s healthcare centres produce top the list of environmental concerns.
Only Goa Medical College and Hospital has the wherewithal to dispose of biomedical waste properly right now; it treats its own waste and that which comes from the two district hospitals (Asilo Hospital in Mapusa and Hospicio Hospital in Margao).
But this does not take into account the tonnes of bio-medical waste generated by Goa's 19 government primary health centres and 123 private nursing homes and hospitals. The PHCs dump their waste on their premises itself. Most of the private hospitals and nursing homes do the same or dispose of the waste with the other garbage that goes to municipality dumps; and not one of Goa’s towns has the wherewithal to segregate biomedical waste from other waste. This is extremely dangerous for Goans and Goa’s environment, say experts.
“Bio-medical waste, if not treated properly, can lead to disease outbreaks. Toxic waste can contaminate the water table during monsoon,” Goa State Pollution Control Board memeber-secretary Ashok Daiwajna said. Garbage is often burnt and the fumes can cause rashes and respiratory problems. Environmental activist Patricia Pinto agreed: “The toxic waste seeping into the groundwater can contaminate wells.”
Environmentalists are not painting an unnecessarily nightmarish picture; this has already happened in Curca. Garbage from both Panaji and Mapusa was being dumped in a land-fill site there without being treated. The site soon overflowed with garbage — it was meant to take garbage only from Panaji — and it started to be burnt. Very soon, the inevitable happened; waste seeped into the ground, contaminating wells and destroying fields. Residents there now drink tanker water.
The Curca problem has had a direct consequence. No town or village now wants a dump in its backyard and the administration has had a tough time scouring for vacant areas for land-fill sites for garbage.
“It’s extremely sad that compliance has not been achieved despite the High Court of Bombay at Goa directing the state director of health services to ensure that establishments covered by the Bio-medical Waste Management and Handling Rules-1998 complied with the rules in six months," environment lawyer Norma Alvares said.
2008 May 08 Times Of India Goa
That’s What Goa Does With The Hundreds Of Tonnes Of Garbage It Produces Every Day. Some Positives Are There But Experts Warn We May Be Sitting On An Environmental Time-Bomb
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Goa’s homes produce 300 tonnes of garbage daily. More bio-medical waste comes from the hospitals and nursing homes. But most of this waste — some of it potentially hazardous to the environment — is dumped all over the state without any regard to the norms, some of which are a decade old.
Only five towns — Panaji, Bicholim, Mormugao, Canacona and Margao — have dumping grounds right now and these, too, are more than 75 per cent full. “We are staring at a real problem,” environmentalist Clinton Vaz said. “Even these towns, which have dumping grounds, are operating without safety precautions. They should be closed down and remedial measures should be taken immediately,” he added.
The other towns and villages do not even have a dumping ground; waste is dumped wherever possible, often in rivers and the backwaters, resulting in these water bodies choking and causing floods during the monsoon.
The bio-medical waste that Goa’s healthcare centres produce top the list of environmental concerns.
Only Goa Medical College and Hospital has the wherewithal to dispose of biomedical waste properly right now; it treats its own waste and that which comes from the two district hospitals (Asilo Hospital in Mapusa and Hospicio Hospital in Margao).
But this does not take into account the tonnes of bio-medical waste generated by Goa's 19 government primary health centres and 123 private nursing homes and hospitals. The PHCs dump their waste on their premises itself. Most of the private hospitals and nursing homes do the same or dispose of the waste with the other garbage that goes to municipality dumps; and not one of Goa’s towns has the wherewithal to segregate biomedical waste from other waste. This is extremely dangerous for Goans and Goa’s environment, say experts.
“Bio-medical waste, if not treated properly, can lead to disease outbreaks. Toxic waste can contaminate the water table during monsoon,” Goa State Pollution Control Board memeber-secretary Ashok Daiwajna said. Garbage is often burnt and the fumes can cause rashes and respiratory problems. Environmental activist Patricia Pinto agreed: “The toxic waste seeping into the groundwater can contaminate wells.”
Environmentalists are not painting an unnecessarily nightmarish picture; this has already happened in Curca. Garbage from both Panaji and Mapusa was being dumped in a land-fill site there without being treated. The site soon overflowed with garbage — it was meant to take garbage only from Panaji — and it started to be burnt. Very soon, the inevitable happened; waste seeped into the ground, contaminating wells and destroying fields. Residents there now drink tanker water.
The Curca problem has had a direct consequence. No town or village now wants a dump in its backyard and the administration has had a tough time scouring for vacant areas for land-fill sites for garbage.
“It’s extremely sad that compliance has not been achieved despite the High Court of Bombay at Goa directing the state director of health services to ensure that establishments covered by the Bio-medical Waste Management and Handling Rules-1998 complied with the rules in six months," environment lawyer Norma Alvares said.
2008 May 08 Times Of India Goa
NO MORE PRETTY
NO MORE PRETTY
-- Preetu Nair
The picture-perfect beaches in the coastal villages are turning into environmental cesspools, thanks to garbage. The Rural Garbage Disposal Scheme-2005 requires all panchayats to identify collection-cum-composting sites that can treat bio-degradable waste and store nonbiodegradable waste. The state government should bear the cost of acquisition of land.
But none of the 26 coastal village panchayats has a garbage-treatment plant and most don’t even have a site. Shack and restaurant owners dump garbage either on the beach despite regular awareness programmes on how to treat and segregate garbage. The government has set up 11 plastic shredders in each taluka to treat recyclable non-biodegradable waste generated by panchayats but there is no way to treat non-recyclable, biodegradable waste.
Calangute is the only village with its own dumping site and garbage is disposed of via contractors.
2008 May 08 Times Of India Goa
-- Preetu Nair
The picture-perfect beaches in the coastal villages are turning into environmental cesspools, thanks to garbage. The Rural Garbage Disposal Scheme-2005 requires all panchayats to identify collection-cum-composting sites that can treat bio-degradable waste and store nonbiodegradable waste. The state government should bear the cost of acquisition of land.
But none of the 26 coastal village panchayats has a garbage-treatment plant and most don’t even have a site. Shack and restaurant owners dump garbage either on the beach despite regular awareness programmes on how to treat and segregate garbage. The government has set up 11 plastic shredders in each taluka to treat recyclable non-biodegradable waste generated by panchayats but there is no way to treat non-recyclable, biodegradable waste.
Calangute is the only village with its own dumping site and garbage is disposed of via contractors.
2008 May 08 Times Of India Goa
Probe attacks: Russia tells Goa govt
Probe attacks: Russia tells Goa govt
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: India and Russia may share excellent bilateral ties, but it appears that the relations have soured a little in Goa during this tourist season. Unhappy with the manner in which Russians who visit Goa are treated, the Russian consulate has shot off letters to the state government during the last few months.
“In the last few months, the Russian Federation’s consulate in Mumbai has sent ten letters referring to 16 incidents. In the letters, the Russian Federation draws the authorities’ attention to police action and inaction in cases relating to homicide, cheating, assualt, property matters and wrongful deportation of Russians,” said an official from the home department.
Advocate for the consul general of the Russian Federation in Mumbai, Vikram Varma, refused to comment on the correspondence between the Russian consulate and the Goa government. “But I can confirm that far more attention on matters concerning Russian citizens need to be given by the Goa government,” informed Varma.
Added to this are apprehensions in the minds of few Russian tourists who have started to question Goa’s status as a safe tourist destination. “We are pre-judged as criminals and harassed in Goa. This is really unfortunate. Many of my friends, who were ill-treated by the locals with police support have complained to the Russian government,” said a Russian tourist, who didn’t wish to reveal his identity.
However, chief secretary J P Singh said, “Goa is a safe destination. The Russian Consul
General had brought up certain cases and we are looking into some of the allegations.”
It is reliably learnt that, worried about the increasing incidents against Russians in Goa, the Consul General, Alexander Mantytsky, had visited the state in March and met government officials. “During the meetings with the state government officials, he had discussed six cases,” revealed a home department official. IGP Kishan Kumar has stated that most matters are under investigation.
2008 May 08 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: India and Russia may share excellent bilateral ties, but it appears that the relations have soured a little in Goa during this tourist season. Unhappy with the manner in which Russians who visit Goa are treated, the Russian consulate has shot off letters to the state government during the last few months.
“In the last few months, the Russian Federation’s consulate in Mumbai has sent ten letters referring to 16 incidents. In the letters, the Russian Federation draws the authorities’ attention to police action and inaction in cases relating to homicide, cheating, assualt, property matters and wrongful deportation of Russians,” said an official from the home department.
Advocate for the consul general of the Russian Federation in Mumbai, Vikram Varma, refused to comment on the correspondence between the Russian consulate and the Goa government. “But I can confirm that far more attention on matters concerning Russian citizens need to be given by the Goa government,” informed Varma.
Added to this are apprehensions in the minds of few Russian tourists who have started to question Goa’s status as a safe tourist destination. “We are pre-judged as criminals and harassed in Goa. This is really unfortunate. Many of my friends, who were ill-treated by the locals with police support have complained to the Russian government,” said a Russian tourist, who didn’t wish to reveal his identity.
However, chief secretary J P Singh said, “Goa is a safe destination. The Russian Consul
General had brought up certain cases and we are looking into some of the allegations.”
It is reliably learnt that, worried about the increasing incidents against Russians in Goa, the Consul General, Alexander Mantytsky, had visited the state in March and met government officials. “During the meetings with the state government officials, he had discussed six cases,” revealed a home department official. IGP Kishan Kumar has stated that most matters are under investigation.
2008 May 08 Times Of India Goa
In Goa, the dead can’t rest in peace
In Goa, the dead can’t rest in peace
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: He died alone, but after death he found company.
On May 4, the Agacaim police brought an unidentified body of a middle aged man to the morgue at Goa Medical College, Bambolim, which was laid at the entrance there being no space in the morgue. By Tuesday morning, there were two more bodies to keep this one company and all lay decomposing till the next day.
Luckily for them, they got space in the morgue on Wednesday evening as six bodies were removed by the Goa police to perform the last rites.
Incharge of the forensic department Dr EJ Rodrigues doesn’t deny the problem. “There is a shortage of compartments but we do our best to accommodate,” said Dr Rodrigues.
And they do it either by keeping two bodies in a compartment or keeping them outside. Investigations reveal that about six compartments of the morgue had two bodies each. Besides, which daily three or four bodies lie in the open.
Even as the state prides itself in rapid modernization and exponential sophistication in the health sector, it denies the dead its sanctity. Until the last rites are performed, the dead just can’t rest with peace, dignity and respect, there being no place at the morgue.
Though the morgue at the GMC has a capacity of 35, currently just 28 compartments are in working condition. Of these, 21 bodies have occupied the space for quite sometime, leaving just seven compartments free for new cases. Everyday at least 10 new bodies arrive at the morgue.
Besides the bodies sent for autopsy by the Goa police and those who breathe their last in the GMC, other cadavers are also brought to the morgue. “Most of the private hospitals don’t have their own morgue. Besides, the cost of keeping the body in the morgue at GMC is only Rs 100 a day,” said an official from GMC.
“The problem would be solved once the old cold storage having a capacity of 31 compartments is repaired and reinstalled,” added Dr Rodrigues.
2008 May 09 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: He died alone, but after death he found company.
On May 4, the Agacaim police brought an unidentified body of a middle aged man to the morgue at Goa Medical College, Bambolim, which was laid at the entrance there being no space in the morgue. By Tuesday morning, there were two more bodies to keep this one company and all lay decomposing till the next day.
Luckily for them, they got space in the morgue on Wednesday evening as six bodies were removed by the Goa police to perform the last rites.
Incharge of the forensic department Dr EJ Rodrigues doesn’t deny the problem. “There is a shortage of compartments but we do our best to accommodate,” said Dr Rodrigues.
And they do it either by keeping two bodies in a compartment or keeping them outside. Investigations reveal that about six compartments of the morgue had two bodies each. Besides, which daily three or four bodies lie in the open.
Even as the state prides itself in rapid modernization and exponential sophistication in the health sector, it denies the dead its sanctity. Until the last rites are performed, the dead just can’t rest with peace, dignity and respect, there being no place at the morgue.
Though the morgue at the GMC has a capacity of 35, currently just 28 compartments are in working condition. Of these, 21 bodies have occupied the space for quite sometime, leaving just seven compartments free for new cases. Everyday at least 10 new bodies arrive at the morgue.
Besides the bodies sent for autopsy by the Goa police and those who breathe their last in the GMC, other cadavers are also brought to the morgue. “Most of the private hospitals don’t have their own morgue. Besides, the cost of keeping the body in the morgue at GMC is only Rs 100 a day,” said an official from GMC.
“The problem would be solved once the old cold storage having a capacity of 31 compartments is repaired and reinstalled,” added Dr Rodrigues.
2008 May 09 Times Of India Goa
Visitant turns morgue resident
Visitant turns morgue resident
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Remember Steven Speilberg’s The Terminal? And Viktor Navorski’s predicament when he realises that he’s been stranded in NYC’s JFK airport with a passport from nowhere as his homeland in Eastern Europe has erupted in a fiery coup while he was in the air en route to America?
Kirlov Sergiy’s fate is somewhat similar. Born in the erstwhile USSR, he identified himself as a Russian when he arrived in Goa sometime in the summer of 2006. The 60-year-old stayed at Arambol, Pernem, for a few months before he committed suicide on August 8, 2006.
That’s when the trouble began. With his passport missing, the police relied on Sergiy’s personal note-book and ‘C’ form (which is filled up while renting a room) to establish his nationality and subsequently approached the Russian authorities. But the Russians refused to have anything to do with the matter, saying Sergiy was not one of their citizens. Then there was speculation that he might be a Kazakhistan citizen.
Only recently, the police stumbled upon his passport and have realised that Sergiy was from Odeca in Ukraine. Although the deceased liked to call himself Russian, that country had stopped recognising his nationality after Ukraine attained independence in 1991.
“We have established his identity and are awaiting intimation from the home department for disposal of the body,” said North Goa SP, Bosco George.
Though his file was moved in December 2007 by the police, Sergyi’s body remains to be lodged at GMC’s crowded morgue. GMC’s forensic department head Silvano Sapeco recently wrote to the police requesting them to expedite the disposal of the unclaimed body.
But till the police do so, the visitor will remain to be a resident of GMC morgue.
2008 May 10 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Remember Steven Speilberg’s The Terminal? And Viktor Navorski’s predicament when he realises that he’s been stranded in NYC’s JFK airport with a passport from nowhere as his homeland in Eastern Europe has erupted in a fiery coup while he was in the air en route to America?
Kirlov Sergiy’s fate is somewhat similar. Born in the erstwhile USSR, he identified himself as a Russian when he arrived in Goa sometime in the summer of 2006. The 60-year-old stayed at Arambol, Pernem, for a few months before he committed suicide on August 8, 2006.
That’s when the trouble began. With his passport missing, the police relied on Sergiy’s personal note-book and ‘C’ form (which is filled up while renting a room) to establish his nationality and subsequently approached the Russian authorities. But the Russians refused to have anything to do with the matter, saying Sergiy was not one of their citizens. Then there was speculation that he might be a Kazakhistan citizen.
Only recently, the police stumbled upon his passport and have realised that Sergiy was from Odeca in Ukraine. Although the deceased liked to call himself Russian, that country had stopped recognising his nationality after Ukraine attained independence in 1991.
“We have established his identity and are awaiting intimation from the home department for disposal of the body,” said North Goa SP, Bosco George.
Though his file was moved in December 2007 by the police, Sergyi’s body remains to be lodged at GMC’s crowded morgue. GMC’s forensic department head Silvano Sapeco recently wrote to the police requesting them to expedite the disposal of the unclaimed body.
But till the police do so, the visitor will remain to be a resident of GMC morgue.
2008 May 10 Times Of India Goa
Public kudos for cops
Public kudos for cops
Good Work By Police Begets Parade
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: When the three men in khaki uniform, who had succesfully nabbed the accused involved in the brutal murder of a couple for money in Pilerne, were rewarded for their excellent job, they had a special reason to smile.
Instead of receiving a commendation certificate and cash reward, PSI BH Baswani, head constable Shankar Komarpant and police constable Satish Sawant were recognised for their effort in a ceremony in front of their peers. They were rewarded for their performace in public, during a ceremonial parade of the North Goa district police.
Held for the first time ever by the Goa police, the parade was aimed at inculcating discipline in the rank and reducing the communication gap between officers and men on the field.
“We have now started something we missed out over a period of time. Excellence is rewarded. Besides, shoddy work will be scrutinised,” said SP North Bosco George, who has come up with this novel idea.
“It has been noticed that there is an increasing feeling amongst jawans that their grievenaces are not being heard and they need to address it through other means. This led to a breakdown in the hierarchy wherein some individuals where able to get their choices of postings without approaching superiors,” said SP George.
The first parade was held this month at the police ground in Porvorim and the North Goa police has decided to make it a monthly affair. North Goa has about 850 policemen, of which more than 800 men are below the rank of police sub-inspector.
2008 May 10 Times Of India Goa
Good Work By Police Begets Parade
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: When the three men in khaki uniform, who had succesfully nabbed the accused involved in the brutal murder of a couple for money in Pilerne, were rewarded for their excellent job, they had a special reason to smile.
Instead of receiving a commendation certificate and cash reward, PSI BH Baswani, head constable Shankar Komarpant and police constable Satish Sawant were recognised for their effort in a ceremony in front of their peers. They were rewarded for their performace in public, during a ceremonial parade of the North Goa district police.
Held for the first time ever by the Goa police, the parade was aimed at inculcating discipline in the rank and reducing the communication gap between officers and men on the field.
“We have now started something we missed out over a period of time. Excellence is rewarded. Besides, shoddy work will be scrutinised,” said SP North Bosco George, who has come up with this novel idea.
“It has been noticed that there is an increasing feeling amongst jawans that their grievenaces are not being heard and they need to address it through other means. This led to a breakdown in the hierarchy wherein some individuals where able to get their choices of postings without approaching superiors,” said SP George.
The first parade was held this month at the police ground in Porvorim and the North Goa police has decided to make it a monthly affair. North Goa has about 850 policemen, of which more than 800 men are below the rank of police sub-inspector.
2008 May 10 Times Of India Goa
Kids land up at shrinks’ door
Kids land up at shrinks’ door
Switch In Medium Of Teaching At Std V Leading To Learning Disorders
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: In one month, January 2008, 20 kids between the ages of 10 and 13 were referred to the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB), Bambolim, for assessment as they were ‘not up to the mark’ in class. An examination revealed that 12 of them had learning disorders.
“Many children from standard V to VIII are referred to us by schools with complaints of learning disorders. This problem is mostly seen amongst kids who shift from Konkani or Marathi as a medium of instruction till standard IV to English in standard V,” says IPHB’s clinical psychologist Dr Mita Majumdar.
Socio-economic problems may not be the number one reason why children dropout of school. “Learning disorders are a cause of depression and behaviour problems which leads to poor self-image and makes children dropout,” said Dr Majumdar. On an average about 40% of the students dropout by the time they reach Std X.
IPHB sees about 1,000 children every year at its child guidance clinic, a majority of them having learning disorder problems, adds Dr Majumdar. Learning disorder is a type of learning disability in which the child of average intelligence faces problems in reading, writing and calculation.
Director of education Celsa Pinto agreed that the switch from the vernacular to the English medium is still a problem at the standard V stage. “We are making concerted efforts to improve the situation,” she said.
Though in the absence of a study, it’s difficult to state the exact magnitude of the problem, both educationists and psychiatrists agree that the problem is grave.
The medium of instruction in 1,088 primary schools, both government and aided, is either Konkani or Marathi, with English as the second language. Just 131 primary schools have English as the first language, but from standard V, all schools have English as the medium of instruction and Hindi as the second language with Konkani or Marathi as the third language.
“In such a situation, by the time the children acquire a good grasp of the language, they have to change to a new language which leads to a lot of confusion,” said Prachi Khandeparkar, member of the Goa State Commission for Children.
Though learning difficulties in children are seen even at the pre-school age, it’s not taken seriously by parents or teachers at the primary level. “Once in standard V, children are detained. Also at this stage they move from the vernacular to the English medium that further adds to their learning difficulties,” said developmental and behavioural pediatrician Dr Nandita de Souza.
However, there is some good news. About six government aided high schools have started the resource room concept to deal with the problem.
Covered under the scheme for children with special needs and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, a teacher attends to children with learning disorders or other disabilities.
2008 May 12 Times Of India Goa
Switch In Medium Of Teaching At Std V Leading To Learning Disorders
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: In one month, January 2008, 20 kids between the ages of 10 and 13 were referred to the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB), Bambolim, for assessment as they were ‘not up to the mark’ in class. An examination revealed that 12 of them had learning disorders.
“Many children from standard V to VIII are referred to us by schools with complaints of learning disorders. This problem is mostly seen amongst kids who shift from Konkani or Marathi as a medium of instruction till standard IV to English in standard V,” says IPHB’s clinical psychologist Dr Mita Majumdar.
Socio-economic problems may not be the number one reason why children dropout of school. “Learning disorders are a cause of depression and behaviour problems which leads to poor self-image and makes children dropout,” said Dr Majumdar. On an average about 40% of the students dropout by the time they reach Std X.
IPHB sees about 1,000 children every year at its child guidance clinic, a majority of them having learning disorder problems, adds Dr Majumdar. Learning disorder is a type of learning disability in which the child of average intelligence faces problems in reading, writing and calculation.
Director of education Celsa Pinto agreed that the switch from the vernacular to the English medium is still a problem at the standard V stage. “We are making concerted efforts to improve the situation,” she said.
Though in the absence of a study, it’s difficult to state the exact magnitude of the problem, both educationists and psychiatrists agree that the problem is grave.
The medium of instruction in 1,088 primary schools, both government and aided, is either Konkani or Marathi, with English as the second language. Just 131 primary schools have English as the first language, but from standard V, all schools have English as the medium of instruction and Hindi as the second language with Konkani or Marathi as the third language.
“In such a situation, by the time the children acquire a good grasp of the language, they have to change to a new language which leads to a lot of confusion,” said Prachi Khandeparkar, member of the Goa State Commission for Children.
Though learning difficulties in children are seen even at the pre-school age, it’s not taken seriously by parents or teachers at the primary level. “Once in standard V, children are detained. Also at this stage they move from the vernacular to the English medium that further adds to their learning difficulties,” said developmental and behavioural pediatrician Dr Nandita de Souza.
However, there is some good news. About six government aided high schools have started the resource room concept to deal with the problem.
Covered under the scheme for children with special needs and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, a teacher attends to children with learning disorders or other disabilities.
2008 May 12 Times Of India Goa
Kids land up at shrinks’ door
Kids land up at shrinks’ door
Switch In Medium Of Teaching At Std V Leading To Learning Disorders
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: In one month, January 2008, 20 kids between the ages of 10 and 13 were referred to the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB), Bambolim, for assessment as they were ‘not up to the mark’ in class. An examination revealed that 12 of them had learning disorders.
“Many children from standard V to VIII are referred to us by schools with complaints of learning disorders. This problem is mostly seen amongst kids who shift from Konkani or Marathi as a medium of instruction till standard IV to English in standard V,” says IPHB’s clinical psychologist Dr Mita Majumdar.
Socio-economic problems may not be the number one reason why children dropout of school. “Learning disorders are a cause of depression and behaviour problems which leads to poor self-image and makes children dropout,” said Dr Majumdar. On an average about 40% of the students dropout by the time they reach Std X.
IPHB sees about 1,000 children every year at its child guidance clinic, a majority of them having learning disorder problems, adds Dr Majumdar. Learning disorder is a type of learning disability in which the child of average intelligence faces problems in reading, writing and calculation.
Director of education Celsa Pinto agreed that the switch from the vernacular to the English medium is still a problem at the standard V stage. “We are making concerted efforts to improve the situation,” she said.
Though in the absence of a study, it’s difficult to state the exact magnitude of the problem, both educationists and psychiatrists agree that the problem is grave.
The medium of instruction in 1,088 primary schools, both government and aided, is either Konkani or Marathi, with English as the second language. Just 131 primary schools have English as the first language, but from standard V, all schools have English as the medium of instruction and Hindi as the second language with Konkani or Marathi as the third language.
“In such a situation, by the time the children acquire a good grasp of the language, they have to change to a new language which leads to a lot of confusion,” said Prachi Khandeparkar, member of the Goa State Commission for Children.
Though learning difficulties in children are seen even at the pre-school age, it’s not taken seriously by parents or teachers at the primary level. “Once in standard V, children are detained. Also at this stage they move from the vernacular to the English medium that further adds to their learning difficulties,” said developmental and behavioural pediatrician Dr Nandita de Souza.
However, there is some good news. About six government aided high schools have started the resource room concept to deal with the problem.
Covered under the scheme for children with special needs and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, a teacher attends to children with learning disorders or other disabilities.
2008 May 12 Times Of India Goa
Switch In Medium Of Teaching At Std V Leading To Learning Disorders
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: In one month, January 2008, 20 kids between the ages of 10 and 13 were referred to the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB), Bambolim, for assessment as they were ‘not up to the mark’ in class. An examination revealed that 12 of them had learning disorders.
“Many children from standard V to VIII are referred to us by schools with complaints of learning disorders. This problem is mostly seen amongst kids who shift from Konkani or Marathi as a medium of instruction till standard IV to English in standard V,” says IPHB’s clinical psychologist Dr Mita Majumdar.
Socio-economic problems may not be the number one reason why children dropout of school. “Learning disorders are a cause of depression and behaviour problems which leads to poor self-image and makes children dropout,” said Dr Majumdar. On an average about 40% of the students dropout by the time they reach Std X.
IPHB sees about 1,000 children every year at its child guidance clinic, a majority of them having learning disorder problems, adds Dr Majumdar. Learning disorder is a type of learning disability in which the child of average intelligence faces problems in reading, writing and calculation.
Director of education Celsa Pinto agreed that the switch from the vernacular to the English medium is still a problem at the standard V stage. “We are making concerted efforts to improve the situation,” she said.
Though in the absence of a study, it’s difficult to state the exact magnitude of the problem, both educationists and psychiatrists agree that the problem is grave.
The medium of instruction in 1,088 primary schools, both government and aided, is either Konkani or Marathi, with English as the second language. Just 131 primary schools have English as the first language, but from standard V, all schools have English as the medium of instruction and Hindi as the second language with Konkani or Marathi as the third language.
“In such a situation, by the time the children acquire a good grasp of the language, they have to change to a new language which leads to a lot of confusion,” said Prachi Khandeparkar, member of the Goa State Commission for Children.
Though learning difficulties in children are seen even at the pre-school age, it’s not taken seriously by parents or teachers at the primary level. “Once in standard V, children are detained. Also at this stage they move from the vernacular to the English medium that further adds to their learning difficulties,” said developmental and behavioural pediatrician Dr Nandita de Souza.
However, there is some good news. About six government aided high schools have started the resource room concept to deal with the problem.
Covered under the scheme for children with special needs and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, a teacher attends to children with learning disorders or other disabilities.
2008 May 12 Times Of India Goa
Man slays uncle as father watches
Man slays uncle as father watches
Preetu Nair | TNN
Porvorim: A property dispute between two brothers turned bloody resulting in the death of one. Porvorim police said that Manohar Sastikar (67) along with his son Shailesh, assaulted Manohar’s younger sibling Vasant Sastikar (65), causing him grievous injuries. Vasant was declared dead on arrival at the Goa Medical College and Hospital.
Vasant’s son, Sagun, in his complaint said that at about 7.40 p.m on Sunday the two accused assaulted him and his brother with a chopper, causing body injuries. “Both brothers were taken to the GMC hospital for treatment. In the meanwhile an argument started between Manohar and Vasant at home and Shailesh hit Vasant thrice on the head with a brass lamp, even as Manohar watched,” said investigating officer PI Devendra Gad.
PI Gad said that after the blow, Vasant collapsed and his daughter-in-law immediately rushed him to the Goa Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. The incident occurred on Sunday evening at Salvador do Mundo.
Acting on the complaint filed by Sagun, the Porvorim police arrested the father and son for causing injuries with sharp weapons and murder. The two have been remanded to four days police custody
2008 May 13 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Porvorim: A property dispute between two brothers turned bloody resulting in the death of one. Porvorim police said that Manohar Sastikar (67) along with his son Shailesh, assaulted Manohar’s younger sibling Vasant Sastikar (65), causing him grievous injuries. Vasant was declared dead on arrival at the Goa Medical College and Hospital.
Vasant’s son, Sagun, in his complaint said that at about 7.40 p.m on Sunday the two accused assaulted him and his brother with a chopper, causing body injuries. “Both brothers were taken to the GMC hospital for treatment. In the meanwhile an argument started between Manohar and Vasant at home and Shailesh hit Vasant thrice on the head with a brass lamp, even as Manohar watched,” said investigating officer PI Devendra Gad.
PI Gad said that after the blow, Vasant collapsed and his daughter-in-law immediately rushed him to the Goa Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. The incident occurred on Sunday evening at Salvador do Mundo.
Acting on the complaint filed by Sagun, the Porvorim police arrested the father and son for causing injuries with sharp weapons and murder. The two have been remanded to four days police custody
2008 May 13 Times Of India Goa
Accidents Claim One Goan Every 27 Hours 4,000 People Suffered A Mishap In 2007 Drunk Driving Is The Biggest Menace
Accidents Claim One Goan Every 27 Hours 4,000 People Suffered A Mishap In 2007 Drunk Driving Is The Biggest Menace
Preetu Nair | TNN
Every day last year, 11 people met with an accident on Goa’s roads. And one out of these 11 people returned home in a coffin. The figures, say traffic and transport experts, are chilling for a state that has only 6 lakh vehicles. Speed — often laced with alcohol — rules Goa’s roads and Goans pay with blood for this killing cocktail.
More than 4,000 people were involved in an accident in 2007, police statistics for the year reveal. An overwhelming majority — about two-thirds — of these 4,000 people were men in the 20-45 age group. And exactly 322 of these 4,000 people died after the accident, implying that — on an average — one Goan family lost a member every 27 hours.
But 322 deaths is only a part of the tragedy. Many of those who survive an accident can never go back to a normal life. “There are numerous complaints of accident victims undergoing a complete change of personality and suffering from quality-of-life-changing problems like lack of concentration, cognition difficulty, difficulty in walking and, sometimes, even going into a permanent vegetative state or suffering a paralytic attack. It is a loss to the family, the society and the state,” Goa Medical College dean neurosurgeon V N Jindal said.
Mishaps are often fatal or crippling primarily because most of them are head-on collisions or involve overturning of vehicles. The number of two-wheelers involved in head-on collisions in 2007 was 817; the figure was 770 for four-wheelers. “Head-on collisions very often mean head injuries suffered when vehicles move at a high velocity. That explains the high number of crippling injuries and deaths,” Jindal explained.
Many of these accidents occur, not surprisingly, on Goa’s national and state highways which give drivers an opportunity to step on the accelerator. National highways form about 6 per cent of Goa’s road network but they contribute heavily to the number of head-on collisions and vehicles turning turtle. State highways, too, despite contributing only 5 per cent to the road network, account for 11 per cent of all accidents in the state. And nearly 71 per cent of the accidents occur during the day, especially between 6 am and 7 pm, on Sundays and Mondays.
But even all these numbing figures may not tell the entire story, say experts on road safety and traffic laws. “Four out of 10 accidents every day go unreported. And the statistics may not include all the victims who die after being discharged from hospital,” Movement for Amity towards Roads in Goa (MARG) member Gurudas Juwarker said.
Experts also do not believe that the growing number of vehicles jostling for space has anything to do with the blood on the roads. Goa has 4,983 km of roads, Bangalore 4,500 km. But Goa has fewer than 6 lakh vehicles; Bangalore has 30 lakh.
What accounts for most accidents, experts believe, are the twin menaces of irresponsible driving and drunk driving. Traffic cops have 30 breath-analysers that can sniff out whether a person is driving under the influence of alcohol. Many violate the permissible blood-alcohol limit of 30 milligrams per decilitre of of blood (for light vehicles). “Everyone knows someone influential in Goa and it is very difficult to keep a check on drunk driving,” a senior traffic police official admitted on condition of anonymity. It, therefore, comes as no surprise that only 133 people were booked by traffic cops for mixing driving with drinking last year.
TOI CALLED UP TWO PRIVATE HOSPITALS, INFORMING THEM OF AN “ACCIDENT”, TO GAUGE THEIR RESPONSE CASE I: THE BAD
TOI: I’m calling from the highway near Peddem. There’s a man who has been injured in an accident. Can we bring him to the hospital? HOSPITAL: Yes, bring him here. TOI: He seems to be quite poor. I wanted to check if we could bring in. HOSPITAL: Hold on please.... (Seconds later) Talk to the doctor. HOSPITAL (DOCTOR): Hello. TOI: A man has been knocked down in a hit-andrun accident and looks like he may not have too much money. Should I bring him to your hospital? HOSPITAL (DOCTOR): I would advise you to take him to a government medical facility. Where are you? TOI: Am on the highway, somewhere near Hotel Preeti International. HOSPITAL (DOCTOR): How bad is he? TOI: He seems to be in quite a bad condition. Please tell us what to do! HOSPITAL (DOCTOR): There’s a government hospital nearby; the Asilo is just a kilometre away from where you are.
— Andrew Pereira | TNN
CASE II: THE GOOD
TOI: I’m calling from St Inez. There’s a man who has been injured in an accident. Can we bring him to the hospital? HOSPITAL: Yes, bring him to the casualty ward. TOI: He seems to be from a poor background. I wanted to check if we could bring him in. HOSPITAL: Hold on.... (Seconds later) Are you involved in the accident? TOI: No, he’s been lying on the road, it’s a hit-and-run case. HOSPITAL: Please hold on.... (Seconds later) Yes, bring him in.
BLOOD ON THE ROAD 2003: 235 2004: 306 2005: 270 2006: 303 2007: 322
2008 May 14 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Every day last year, 11 people met with an accident on Goa’s roads. And one out of these 11 people returned home in a coffin. The figures, say traffic and transport experts, are chilling for a state that has only 6 lakh vehicles. Speed — often laced with alcohol — rules Goa’s roads and Goans pay with blood for this killing cocktail.
More than 4,000 people were involved in an accident in 2007, police statistics for the year reveal. An overwhelming majority — about two-thirds — of these 4,000 people were men in the 20-45 age group. And exactly 322 of these 4,000 people died after the accident, implying that — on an average — one Goan family lost a member every 27 hours.
But 322 deaths is only a part of the tragedy. Many of those who survive an accident can never go back to a normal life. “There are numerous complaints of accident victims undergoing a complete change of personality and suffering from quality-of-life-changing problems like lack of concentration, cognition difficulty, difficulty in walking and, sometimes, even going into a permanent vegetative state or suffering a paralytic attack. It is a loss to the family, the society and the state,” Goa Medical College dean neurosurgeon V N Jindal said.
Mishaps are often fatal or crippling primarily because most of them are head-on collisions or involve overturning of vehicles. The number of two-wheelers involved in head-on collisions in 2007 was 817; the figure was 770 for four-wheelers. “Head-on collisions very often mean head injuries suffered when vehicles move at a high velocity. That explains the high number of crippling injuries and deaths,” Jindal explained.
Many of these accidents occur, not surprisingly, on Goa’s national and state highways which give drivers an opportunity to step on the accelerator. National highways form about 6 per cent of Goa’s road network but they contribute heavily to the number of head-on collisions and vehicles turning turtle. State highways, too, despite contributing only 5 per cent to the road network, account for 11 per cent of all accidents in the state. And nearly 71 per cent of the accidents occur during the day, especially between 6 am and 7 pm, on Sundays and Mondays.
But even all these numbing figures may not tell the entire story, say experts on road safety and traffic laws. “Four out of 10 accidents every day go unreported. And the statistics may not include all the victims who die after being discharged from hospital,” Movement for Amity towards Roads in Goa (MARG) member Gurudas Juwarker said.
Experts also do not believe that the growing number of vehicles jostling for space has anything to do with the blood on the roads. Goa has 4,983 km of roads, Bangalore 4,500 km. But Goa has fewer than 6 lakh vehicles; Bangalore has 30 lakh.
What accounts for most accidents, experts believe, are the twin menaces of irresponsible driving and drunk driving. Traffic cops have 30 breath-analysers that can sniff out whether a person is driving under the influence of alcohol. Many violate the permissible blood-alcohol limit of 30 milligrams per decilitre of of blood (for light vehicles). “Everyone knows someone influential in Goa and it is very difficult to keep a check on drunk driving,” a senior traffic police official admitted on condition of anonymity. It, therefore, comes as no surprise that only 133 people were booked by traffic cops for mixing driving with drinking last year.
TOI CALLED UP TWO PRIVATE HOSPITALS, INFORMING THEM OF AN “ACCIDENT”, TO GAUGE THEIR RESPONSE CASE I: THE BAD
TOI: I’m calling from the highway near Peddem. There’s a man who has been injured in an accident. Can we bring him to the hospital? HOSPITAL: Yes, bring him here. TOI: He seems to be quite poor. I wanted to check if we could bring in. HOSPITAL: Hold on please.... (Seconds later) Talk to the doctor. HOSPITAL (DOCTOR): Hello. TOI: A man has been knocked down in a hit-andrun accident and looks like he may not have too much money. Should I bring him to your hospital? HOSPITAL (DOCTOR): I would advise you to take him to a government medical facility. Where are you? TOI: Am on the highway, somewhere near Hotel Preeti International. HOSPITAL (DOCTOR): How bad is he? TOI: He seems to be in quite a bad condition. Please tell us what to do! HOSPITAL (DOCTOR): There’s a government hospital nearby; the Asilo is just a kilometre away from where you are.
— Andrew Pereira | TNN
CASE II: THE GOOD
TOI: I’m calling from St Inez. There’s a man who has been injured in an accident. Can we bring him to the hospital? HOSPITAL: Yes, bring him to the casualty ward. TOI: He seems to be from a poor background. I wanted to check if we could bring him in. HOSPITAL: Hold on.... (Seconds later) Are you involved in the accident? TOI: No, he’s been lying on the road, it’s a hit-and-run case. HOSPITAL: Please hold on.... (Seconds later) Yes, bring him in.
BLOOD ON THE ROAD 2003: 235 2004: 306 2005: 270 2006: 303 2007: 322
2008 May 14 Times Of India Goa
‘Russians not victimised’
‘Russians not victimised’
Russians Misbehave As Their Consulate Protects Them: Cops
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Goa police is not “victimizing” Russian tourists visiting the state, states a report prepared by the Goa police and submitted to the government. “There has not been harassment of any kind meted out to the Russians.
Infact they have exaggerated the facts inorder to mislead their own authorities and inorder to coverup their faults,” said North Goa Superintendent of Police Bosco George.
Russian authorities had recently raised concern over the security situation in Goa and alleged that their citizens were getting an unfair deal from Goa policemen, hotel and guesthouse owners and car and two wheeler owners.
It was alleged that Goans indulge in numerous unlawful acts against their nationals and the state authorities need to take appropriate action to protect Russian tourists’ rights in the state.
Interestingly, police investigations have exposed the other side of the coin. “In some cases the Russian consulate is exaggerating the facts to project victimization of Russians at the hands of locals, even as the Russians behave aggressively with the locals fully knowing well that their consulate is there to protect them, even from their misdeeds”, the report reads.
It may be recalled that after the Consul General of Russian Federation in Mumbai, Alexander Mantytsky, came down to Goa in March and discussed five cases of alleged police inaction with Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, he had asked the police to prepare a status report.
South Goa SP Shekhar Prabhudessai said, “In all these cases prompt action has been taken by police and in one case, even offence has been registered.”
CASE 1: Andrey Zemchikin and four others alleged that they were assaulted by 30 Goans with bats and stones. They then missed their flights and lost over USD 3000 in air tickets cost. Police report: The alleged assault never took place nor threats were given to the Russians. The allegations are false and baseless. On the contrary, the Russians had stolen a bike from a Anjuna local and refused to pay the rental charges.
CASE 2: A Aksenov and N Ridi complained that they met with a road accident in Canacona, in which their rented car was damaged. A hotel owner from Vagator, who had rented them the car, refused to return their documents, money and personel belongings which were kept in his hotel, till they paid for the damage of the “insured” car. Police report: The police immediately acted and got the hotel owner to return their documents, money and personel belongings.
CASE 3: Evgeny Kuzmin, who was reportedly on a secret mission to gather complete information regarding the Russians involved in the drug trade in Goa was found dead in a hotel room under suspicious circumstances. Police report: There is no foul play. The viscera has been sent for examination to Hyderabad on January 4, 2008.
CASE 4: Ekaterina Vladimirova complained that a shack owner Agnelo Noronha from Uttorda had wrongfully restrained her and outraged her modesty. A case was registered at Verna police station on January 1, 2008. Police report: Agnelo was arrested and released on bail on January 1, 2008 itself. Investigation is under progress
2008 May 15 Times Of India Goa
Russians Misbehave As Their Consulate Protects Them: Cops
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Goa police is not “victimizing” Russian tourists visiting the state, states a report prepared by the Goa police and submitted to the government. “There has not been harassment of any kind meted out to the Russians.
Infact they have exaggerated the facts inorder to mislead their own authorities and inorder to coverup their faults,” said North Goa Superintendent of Police Bosco George.
Russian authorities had recently raised concern over the security situation in Goa and alleged that their citizens were getting an unfair deal from Goa policemen, hotel and guesthouse owners and car and two wheeler owners.
It was alleged that Goans indulge in numerous unlawful acts against their nationals and the state authorities need to take appropriate action to protect Russian tourists’ rights in the state.
Interestingly, police investigations have exposed the other side of the coin. “In some cases the Russian consulate is exaggerating the facts to project victimization of Russians at the hands of locals, even as the Russians behave aggressively with the locals fully knowing well that their consulate is there to protect them, even from their misdeeds”, the report reads.
It may be recalled that after the Consul General of Russian Federation in Mumbai, Alexander Mantytsky, came down to Goa in March and discussed five cases of alleged police inaction with Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, he had asked the police to prepare a status report.
South Goa SP Shekhar Prabhudessai said, “In all these cases prompt action has been taken by police and in one case, even offence has been registered.”
CASE 1: Andrey Zemchikin and four others alleged that they were assaulted by 30 Goans with bats and stones. They then missed their flights and lost over USD 3000 in air tickets cost. Police report: The alleged assault never took place nor threats were given to the Russians. The allegations are false and baseless. On the contrary, the Russians had stolen a bike from a Anjuna local and refused to pay the rental charges.
CASE 2: A Aksenov and N Ridi complained that they met with a road accident in Canacona, in which their rented car was damaged. A hotel owner from Vagator, who had rented them the car, refused to return their documents, money and personel belongings which were kept in his hotel, till they paid for the damage of the “insured” car. Police report: The police immediately acted and got the hotel owner to return their documents, money and personel belongings.
CASE 3: Evgeny Kuzmin, who was reportedly on a secret mission to gather complete information regarding the Russians involved in the drug trade in Goa was found dead in a hotel room under suspicious circumstances. Police report: There is no foul play. The viscera has been sent for examination to Hyderabad on January 4, 2008.
CASE 4: Ekaterina Vladimirova complained that a shack owner Agnelo Noronha from Uttorda had wrongfully restrained her and outraged her modesty. A case was registered at Verna police station on January 1, 2008. Police report: Agnelo was arrested and released on bail on January 1, 2008 itself. Investigation is under progress
2008 May 15 Times Of India Goa
Attacks on cops batter morale
AT THE RECEIVING END
Attacks on cops batter morale
‘The Culprits Are Immediately Bailed Out With Help From Politicians’
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: After the Jaipur attacks, as the country prepares to fight terror, the Goa police is left fighting its own version of terror — increasing attack on men in khakhi by the general public.
This is a concern that has bothered the top police officials and has been discussed at length by the police during official meetings. “It batters the morale of the officers and we are really concerned,” said a top police official.
The attacks on the police have increased in the last few weeks. These include:
* May 4: After a fight broke out between two persons at the Church of Our Lady of the Poor, Tilamol, which was celebrating a feast, an agitated mob stoned a police van and injured many policemen, when they tried to intervene.
* May 16: Two traffic cops were assaulted as they issued chalans to two persons near Guirim. A similar incident had occured two weeks back.
* About a month back, the Bicholim DySP Sambha Sawant was ghearoed by people and even asked to apologize allegedly for trying to right an erring driver. “Whenever such cases are reported and the police try to take action or arrest the culprit, immediately they are bailed out with the help of politicians.
The police officers are also forced to bury the hatchet. This gives encouragement to the criminal elements,” said former Goa police SP Alex Rasquinha.
The Goa police also seems to have realised this. “We have now been asked to register cases against anyone who blocks the road or traffic.
Besides, we are also building a good reserve force consisting of the fresh batch that would be coming out of the Police Training school, Valpoi. They would be trained to handle anyone who breaks the law,” said a top official.
The official added, “This is the beginning and much more needs to be done.”
“There is tendency of people taking to the roads for petty reasons, rather than solving the issue by talking with the concerned authorties. This has led to frequent law and order situation,” South Goa Superintendent of Police Shekhar Prabhudessai said.
Social scientists opine that the recent trend of police getting beaten up is an indication of the society that we live in. “The general public perception of the police is that the police is politicised.
This has led to a feeling amongst people that the law enforcing authority is not neutral and therefore people react by attacking the police. But sometimes, people also react instinctively,” said political sceintist Dr Aureliano Fernandes.
However, the policemen believe that they are easily susceptible to public resentment or anger because they come in direct contact with the people on a daily basis.
“The police represents the establishment and people feel that the only way sometimes to express their resentment and frustration against the establishment is by attacking it.
With the police being the easily available face on the street, they are sometimes attacked,” said North Goa Superintendent of Police Bosco George.
2008 May 17 Times Of India Goa
Attacks on cops batter morale
‘The Culprits Are Immediately Bailed Out With Help From Politicians’
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: After the Jaipur attacks, as the country prepares to fight terror, the Goa police is left fighting its own version of terror — increasing attack on men in khakhi by the general public.
This is a concern that has bothered the top police officials and has been discussed at length by the police during official meetings. “It batters the morale of the officers and we are really concerned,” said a top police official.
The attacks on the police have increased in the last few weeks. These include:
* May 4: After a fight broke out between two persons at the Church of Our Lady of the Poor, Tilamol, which was celebrating a feast, an agitated mob stoned a police van and injured many policemen, when they tried to intervene.
* May 16: Two traffic cops were assaulted as they issued chalans to two persons near Guirim. A similar incident had occured two weeks back.
* About a month back, the Bicholim DySP Sambha Sawant was ghearoed by people and even asked to apologize allegedly for trying to right an erring driver. “Whenever such cases are reported and the police try to take action or arrest the culprit, immediately they are bailed out with the help of politicians.
The police officers are also forced to bury the hatchet. This gives encouragement to the criminal elements,” said former Goa police SP Alex Rasquinha.
The Goa police also seems to have realised this. “We have now been asked to register cases against anyone who blocks the road or traffic.
Besides, we are also building a good reserve force consisting of the fresh batch that would be coming out of the Police Training school, Valpoi. They would be trained to handle anyone who breaks the law,” said a top official.
The official added, “This is the beginning and much more needs to be done.”
“There is tendency of people taking to the roads for petty reasons, rather than solving the issue by talking with the concerned authorties. This has led to frequent law and order situation,” South Goa Superintendent of Police Shekhar Prabhudessai said.
Social scientists opine that the recent trend of police getting beaten up is an indication of the society that we live in. “The general public perception of the police is that the police is politicised.
This has led to a feeling amongst people that the law enforcing authority is not neutral and therefore people react by attacking the police. But sometimes, people also react instinctively,” said political sceintist Dr Aureliano Fernandes.
However, the policemen believe that they are easily susceptible to public resentment or anger because they come in direct contact with the people on a daily basis.
“The police represents the establishment and people feel that the only way sometimes to express their resentment and frustration against the establishment is by attacking it.
With the police being the easily available face on the street, they are sometimes attacked,” said North Goa Superintendent of Police Bosco George.
2008 May 17 Times Of India Goa
Chimbel pigmy fund collector turns swindler
Chimbel pigmy fund collector turns swindler
Unsuspecting People Lose Lakhs Of Hard-Earned Money
Preetu Nair | TNN
Chimbel: Fatima Rehmanava lived with a hole in her heart for 12 years, but the hole in her purse has killed her spirits and left her virtually helpless.
Fatima never got treated because she didn’t have enough money for an operation. When her condition deteriorated, the family decided, in October 2007, to save money which could be used in case of an emergency. “I had invested about Rs 33,000, with the hope of using it on a rainy day. But my money is lost,” said Fatima.
Her sister, Saira Banu Badegar had also invested the money she got by way of an insurance claim after her 18-year-old son died in an accident, in the hope that this money would help her distraught family.
The sisters are amongst the hundreds who have been allegedly duped by one Menakshi Chudu Shirodkar, who pretended to be a pigmy fund collector for the Chimbel branch of the Mardol based VPK Urban Co-op Credit Society. The matter gained momentum when the VPK Urban Co-op Credit Society manager, Vaman Gaude lodged a complaint with the police on Tuesday against the lady, who allegedly pretended to be a pigmy collector for the bank and vanished with several people’s savings.
“The bank manager in his complaint said that Shirodkar had stolen their recurring deposit passbooks and VPK super deposit scheme passbooks, worth Rs 22 lakh and over between December 1, 2007 and April 20, 2008. “Using this, she cheated the people,” said investigating officer Old Goa PI, Gurudas Gaude. The police have registered an case of theft and cheating against Shirodkar.
However, the lady has gone underground upon realising that the Old Goa police has been on her trail. “She has gone underground and is evading arrest,” added PI Gaude.
Investigations reveal that the modus operandi of the woman was simple. She befriended people, promised them good interest rates and also sold them the idea of a bank coming home rather than they visiting a bank for transaction purposes. The poor had no reason to doubt her as they were even given a passbook in which daily entries were made.
“She gave attractive schemes. We were told that if one put Rs 10,000 in a fixed deposit and renewed it every three months, then you’d get Rs 3000 as a bonus. In other words, if one invested Rs 10,000 on January 1, 2008 and continued to renew it every 3 months, then by December 2008, one would have Rs 22,000. So your amount would more than double within a year,” explained Richard, who has been duped of more than Rs 2 lakh.
Ask Rehana Momim. A mother of 4 daughters, she was investing Rs 20 everyday in the pigmy fund to ensure a decent wedding for her children but was cheated as well.
“We were trying to save money for our children when she (Shirodkar) offered to come daily to collect money, we jumped at the idea,” said Bibijan Lalmiya, who has been cheated of nearly Rs 1,12,204.
2008 May 17 Times Of India Goa
Unsuspecting People Lose Lakhs Of Hard-Earned Money
Preetu Nair | TNN
Chimbel: Fatima Rehmanava lived with a hole in her heart for 12 years, but the hole in her purse has killed her spirits and left her virtually helpless.
Fatima never got treated because she didn’t have enough money for an operation. When her condition deteriorated, the family decided, in October 2007, to save money which could be used in case of an emergency. “I had invested about Rs 33,000, with the hope of using it on a rainy day. But my money is lost,” said Fatima.
Her sister, Saira Banu Badegar had also invested the money she got by way of an insurance claim after her 18-year-old son died in an accident, in the hope that this money would help her distraught family.
The sisters are amongst the hundreds who have been allegedly duped by one Menakshi Chudu Shirodkar, who pretended to be a pigmy fund collector for the Chimbel branch of the Mardol based VPK Urban Co-op Credit Society. The matter gained momentum when the VPK Urban Co-op Credit Society manager, Vaman Gaude lodged a complaint with the police on Tuesday against the lady, who allegedly pretended to be a pigmy collector for the bank and vanished with several people’s savings.
“The bank manager in his complaint said that Shirodkar had stolen their recurring deposit passbooks and VPK super deposit scheme passbooks, worth Rs 22 lakh and over between December 1, 2007 and April 20, 2008. “Using this, she cheated the people,” said investigating officer Old Goa PI, Gurudas Gaude. The police have registered an case of theft and cheating against Shirodkar.
However, the lady has gone underground upon realising that the Old Goa police has been on her trail. “She has gone underground and is evading arrest,” added PI Gaude.
Investigations reveal that the modus operandi of the woman was simple. She befriended people, promised them good interest rates and also sold them the idea of a bank coming home rather than they visiting a bank for transaction purposes. The poor had no reason to doubt her as they were even given a passbook in which daily entries were made.
“She gave attractive schemes. We were told that if one put Rs 10,000 in a fixed deposit and renewed it every three months, then you’d get Rs 3000 as a bonus. In other words, if one invested Rs 10,000 on January 1, 2008 and continued to renew it every 3 months, then by December 2008, one would have Rs 22,000. So your amount would more than double within a year,” explained Richard, who has been duped of more than Rs 2 lakh.
Ask Rehana Momim. A mother of 4 daughters, she was investing Rs 20 everyday in the pigmy fund to ensure a decent wedding for her children but was cheated as well.
“We were trying to save money for our children when she (Shirodkar) offered to come daily to collect money, we jumped at the idea,” said Bibijan Lalmiya, who has been cheated of nearly Rs 1,12,204.
2008 May 17 Times Of India Goa
Job Agents Taking Youth For A Ride
Job Agents Taking Youth For A Ride
Unscrupulous Middlemen Shatter Dreams Of Working Abroad
Preetu Nair
Panaji: Salvador and William Rodrigues were on could nine when they entered the office of a recruiting agent in 2005. They did not mind parting with a large sum, for they were on the threshold of having their life’s dream realized — a job in the Gulf. Or, so they believed.
It soon turned into a story of unending woe. Three years later, they neither have the promised jobs nor a receipt for the money paid, nor documents of any kind to prove their plight.
It’s a story many Goan youth have to tell, the story of the great foreign dream gone sour as starry-eyed youth are cheated by unscrupulous fly-bynight recruiting agents who promise them the earth and then vanish into thin air, leaving their dreams shattered.
In the last three years, 17 cases of cheating have been lodged with the police. In Goa, there are about 20 registered recruiting agents, but there are many ‘illegal’ fly-by-night recruiting agents. They offer blue coloured jobs to the youth in the Gulf or on ships.
“The government should come down heavily on unauthorized recruiting agents, who advertise and fool the youth. The youth fall prey to them becasue they promise high salaries, along with free recruitment offers,” said Iqbal Mohideen, recruiting agent and member of the Indian Personnel Export Promotion Council, Mumbai.
Mohideen added, “There are more than 20 fake recruiting agents in the state, who advertize with phone numbers and give no proper address.” TOI checked up on a few recruiting agents in Panaji, against whom complaints have been filed and learnt that not only have most of them disappeared into thin air, but their offices and sign boards have done the vanishing trick too.
The state government has now woken up to the problem. “A number of travel agents double up as recruiting agents. The government is considering amending the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 1820 to impose a bar on travel agents from doubling up as recruiting agents unless they are registered with the Protector General of Emigrants under the Emigration Act, 1983,” said Director of NRI Affairs UD Kamat.
Police say the favourite destination of Goan youth are the Gulf countries and the most popular destination is Kuwait.
Even Salvador and William had lodged a police complaint in 2007 against one Santano Clement from Guirim, Bardez. Santano in turn blamed one Sebastian Baretto, who had his office in Anjuna and is now absconding.
Alarmed by this emerging trend in Goa, the protector general of emigrants, under the Union ministry of overseas Indian affairs, has written to the director of NRI affairs, Goa, drawing attention to the rising number of unregistered recruiting agents, who dupe innocent persons by promising to provide jobs.
Even the state-level Committee for NRIs of Goan Origin met on Wednesday and expressed concern at the slow progress of cases filed against errant recruiting agents. “About 20 such cases have been registered in various police stations in Goa and are pending for several years. The protector general of emigrants had urged the Goa police last year to take necessary action under the Emigration Act. But, the progress is slow,” said commissioner for NRI Affairs Eduardo Faleiro.
Case Studies
Complaint: On November 23, 2001 Lourenco Kenni, an agent for Zarina Travel Services, Miramar, promised Francisco Sequeira of Divar a job in Kuwait and asked for Rs 50,000. He never delivered, A police complaint for cheating has been registered. Status: Case under investigation
Complaint: On March 24, 2005, Alian Fernandes from Mapusa complained to the police that in January 2005 an agent dishonestly induced him and others to deliver cash of Rs 1,25,000 and fraudently forged visa document as genuine on pretext of providing employment to him and others at Dubai. But he failed to do so. Status: Case under investigation
Complaint: Olga Pinto complained that she had attended the coaching classes with Y-Axis Overseas Careers, Panaji after they had advertised that they are looking for nurses for USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand without having license from Protector General of Emigrants. A complaint was lodged on May 16, 2005 and police investigations revealed that though they had applied for license and the matter is under consideration, they have not yet been granted the registration certificate. Status: Case under investigation
Complaint: Socorro D’Souza from Cansaulim complained that on June 2005, M/s Gemine Travel Shop, Miramar, without license from recruitment agency collected money on the pretext of sending him abroad for a job and didn’t send him and cheated them of the money to tune of Rs 7,19,500. Status: Case is under investigation
Guidelines for prospective emigrant workers
Ask to see the recruiting agent’s registration certificate issued by the Protector General of Emigrants, Govt. of India. Do not deal with him unless he is registered and the registration is valid. In case of doubt, check with any of the offices of the Protectors of Emigrants (POEs) or the Protector General of Emigrants (PGE).
DO NOT deal with sub-agents as they are not permitted under the Emigration Act, 1983 and Rules.
Ask to see the demand letter and power of attorney from the foreign employer. Also carefully go through the employment contract detailing the salary and other service conditions.
Do not pay the Agent anything other than the service charge of Rs 2,000 for unskilled workers, Rs 3,000 for semi-skilled, Rs 5,000 for skilled workers and Rs 10,000 for other than the above.
Preferably pay by demand draft or cheque and obtain a receipt. Complaints of overcharging or cheating can be lodged with the concerned POE or with the PGE.
The Law On Recruiting Agents
Section 10 of the Emigration Act 1983, states that no recruiting agent shall commence or carry on the business of recruitment except under and in accordance with a certificate issued in that behalf by the Protector General of Emigrants, the registering authority. Violation of section 10, is an offence and is punishable with imprisonment of a term of two years and with a fine, which may extend to Rs 2000.
“Entry into the market in the Gulf is tightly controlled and heavily legislated. There is an information gap between the employer in Gulf and the prospective employee in Goa, particularly in the unorgansied sector and therefore both heavily depend on the agent. The less educated labourers are ready to invest the family’s savings and borrowings in order to get a job abroad.”
Alito Sequeira | SOCIOLOGIST, GOA UNIVERSITY
“Although people are aware that they shouldn’t approach people who don’t have a license, they do. When they get duped, they come to us. By then its too late.”
Bosco George | NORTH GOA SP
“I prefer working abroad because there exists better prospects and endless opportunities in the Gulf. Even the salaries provided abroad are much higher as compared to those in India.”
Reuben Quadros | YOUTH ASPIRING TO GO ABROAD
2008 May 18 Times Of India Goa
Unscrupulous Middlemen Shatter Dreams Of Working Abroad
Preetu Nair
Panaji: Salvador and William Rodrigues were on could nine when they entered the office of a recruiting agent in 2005. They did not mind parting with a large sum, for they were on the threshold of having their life’s dream realized — a job in the Gulf. Or, so they believed.
It soon turned into a story of unending woe. Three years later, they neither have the promised jobs nor a receipt for the money paid, nor documents of any kind to prove their plight.
It’s a story many Goan youth have to tell, the story of the great foreign dream gone sour as starry-eyed youth are cheated by unscrupulous fly-bynight recruiting agents who promise them the earth and then vanish into thin air, leaving their dreams shattered.
In the last three years, 17 cases of cheating have been lodged with the police. In Goa, there are about 20 registered recruiting agents, but there are many ‘illegal’ fly-by-night recruiting agents. They offer blue coloured jobs to the youth in the Gulf or on ships.
“The government should come down heavily on unauthorized recruiting agents, who advertise and fool the youth. The youth fall prey to them becasue they promise high salaries, along with free recruitment offers,” said Iqbal Mohideen, recruiting agent and member of the Indian Personnel Export Promotion Council, Mumbai.
Mohideen added, “There are more than 20 fake recruiting agents in the state, who advertize with phone numbers and give no proper address.” TOI checked up on a few recruiting agents in Panaji, against whom complaints have been filed and learnt that not only have most of them disappeared into thin air, but their offices and sign boards have done the vanishing trick too.
The state government has now woken up to the problem. “A number of travel agents double up as recruiting agents. The government is considering amending the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 1820 to impose a bar on travel agents from doubling up as recruiting agents unless they are registered with the Protector General of Emigrants under the Emigration Act, 1983,” said Director of NRI Affairs UD Kamat.
Police say the favourite destination of Goan youth are the Gulf countries and the most popular destination is Kuwait.
Even Salvador and William had lodged a police complaint in 2007 against one Santano Clement from Guirim, Bardez. Santano in turn blamed one Sebastian Baretto, who had his office in Anjuna and is now absconding.
Alarmed by this emerging trend in Goa, the protector general of emigrants, under the Union ministry of overseas Indian affairs, has written to the director of NRI affairs, Goa, drawing attention to the rising number of unregistered recruiting agents, who dupe innocent persons by promising to provide jobs.
Even the state-level Committee for NRIs of Goan Origin met on Wednesday and expressed concern at the slow progress of cases filed against errant recruiting agents. “About 20 such cases have been registered in various police stations in Goa and are pending for several years. The protector general of emigrants had urged the Goa police last year to take necessary action under the Emigration Act. But, the progress is slow,” said commissioner for NRI Affairs Eduardo Faleiro.
Case Studies
Complaint: On November 23, 2001 Lourenco Kenni, an agent for Zarina Travel Services, Miramar, promised Francisco Sequeira of Divar a job in Kuwait and asked for Rs 50,000. He never delivered, A police complaint for cheating has been registered. Status: Case under investigation
Complaint: On March 24, 2005, Alian Fernandes from Mapusa complained to the police that in January 2005 an agent dishonestly induced him and others to deliver cash of Rs 1,25,000 and fraudently forged visa document as genuine on pretext of providing employment to him and others at Dubai. But he failed to do so. Status: Case under investigation
Complaint: Olga Pinto complained that she had attended the coaching classes with Y-Axis Overseas Careers, Panaji after they had advertised that they are looking for nurses for USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand without having license from Protector General of Emigrants. A complaint was lodged on May 16, 2005 and police investigations revealed that though they had applied for license and the matter is under consideration, they have not yet been granted the registration certificate. Status: Case under investigation
Complaint: Socorro D’Souza from Cansaulim complained that on June 2005, M/s Gemine Travel Shop, Miramar, without license from recruitment agency collected money on the pretext of sending him abroad for a job and didn’t send him and cheated them of the money to tune of Rs 7,19,500. Status: Case is under investigation
Guidelines for prospective emigrant workers
Ask to see the recruiting agent’s registration certificate issued by the Protector General of Emigrants, Govt. of India. Do not deal with him unless he is registered and the registration is valid. In case of doubt, check with any of the offices of the Protectors of Emigrants (POEs) or the Protector General of Emigrants (PGE).
DO NOT deal with sub-agents as they are not permitted under the Emigration Act, 1983 and Rules.
Ask to see the demand letter and power of attorney from the foreign employer. Also carefully go through the employment contract detailing the salary and other service conditions.
Do not pay the Agent anything other than the service charge of Rs 2,000 for unskilled workers, Rs 3,000 for semi-skilled, Rs 5,000 for skilled workers and Rs 10,000 for other than the above.
Preferably pay by demand draft or cheque and obtain a receipt. Complaints of overcharging or cheating can be lodged with the concerned POE or with the PGE.
The Law On Recruiting Agents
Section 10 of the Emigration Act 1983, states that no recruiting agent shall commence or carry on the business of recruitment except under and in accordance with a certificate issued in that behalf by the Protector General of Emigrants, the registering authority. Violation of section 10, is an offence and is punishable with imprisonment of a term of two years and with a fine, which may extend to Rs 2000.
“Entry into the market in the Gulf is tightly controlled and heavily legislated. There is an information gap between the employer in Gulf and the prospective employee in Goa, particularly in the unorgansied sector and therefore both heavily depend on the agent. The less educated labourers are ready to invest the family’s savings and borrowings in order to get a job abroad.”
Alito Sequeira | SOCIOLOGIST, GOA UNIVERSITY
“Although people are aware that they shouldn’t approach people who don’t have a license, they do. When they get duped, they come to us. By then its too late.”
Bosco George | NORTH GOA SP
“I prefer working abroad because there exists better prospects and endless opportunities in the Gulf. Even the salaries provided abroad are much higher as compared to those in India.”
Reuben Quadros | YOUTH ASPIRING TO GO ABROAD
2008 May 18 Times Of India Goa
‘River Princess has spelt bad omen for us’
‘River Princess has spelt bad omen for us’
Locals Claim Drowning Deaths Have Gone Up Ever Since The Vessel Ran Ashore Eight Years Back
Preetu Nair | TNN
Sinquerim: Four persons died due to drowning in Sinquerim in 2007.
In adjacent Candolim 11 persons drowned, while at Calangute and Baga 12 and 10 people drowned. This year, there has already been one drowning death at Sinquerim and two at Candolim.
No drowning deaths were reported from Baga or Calangute. In 2006, Sinquerim witnessed more drowning deaths than Candolim (3). There were four drowning deaths, almost equal to that of Baga which was five.
The villagers do not have a record of drowning deaths, but say that the figures have increased since 2000.
There is no official data to support this claim, but villagers are worried and point out instances of drowning deaths.
Take the case of Ajay Naik. It was September 24, 2007.
The village of Sinquerim was filled with chants of ‘ganapati bapa moriya’. Ajay along with his friends had gone into the sea to immerse the Ganesh idol.
As it was low tide, they walked more than 200 mts to immerse the huge idol. That’s when tragedy stuck.
Ajay, an excellent swimmer, suddenly disappeared. As search operations failed, the Indian Navy’s help was sought but they failed to trace him.
His body was found after 21 days from a compartment of the River Princess, allege Ajay’s relatives.
“He died due to drowning. His semi-decomposed body was found after 21 days from a compartment of the ship by a labourer working on the ship. It was then taken out and brought to shore,” said his 30-year-old widow Samita.
This was also confirmed by the Calangute police, who added that his body must have entered the ship from a hole which has been made in the ship.
She added, “The ship has spelled bad omen for us”.
The family has a reason to be angry. Four years back a similar tragedy had struck the family.
Ajay’s eldest brother had gone to collect mussels that stick to the ship during the low tide. “He lost balance and hit the ship. He was brought dead to the shore,” said Ajay’s uncle Kishore Naik.
Ajay’s death has shocked the villagers, who are now a worried lot.
“Since ages villagers from Vaddi, Bamanwado and Marquiswado immerse the sarvajanik Ganesh idol around the area where River Princess is grounded. It is a part of our tradition and we are concerned,” said a villager Manohar Parulekar.
Some blame it on fate, few blame it on the stranded ship and say that it has changed their life and their relation with the sea.
“In the past there were no incidents of drowning deaths. But now there are frequent drowning deaths,” said 62-year-old Ramesh Kandolkar from Vaddi in Candolim.
His explanation that drowning deaths have increased as the water current has changed due to continuous digging work in and around the ship. “Now very few foreigners come here for a swim,” he added.
The villagers also informed that due to the grounded vessel, the number of foreign tourists who come to the area has also decreased and this has resulted in loss of business, for the people of the area, who mainly depend on the tourist season for their earnings.
Some of the villagers fear that if the grounded vessel is not removed immediately, then in the near future their business would be badly affected.
2008 May 19 Times Of India Goa
Locals Claim Drowning Deaths Have Gone Up Ever Since The Vessel Ran Ashore Eight Years Back
Preetu Nair | TNN
Sinquerim: Four persons died due to drowning in Sinquerim in 2007.
In adjacent Candolim 11 persons drowned, while at Calangute and Baga 12 and 10 people drowned. This year, there has already been one drowning death at Sinquerim and two at Candolim.
No drowning deaths were reported from Baga or Calangute. In 2006, Sinquerim witnessed more drowning deaths than Candolim (3). There were four drowning deaths, almost equal to that of Baga which was five.
The villagers do not have a record of drowning deaths, but say that the figures have increased since 2000.
There is no official data to support this claim, but villagers are worried and point out instances of drowning deaths.
Take the case of Ajay Naik. It was September 24, 2007.
The village of Sinquerim was filled with chants of ‘ganapati bapa moriya’. Ajay along with his friends had gone into the sea to immerse the Ganesh idol.
As it was low tide, they walked more than 200 mts to immerse the huge idol. That’s when tragedy stuck.
Ajay, an excellent swimmer, suddenly disappeared. As search operations failed, the Indian Navy’s help was sought but they failed to trace him.
His body was found after 21 days from a compartment of the River Princess, allege Ajay’s relatives.
“He died due to drowning. His semi-decomposed body was found after 21 days from a compartment of the ship by a labourer working on the ship. It was then taken out and brought to shore,” said his 30-year-old widow Samita.
This was also confirmed by the Calangute police, who added that his body must have entered the ship from a hole which has been made in the ship.
She added, “The ship has spelled bad omen for us”.
The family has a reason to be angry. Four years back a similar tragedy had struck the family.
Ajay’s eldest brother had gone to collect mussels that stick to the ship during the low tide. “He lost balance and hit the ship. He was brought dead to the shore,” said Ajay’s uncle Kishore Naik.
Ajay’s death has shocked the villagers, who are now a worried lot.
“Since ages villagers from Vaddi, Bamanwado and Marquiswado immerse the sarvajanik Ganesh idol around the area where River Princess is grounded. It is a part of our tradition and we are concerned,” said a villager Manohar Parulekar.
Some blame it on fate, few blame it on the stranded ship and say that it has changed their life and their relation with the sea.
“In the past there were no incidents of drowning deaths. But now there are frequent drowning deaths,” said 62-year-old Ramesh Kandolkar from Vaddi in Candolim.
His explanation that drowning deaths have increased as the water current has changed due to continuous digging work in and around the ship. “Now very few foreigners come here for a swim,” he added.
The villagers also informed that due to the grounded vessel, the number of foreign tourists who come to the area has also decreased and this has resulted in loss of business, for the people of the area, who mainly depend on the tourist season for their earnings.
Some of the villagers fear that if the grounded vessel is not removed immediately, then in the near future their business would be badly affected.
2008 May 19 Times Of India Goa
Child activists flayed over Scarlett case
Child activists flayed over Scarlett case
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Drawing similarities between the Freddy Peats case and the alleged rape and murder of Scarlett Keeling in Goa, noted child activist Sheela Barse, said that in both cases the “so-called” child activists in Goa have remained silent, even as the victim was being victimized.
“Scarlett’s image was tarnished, but what had she done to deserve such a treatment. How can the child right’s activists allow such allegations to be made about the minor girl, when she is not around to defend herself. Don’t we have some concept of respecting the victim,” said Barse. She was in Goa to speak at a workshop on “Caring for the mentally challenged” at Goa University on Friday.
Scarlett was found dead under mysterious circumstances on Anjuna beach on February 18. First the Goa police dismissed it as drowning death, but later registered a case of rape and murder. However, as her mother Fiona Mackeown’s cry for justice grew louder, the allegations of Scarlett leading an easy life of men, booze and drugs spread like wildfire. However, throughout the whole episode, the child activists in Goa maintained complete silence.
Barse, who almost single handedly ensured justice for the abused children by getting paedophile Freddy Peats convicted, recollected that even when Peats case exposed the paedophile racket in Goa, many including some activists, tried to indulge in character assasination of the minor victims.
“To minimize the extent of crime, the accused pass the blame on the victim to restrict public outcry. Maligning Scarlett by stating that she had an easy lifestyle on the basis of what witnesses are saying is not correct. A minor child has been raped and murdered and how can the child activists remain silent on the issue,” questioned Barse.
“The situation is no different from what happened in 1991, when it was alleged that the minor boys who were exploited by Peats had become dull as they didn’t have the excitement of sexual experience anymore,” she said, blaming the “so-called” children’s activists in Goa for failing to get any paedophile convicted in the state. The only paedophile to be convicted in the state was Peats, while many others managed to escape scot-free due to lack of evidence or with witnesses turning hostile.
But then how many today have the conviction and commitment of Barse? Afterall, she is the woman, who on seeing the Peats’ case falter, had got the original chargesheet withdrawn and filed a fresh chargesheet in the case. “The greatest contradiction that I see amongst present group of child activists is that when a prostitute alleges rape, they stand up and state that her being a prostitute doesn’t mean that anyone can rape her without consent but they are silent when an ordinary minor is raped and murdered”.
She added, “Background of the person is irrelevant to the crime. Every child has their rights and the child activists need to ensure that their rights are protected”.
2008 May 19 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Drawing similarities between the Freddy Peats case and the alleged rape and murder of Scarlett Keeling in Goa, noted child activist Sheela Barse, said that in both cases the “so-called” child activists in Goa have remained silent, even as the victim was being victimized.
“Scarlett’s image was tarnished, but what had she done to deserve such a treatment. How can the child right’s activists allow such allegations to be made about the minor girl, when she is not around to defend herself. Don’t we have some concept of respecting the victim,” said Barse. She was in Goa to speak at a workshop on “Caring for the mentally challenged” at Goa University on Friday.
Scarlett was found dead under mysterious circumstances on Anjuna beach on February 18. First the Goa police dismissed it as drowning death, but later registered a case of rape and murder. However, as her mother Fiona Mackeown’s cry for justice grew louder, the allegations of Scarlett leading an easy life of men, booze and drugs spread like wildfire. However, throughout the whole episode, the child activists in Goa maintained complete silence.
Barse, who almost single handedly ensured justice for the abused children by getting paedophile Freddy Peats convicted, recollected that even when Peats case exposed the paedophile racket in Goa, many including some activists, tried to indulge in character assasination of the minor victims.
“To minimize the extent of crime, the accused pass the blame on the victim to restrict public outcry. Maligning Scarlett by stating that she had an easy lifestyle on the basis of what witnesses are saying is not correct. A minor child has been raped and murdered and how can the child activists remain silent on the issue,” questioned Barse.
“The situation is no different from what happened in 1991, when it was alleged that the minor boys who were exploited by Peats had become dull as they didn’t have the excitement of sexual experience anymore,” she said, blaming the “so-called” children’s activists in Goa for failing to get any paedophile convicted in the state. The only paedophile to be convicted in the state was Peats, while many others managed to escape scot-free due to lack of evidence or with witnesses turning hostile.
But then how many today have the conviction and commitment of Barse? Afterall, she is the woman, who on seeing the Peats’ case falter, had got the original chargesheet withdrawn and filed a fresh chargesheet in the case. “The greatest contradiction that I see amongst present group of child activists is that when a prostitute alleges rape, they stand up and state that her being a prostitute doesn’t mean that anyone can rape her without consent but they are silent when an ordinary minor is raped and murdered”.
She added, “Background of the person is irrelevant to the crime. Every child has their rights and the child activists need to ensure that their rights are protected”.
2008 May 19 Times Of India Goa
APATHY TOWARDS THE DISABLED
APATHY TOWARDS THE DISABLED
Show cause notice served to ESG
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The assistant commissioner for persons with disabilities has issued a show cause notice to the government agency, Entertainment Society of Goa, for failing to fully implement the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 at the Inox theatre.
The complaint was lodged by Kumudini Roy, who is paraplegic. She said in her complaint that the environment at Inox has been causing great inconvenience to disabled persons. She complained that seats for the disabled persons are wrongly positioned without considering the needs of the such persons and that there is no prominently marked parking area for vehicles transporting disabled persons to the theatre
The notice was sent to chief executive officer of the ESG on April 25, 2008. The matter will be heard by the state commissioner for persons with disabilities on May 23, 2008.
Deepak Srivastav, regional general manager of Inox Leisure Limited, in his reply has stated, “The multiplex is owned by the government of Goa and the ESG has granted us license to use, run and operate the complex. We cannot make any structural alterations to the complex on our own. You may approach the ESG for these”.
“There is a pathway made available from the parking lot to facilitate entry of wheelchairs into the auditorium. There is also a provision for wheelchairs and separate toilets for disabled people,” stated Srivastav in the letter dated March 14, 2008.
Meanwhile, CEO Nikhil Dessai in his reply on May 6 maintained that “there is neither deprivation nor violation, nor non-implementation of any rules, bye-laws, regulations, executive orders or instructions issued by the appropriate government or the local authorities.”
Addressing the issue of the provision of special parking facilities, Dessai said that directions have been given to provide slots in the parking area for disabled persons and that the same will be implemented within a week.
2008 May 21 Times Of India Goa
Show cause notice served to ESG
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The assistant commissioner for persons with disabilities has issued a show cause notice to the government agency, Entertainment Society of Goa, for failing to fully implement the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 at the Inox theatre.
The complaint was lodged by Kumudini Roy, who is paraplegic. She said in her complaint that the environment at Inox has been causing great inconvenience to disabled persons. She complained that seats for the disabled persons are wrongly positioned without considering the needs of the such persons and that there is no prominently marked parking area for vehicles transporting disabled persons to the theatre
The notice was sent to chief executive officer of the ESG on April 25, 2008. The matter will be heard by the state commissioner for persons with disabilities on May 23, 2008.
Deepak Srivastav, regional general manager of Inox Leisure Limited, in his reply has stated, “The multiplex is owned by the government of Goa and the ESG has granted us license to use, run and operate the complex. We cannot make any structural alterations to the complex on our own. You may approach the ESG for these”.
“There is a pathway made available from the parking lot to facilitate entry of wheelchairs into the auditorium. There is also a provision for wheelchairs and separate toilets for disabled people,” stated Srivastav in the letter dated March 14, 2008.
Meanwhile, CEO Nikhil Dessai in his reply on May 6 maintained that “there is neither deprivation nor violation, nor non-implementation of any rules, bye-laws, regulations, executive orders or instructions issued by the appropriate government or the local authorities.”
Addressing the issue of the provision of special parking facilities, Dessai said that directions have been given to provide slots in the parking area for disabled persons and that the same will be implemented within a week.
2008 May 21 Times Of India Goa
GSACS study reveals drug abuse among children in Goa
STARTLING FACTS
GSACS study reveals drug abuse among children in Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: A study conducted by the Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) has made some startling revelations.
If you thought that drug abuse is a youth problem, think again. The study reveals that even children aged 12 years abuse drugs orally and by the time they are in their twenties, take to intravenous drugs.
Many start by s m o k i n g cannabis when at school and later shift to ecstasy and even heroin and brown sugar to get a ‘definite high’. The study also states that some drug users work as peddlers, motorbike pilots, guides/masseurs or barmen in shacks. Incidentally a majority of them also report high-risk sexual behaviour. The mean age for sexual debut is estimated at 19 years of age, with some having their first sexual experience at the age of 17 or below.
The study, Rapid Assessment in Goa, which was conducted by a Delhi-based NGO SHARAN for GSACS presents a snapshot of drug use trends in the state, especially along the North Goa coastal belt.
The study referred to a sample of 100 drug users and submitted that the most common reasons for abusing drugs was peer pressure curiosity, or even to escape stress and family problems.
The report also said that few did drugs to get social acceptance. It also added that the main reason for the shift from oral to intravenous drugs was to get a better high at a lesser cost.
The report gains importance because the UNAIDS report on the global AIDS epidemic 2006 states that the future size of India’s HIV epidemic will depend particularly on the effectiveness of programmes for sex workers and their clients, MSMs and injecting drug users (IDU).
In Goa, GSACS had not intervened till this study was conducted. It was recommended that, “there is a clear need for drug user interventions to target IDUs in North Goa”.
2008 May 22 Times Of India Goa
GSACS study reveals drug abuse among children in Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: A study conducted by the Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) has made some startling revelations.
If you thought that drug abuse is a youth problem, think again. The study reveals that even children aged 12 years abuse drugs orally and by the time they are in their twenties, take to intravenous drugs.
Many start by s m o k i n g cannabis when at school and later shift to ecstasy and even heroin and brown sugar to get a ‘definite high’. The study also states that some drug users work as peddlers, motorbike pilots, guides/masseurs or barmen in shacks. Incidentally a majority of them also report high-risk sexual behaviour. The mean age for sexual debut is estimated at 19 years of age, with some having their first sexual experience at the age of 17 or below.
The study, Rapid Assessment in Goa, which was conducted by a Delhi-based NGO SHARAN for GSACS presents a snapshot of drug use trends in the state, especially along the North Goa coastal belt.
The study referred to a sample of 100 drug users and submitted that the most common reasons for abusing drugs was peer pressure curiosity, or even to escape stress and family problems.
The report also said that few did drugs to get social acceptance. It also added that the main reason for the shift from oral to intravenous drugs was to get a better high at a lesser cost.
The report gains importance because the UNAIDS report on the global AIDS epidemic 2006 states that the future size of India’s HIV epidemic will depend particularly on the effectiveness of programmes for sex workers and their clients, MSMs and injecting drug users (IDU).
In Goa, GSACS had not intervened till this study was conducted. It was recommended that, “there is a clear need for drug user interventions to target IDUs in North Goa”.
2008 May 22 Times Of India Goa
‘Lamani tribe abused in Goa’
FACTS & FIGURES
‘Lamani tribe abused in Goa’
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Lamani (nomadic tribes or Bhanjaras from Karnataka) children in Goa are not exploited in massage parlours or in homes for children, but in tourism-related businesses that provides them with an opportunity to tout for various sex services.
They not only interact with foreigners, but also have ‘live-in’ relationships and work as domestic help.
Besides, they also accompany tourists not just for meals and outings within Goa, but also abroad, reveals a report which has been assessing the prevalence and dimensions of sex trafficking involving women and children belonging to the Lamani tribe.
The report is prepared by the energy and resources institute for United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
This is the first study conducted on Lamanis in Goa to ascertain their role and involvement in activities related to commercial sex especially in the realm of catering to the tourism sector in the state.
The survey was conducted across Goa and Karnataka. In Goa, eight villages in the Bardez and Pernem talukas were selected, as these areas are regarded as ‘hot spots’ for several types of commercial sexual exploitation.
The report notes that job opportunities created on account of tourism have been one of the pull factors attracting Lamanis into Goa, as most of them come from the underdeveloped arid regions of Karnataka ,where making a living from agriculture is very difficult.
They engage in tourismrelated work as hawkers for the sale of handicrafts, garments, fruits and rendering of services like body massages and tattooing in the tourist belt of Goa, it has been explained.
Though Lamanis don’t work in massage parlours, they do provide massages to sunbathing tourists and also provide similar services at the popular flea market in Anjuna where they sell garments and handicrafts.
However, the percentage of Lamanis involved in massage service is small compared to their involvement in other tourism-related activities, the report states.
The report looks into ‘out migration’ to Goa especially in the tourism sector that has contributed to the much needed economic mobility of the 15, 000 to 20,000-odd Lamanis in the tourism sector.
However, fierce competition and lack of unity amongst them, makes this tribe further vulnerable as traffickers.
The study is also well aware of the power equations
between the Lamanis and the police as well as between the Lamanis and the locals. While this makes them ‘soft targets’, there is not enough evidence to show that Lamanis are involved in sexual exploitation as there are almost no police records that link Lamanis to sexual exploitation in Goa, the report states.
Further, because the traffickers are most often close relatives or husbands, the activity is concealed. The report has also stated that awareness of the legal consequences of sex trafficking should be spread to stem the demand for the trade in the state.
2008 May 23 Times Of India Goa
‘Lamani tribe abused in Goa’
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Lamani (nomadic tribes or Bhanjaras from Karnataka) children in Goa are not exploited in massage parlours or in homes for children, but in tourism-related businesses that provides them with an opportunity to tout for various sex services.
They not only interact with foreigners, but also have ‘live-in’ relationships and work as domestic help.
Besides, they also accompany tourists not just for meals and outings within Goa, but also abroad, reveals a report which has been assessing the prevalence and dimensions of sex trafficking involving women and children belonging to the Lamani tribe.
The report is prepared by the energy and resources institute for United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
This is the first study conducted on Lamanis in Goa to ascertain their role and involvement in activities related to commercial sex especially in the realm of catering to the tourism sector in the state.
The survey was conducted across Goa and Karnataka. In Goa, eight villages in the Bardez and Pernem talukas were selected, as these areas are regarded as ‘hot spots’ for several types of commercial sexual exploitation.
The report notes that job opportunities created on account of tourism have been one of the pull factors attracting Lamanis into Goa, as most of them come from the underdeveloped arid regions of Karnataka ,where making a living from agriculture is very difficult.
They engage in tourismrelated work as hawkers for the sale of handicrafts, garments, fruits and rendering of services like body massages and tattooing in the tourist belt of Goa, it has been explained.
Though Lamanis don’t work in massage parlours, they do provide massages to sunbathing tourists and also provide similar services at the popular flea market in Anjuna where they sell garments and handicrafts.
However, the percentage of Lamanis involved in massage service is small compared to their involvement in other tourism-related activities, the report states.
The report looks into ‘out migration’ to Goa especially in the tourism sector that has contributed to the much needed economic mobility of the 15, 000 to 20,000-odd Lamanis in the tourism sector.
However, fierce competition and lack of unity amongst them, makes this tribe further vulnerable as traffickers.
The study is also well aware of the power equations
between the Lamanis and the police as well as between the Lamanis and the locals. While this makes them ‘soft targets’, there is not enough evidence to show that Lamanis are involved in sexual exploitation as there are almost no police records that link Lamanis to sexual exploitation in Goa, the report states.
Further, because the traffickers are most often close relatives or husbands, the activity is concealed. The report has also stated that awareness of the legal consequences of sex trafficking should be spread to stem the demand for the trade in the state.
2008 May 23 Times Of India Goa
PLAY SAFE, BLOCK AIDS
PLAY SAFE, BLOCK AIDS
State AIDS Control Society Figures Show Unprotected Sex Is The Main Reason For The Spread Of HIV Infection In Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
The number of persons contracting HIV in Goa has doubled over the last 10 years.
The killer virus infects three new persons — two men and a woman — every day.
The age at which Goans are falling prey to the disease is, simultaneously, both decreasing and increasing; the middle-aged (people in their 30s and their 40s) still account for most of the new cases but the number of youths (in the 15-29 age group) and the elderly (49-plus years) who are contracting the virus is growing alarmingly.
And unprotected sex continues to be the biggest scourge, accounting for a whopping majority of the new cases.
The Goa State AIDS Control Society's latest figures do not make for happy reading. The only silver lining in the largely gloomy statistics is provided by the fact that, over the last two years, not a single person has contracted the virus because of drug abuse; infected syringes and needles cannot be blamed for even one of the 2000-odd new HIV cases that has occurred in Goa.
But there is cause for alarm in the coastal districts. The four coastal talukas of Bardez, Tiswadi, Mormugao and Salcete — just like sex without protection in the table of reasons (see graphic) — account for about four of every five new cases that strike Goa.
The situation on the ground corroborates the scary government statistics. Joseph has lived all his life in one of these coastal talukas and has grown up on a heady mix of sex and drugs. Life seemed happening till one day last year when the 30-year-old came to know that he had contracted the dreaded virus.
There are many more like Joseph, across all age groups, leading several NGOs to call HIV a "lifestyle disease". These NGOs, which work with HIV-positive persons in the coastal areas, say an awareness of HIV is already there but people do not seem to have a proper perception of the risk factors. "There is a lot of sexual activity in the coastal areas which, when combined with with the easy availability of alcohol and drugs, may lead to socially irresponsible behaviour," Sofia,
from the NGO Rishta working in North Goa, said.
But several NGOs do not accept the GSACS finding of drug abuse not being responsible for the spread of HIV at all. Sufficient samples may not have been referred to the sentinel surveillance process and that may explain why data of prevalence of HIV among intravenous drug-users is not available.
But the GSACS is sticking to its s t a - t i s -
PRICE OF PROMISCUITY
Goa has a population of 1.4 million permanent residents. HIV prevalence at ante-natal clinics was found to be .5 per cent in 2006. Prevalence of HIV at clinics for sexually transmitted diseases was found to be as high as 8.6% in 2006. Both figures indicate that Goa has a serious epidemic of HIV among sexually active people, say experts working with the problem. (Source: AVERT, international HIV and AIDS charity based in the UK)
2008 May 24 Times Of India Goa
State AIDS Control Society Figures Show Unprotected Sex Is The Main Reason For The Spread Of HIV Infection In Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
The number of persons contracting HIV in Goa has doubled over the last 10 years.
The killer virus infects three new persons — two men and a woman — every day.
The age at which Goans are falling prey to the disease is, simultaneously, both decreasing and increasing; the middle-aged (people in their 30s and their 40s) still account for most of the new cases but the number of youths (in the 15-29 age group) and the elderly (49-plus years) who are contracting the virus is growing alarmingly.
And unprotected sex continues to be the biggest scourge, accounting for a whopping majority of the new cases.
The Goa State AIDS Control Society's latest figures do not make for happy reading. The only silver lining in the largely gloomy statistics is provided by the fact that, over the last two years, not a single person has contracted the virus because of drug abuse; infected syringes and needles cannot be blamed for even one of the 2000-odd new HIV cases that has occurred in Goa.
But there is cause for alarm in the coastal districts. The four coastal talukas of Bardez, Tiswadi, Mormugao and Salcete — just like sex without protection in the table of reasons (see graphic) — account for about four of every five new cases that strike Goa.
The situation on the ground corroborates the scary government statistics. Joseph has lived all his life in one of these coastal talukas and has grown up on a heady mix of sex and drugs. Life seemed happening till one day last year when the 30-year-old came to know that he had contracted the dreaded virus.
There are many more like Joseph, across all age groups, leading several NGOs to call HIV a "lifestyle disease". These NGOs, which work with HIV-positive persons in the coastal areas, say an awareness of HIV is already there but people do not seem to have a proper perception of the risk factors. "There is a lot of sexual activity in the coastal areas which, when combined with with the easy availability of alcohol and drugs, may lead to socially irresponsible behaviour," Sofia,
from the NGO Rishta working in North Goa, said.
But several NGOs do not accept the GSACS finding of drug abuse not being responsible for the spread of HIV at all. Sufficient samples may not have been referred to the sentinel surveillance process and that may explain why data of prevalence of HIV among intravenous drug-users is not available.
But the GSACS is sticking to its s t a - t i s -
PRICE OF PROMISCUITY
Goa has a population of 1.4 million permanent residents. HIV prevalence at ante-natal clinics was found to be .5 per cent in 2006. Prevalence of HIV at clinics for sexually transmitted diseases was found to be as high as 8.6% in 2006. Both figures indicate that Goa has a serious epidemic of HIV among sexually active people, say experts working with the problem. (Source: AVERT, international HIV and AIDS charity based in the UK)
2008 May 24 Times Of India Goa
Taleigao people divided over huge projects
Taleigao people divided over huge projects
Preetu Nair | TNN
Taleigao: Even as the growing movement against mega and not-so mega construction projects in the state unites the villagers in the gram sabhas, in Taleigao village panchayat, the issue has actually divided the people.
At a gram sabha meeting on Sunday, the differences between the ordinary villagers and “elite” of Dona Paula became apparent, with a few “elite” members demanding that unwanted development and high-rise buildings should be banned in the village as it was proving to be an additional burden on the infrastructure. However, the villagers, along with their local MLA Atanasio Monserrate and his supporters blamed the “elite” members of the society for being quiet when adversity strikes and complaining later.
“Don’t take your own decisions and pass it on as the decision of the people of Taleigao. This is the decision of a class (people of Dona Paula, who comprised nearly 30% population in the gram sabha) and not the masses. You were silent when the ODP was prepared. You were hardly there when we opposed the IT park and now you have got together to criticize every construction, many of which are legal,” said Monserrate.
Finally, as people were divided, no resolution could be passed on the issue. The trouble started when Shanti Almeida, a resident of Dona Paula, said that no permission should be given to highrise buildings in Taleigao without consulting the gram sabha. “The final decision has to be with the gram sabha and the panchayat is bound by the resolution of the gram sabha,” she added.
Few of them complained that due to unplanned development, which is being supported by the panchayat, problems of garbage, parking, water and sewage have increased. “The panchayat should put a stop to all illegal constructions in the area,” said Bernardo D’Souza from La Citadel colony, Dona Paula.
However, sarpanch Janu Rosario refused to entertain the proposal stating that the panchayat is only the license issuing authority and the development is happening as per the ODP.
“No gram sabha can stop any legal construction. If you want to put a stop to any legal construction, then please do it on an individual basis, without putting the burden on the panchayat or people of Taleigao,” said Rosario.
Father Michael from Don Bosco, Odxel complained that the Taleigao Outline Development Plan was passed without consulting the gram sabha. But Rosario produced the minutes of a meeting and said that suggestions were sent to the government on August 18, 2004. “We want Taleigao to develop and don’t want the panchayat to waste money on litigations against developers who are constructing legally. The gram sabha shouldn’t entertain those who talk about people’s rights and disappear when its time to fight,” said Taleigao resident Tony Baretto.
Maria Francisca, in her late 60’s, from Cardozwaddo, Taleigao, said that many of the elite members who talk in the gram sabha are never there when people come on the streets. “They only know to complain and demand,” she said. Even Genevieve D’- Souza from Dona Paula, who has been a part of various people’s movements in Taleigao, including the movement against IT park, admitted the problem. “Blame it on pure lethargy. Many from Dona Paula want others to do their job. They are never willing to fight for a cause, though they do talk at public meetings and gram sabhas.” However, Anand Madgavkar said that people on the plateau are not against projects but they want to ensure that there is proper infrastructure before new constructions come up.
2008 May 26 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Taleigao: Even as the growing movement against mega and not-so mega construction projects in the state unites the villagers in the gram sabhas, in Taleigao village panchayat, the issue has actually divided the people.
At a gram sabha meeting on Sunday, the differences between the ordinary villagers and “elite” of Dona Paula became apparent, with a few “elite” members demanding that unwanted development and high-rise buildings should be banned in the village as it was proving to be an additional burden on the infrastructure. However, the villagers, along with their local MLA Atanasio Monserrate and his supporters blamed the “elite” members of the society for being quiet when adversity strikes and complaining later.
“Don’t take your own decisions and pass it on as the decision of the people of Taleigao. This is the decision of a class (people of Dona Paula, who comprised nearly 30% population in the gram sabha) and not the masses. You were silent when the ODP was prepared. You were hardly there when we opposed the IT park and now you have got together to criticize every construction, many of which are legal,” said Monserrate.
Finally, as people were divided, no resolution could be passed on the issue. The trouble started when Shanti Almeida, a resident of Dona Paula, said that no permission should be given to highrise buildings in Taleigao without consulting the gram sabha. “The final decision has to be with the gram sabha and the panchayat is bound by the resolution of the gram sabha,” she added.
Few of them complained that due to unplanned development, which is being supported by the panchayat, problems of garbage, parking, water and sewage have increased. “The panchayat should put a stop to all illegal constructions in the area,” said Bernardo D’Souza from La Citadel colony, Dona Paula.
However, sarpanch Janu Rosario refused to entertain the proposal stating that the panchayat is only the license issuing authority and the development is happening as per the ODP.
“No gram sabha can stop any legal construction. If you want to put a stop to any legal construction, then please do it on an individual basis, without putting the burden on the panchayat or people of Taleigao,” said Rosario.
Father Michael from Don Bosco, Odxel complained that the Taleigao Outline Development Plan was passed without consulting the gram sabha. But Rosario produced the minutes of a meeting and said that suggestions were sent to the government on August 18, 2004. “We want Taleigao to develop and don’t want the panchayat to waste money on litigations against developers who are constructing legally. The gram sabha shouldn’t entertain those who talk about people’s rights and disappear when its time to fight,” said Taleigao resident Tony Baretto.
Maria Francisca, in her late 60’s, from Cardozwaddo, Taleigao, said that many of the elite members who talk in the gram sabha are never there when people come on the streets. “They only know to complain and demand,” she said. Even Genevieve D’- Souza from Dona Paula, who has been a part of various people’s movements in Taleigao, including the movement against IT park, admitted the problem. “Blame it on pure lethargy. Many from Dona Paula want others to do their job. They are never willing to fight for a cause, though they do talk at public meetings and gram sabhas.” However, Anand Madgavkar said that people on the plateau are not against projects but they want to ensure that there is proper infrastructure before new constructions come up.
2008 May 26 Times Of India Goa
Malaria rises with building activity
Malaria rises with building activity
On An Average There Are About 300 Cases Of Malaria Reported Every Month
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Does increase in construction activity have a direct link with the spread of malaria? Yes, say health officials, who believe that the scourge of malaria is likely to increase and not decrease in the coming years.
With construction sites being perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes and migrants considered transmitters of malaria, the disease is here to stay, allege health officials. On an average there are about 300 cases of malaria every month and the disease touches a peak during the monsoons. In the first three months of 2008, about 1931 persons were detected with malaria. In 2007, on an average about 1000 cases of malaria were detected every month between July and November.
“Earlier, the incidents of malaria were high during the monsoons, but now the prevalence of malaria is a year round feature. We have seen that wherever there is construction activity, the prevalence of malaria is high and once the construction is over, the number of cases of malaria come down drastically,” said directorate of health services deputy director Dr Deepak Kabadi.
“Our whole action is to control malaria amongst the migrant labourers working at the construction sites. We screen them regularly and treat them to keep a check on the spread of malaria,” Dr Kabadi said.
To substantiate the link between malaria and migrant labourers, who work at construction sites, health officials throw figures from the last two years, when construction activity had touched a peak. While in 2006, 4110 labourers were found to be suffering from malaria, only 892 were locals. The situation was no different in 2007. There were 8042 migrants treated for
malaria, while the locals were only 1600. From January to March 2008, 1931 cases were detected with malaria, of which 272 are locals and the rest migrants.
Majority of health officials believe that the parasitic infection has been brought into the state by the migrant labourers, who have migrated to Goa for work from malaria endemic areas. Therefore, the migrants are monitored regularly to check the spread of disease and most of the government’s intervention and control methods focus on labourers. Even the state government by amending the Goa Public Health Act in March 1996 had declared malaria as a notifiable disease.
The health authorities have also introduced ‘health cards’, which are essentially to be carried by all migrant construction labourers. This card has to be obtained by all migrant construction labourers from the nearest primary health centre and the testing of malaria has to be done every three months. However, critics say that the efficiency in controlling malaria by issuing health cards fails on several counts, especially since the burden of vector control is now on the migrant labourer, and not on the construction companies.
Even World Health Organisation (WHO) categorises malaria as a killer disease. It is a problem that to a very great extent is man-made. Still worse, even though man is aware of the problem, they are still not deeply concerned about its eradication.
“Pits all over the roads in Goa, construction sites, plastics littered in stormwater drains, several open spaces used by the public as urinals and toilets, water logging in monsoons and garbage scattered everywhere, to name a few are frequent mosquito breeding sites,” said a city based doctor.
HISTORY
Malaria by no account is new to Goa. There are several historical accounts of malaria epidemics in the state. The incidence was highest in the rural areas of Sanguem, Sattari, Canacona and Quepem talukas. Regulation to prevent and control malaria epidemic was initiated in 1913 and by 1950s malaria was almost under control. But in 1986, there was a sudden upturn in malaria cases in Panaji. This was the first time that an urban area had been affected by malaria. The health officials explained that this was due to the construction works that were being carried out at Miramar area. With the construction activity increasing in the state, malaria is here to stay, said health officials.
MOST DANGEROUS MOSQUITOES
ANOPHELINE CULISIFACIES:
The most dangerous malaria carrier, it mostly breeds in swamps, which have been formed by floods and rain water accumulation and feeds on human as well as bovine blood.
ANOPHELINE FLUVIATIS:
It breeds in clear water, seepages and wells, edges of ponds, paddy fields etc. It feeds on human blood and cattle blood, especially around midnight.
ANOPHELINE STEPHENSI:
This species is said to be a vector in the coastal areas of Pernem and Arpora in Bardez and mostly breeds in salt pans during the months of September and October.
2008 May 27 Times Of India Goa
On An Average There Are About 300 Cases Of Malaria Reported Every Month
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Does increase in construction activity have a direct link with the spread of malaria? Yes, say health officials, who believe that the scourge of malaria is likely to increase and not decrease in the coming years.
With construction sites being perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes and migrants considered transmitters of malaria, the disease is here to stay, allege health officials. On an average there are about 300 cases of malaria every month and the disease touches a peak during the monsoons. In the first three months of 2008, about 1931 persons were detected with malaria. In 2007, on an average about 1000 cases of malaria were detected every month between July and November.
“Earlier, the incidents of malaria were high during the monsoons, but now the prevalence of malaria is a year round feature. We have seen that wherever there is construction activity, the prevalence of malaria is high and once the construction is over, the number of cases of malaria come down drastically,” said directorate of health services deputy director Dr Deepak Kabadi.
“Our whole action is to control malaria amongst the migrant labourers working at the construction sites. We screen them regularly and treat them to keep a check on the spread of malaria,” Dr Kabadi said.
To substantiate the link between malaria and migrant labourers, who work at construction sites, health officials throw figures from the last two years, when construction activity had touched a peak. While in 2006, 4110 labourers were found to be suffering from malaria, only 892 were locals. The situation was no different in 2007. There were 8042 migrants treated for
malaria, while the locals were only 1600. From January to March 2008, 1931 cases were detected with malaria, of which 272 are locals and the rest migrants.
Majority of health officials believe that the parasitic infection has been brought into the state by the migrant labourers, who have migrated to Goa for work from malaria endemic areas. Therefore, the migrants are monitored regularly to check the spread of disease and most of the government’s intervention and control methods focus on labourers. Even the state government by amending the Goa Public Health Act in March 1996 had declared malaria as a notifiable disease.
The health authorities have also introduced ‘health cards’, which are essentially to be carried by all migrant construction labourers. This card has to be obtained by all migrant construction labourers from the nearest primary health centre and the testing of malaria has to be done every three months. However, critics say that the efficiency in controlling malaria by issuing health cards fails on several counts, especially since the burden of vector control is now on the migrant labourer, and not on the construction companies.
Even World Health Organisation (WHO) categorises malaria as a killer disease. It is a problem that to a very great extent is man-made. Still worse, even though man is aware of the problem, they are still not deeply concerned about its eradication.
“Pits all over the roads in Goa, construction sites, plastics littered in stormwater drains, several open spaces used by the public as urinals and toilets, water logging in monsoons and garbage scattered everywhere, to name a few are frequent mosquito breeding sites,” said a city based doctor.
HISTORY
Malaria by no account is new to Goa. There are several historical accounts of malaria epidemics in the state. The incidence was highest in the rural areas of Sanguem, Sattari, Canacona and Quepem talukas. Regulation to prevent and control malaria epidemic was initiated in 1913 and by 1950s malaria was almost under control. But in 1986, there was a sudden upturn in malaria cases in Panaji. This was the first time that an urban area had been affected by malaria. The health officials explained that this was due to the construction works that were being carried out at Miramar area. With the construction activity increasing in the state, malaria is here to stay, said health officials.
MOST DANGEROUS MOSQUITOES
ANOPHELINE CULISIFACIES:
The most dangerous malaria carrier, it mostly breeds in swamps, which have been formed by floods and rain water accumulation and feeds on human as well as bovine blood.
ANOPHELINE FLUVIATIS:
It breeds in clear water, seepages and wells, edges of ponds, paddy fields etc. It feeds on human blood and cattle blood, especially around midnight.
ANOPHELINE STEPHENSI:
This species is said to be a vector in the coastal areas of Pernem and Arpora in Bardez and mostly breeds in salt pans during the months of September and October.
2008 May 27 Times Of India Goa
Alarming increase in divorce cases in Goa
Alarming increase in divorce cases in Goa
Preetu Nair & Rajeshree Nagarsekar | TNN
Panaji/Margao: Goa registered 384 divorce cases—or a little over one annulment a day—last year. Five months into 2008, 129 divorces have already been registered across Tiswadi, Mormugao and Salcete talukas. In paradise on earth, marriages are ending in divorce at an unprecedented rate.
Last year, 232 divorce cases—or five couples seeking separation every week—were recorded in North Goa alone. This was a jump from the previous year’s 171 divorces recorded in the region.
Down south, the figures stayed on a similar trend. While Salcete and Mormugao talukas registered 93 and 35 cases each in 2006, divorces jumped to 109 and 43 cases respectively in 2007.
Keeping with the numbers, since January this year, 78 divorces have already been filed in the north, 13 in Mormugao and 38 in Salcete talukas respectively.
“It’s alarming,” said Fr Savio Rodrigues a counsellor at St Britto’s high school, Mapusa, whose clients include children from broken families.
Margao judicial magistrate first class superintendent M Rodrigues added, “Incidents of divorce are increasing in Goa. The break up of the joint family institution has only worsened things.”
Marriage counsellors and social scientists believe that the dependence of an increasing number of Goans on foreign jobs is linked to the increasing cases of divorce petitions. “When one spouse is abroad and the other is home looking after the family, the physical and emotional attachment between them decreases, even as proximity with a friend or associate increases,” said marriage analyst Dr Sadia Marques.
Children are the worst sufferers of broken homes. “I have received several cases of kids taking to drugs to escape the reality of a broken home,” said Fr Rodrigues. Psychiatrist Rajendra Hegde added, “In some cases children even attempt suicide.”
Pointing out that today’s couples are “educated, qualified professionals who know their rights and don’t mind asserting them” advocate Caroline Colaco said, “Being financially independent, the couple prefers to divorce rather than live in an unhappy marriage.”
“Emancipation of women has also led to an increase in divorces as husbands and even mothers-in-law refuse to accept the changing role of man and woman in society. Somehow the idea that man is God is still a part of our culture,” said Fr Socorro Mendes, Family Service Centre, Archdiocese of Goa.
(With inputs from Anabelle Colaco)
2008 May 30 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair & Rajeshree Nagarsekar | TNN
Panaji/Margao: Goa registered 384 divorce cases—or a little over one annulment a day—last year. Five months into 2008, 129 divorces have already been registered across Tiswadi, Mormugao and Salcete talukas. In paradise on earth, marriages are ending in divorce at an unprecedented rate.
Last year, 232 divorce cases—or five couples seeking separation every week—were recorded in North Goa alone. This was a jump from the previous year’s 171 divorces recorded in the region.
Down south, the figures stayed on a similar trend. While Salcete and Mormugao talukas registered 93 and 35 cases each in 2006, divorces jumped to 109 and 43 cases respectively in 2007.
Keeping with the numbers, since January this year, 78 divorces have already been filed in the north, 13 in Mormugao and 38 in Salcete talukas respectively.
“It’s alarming,” said Fr Savio Rodrigues a counsellor at St Britto’s high school, Mapusa, whose clients include children from broken families.
Margao judicial magistrate first class superintendent M Rodrigues added, “Incidents of divorce are increasing in Goa. The break up of the joint family institution has only worsened things.”
Marriage counsellors and social scientists believe that the dependence of an increasing number of Goans on foreign jobs is linked to the increasing cases of divorce petitions. “When one spouse is abroad and the other is home looking after the family, the physical and emotional attachment between them decreases, even as proximity with a friend or associate increases,” said marriage analyst Dr Sadia Marques.
Children are the worst sufferers of broken homes. “I have received several cases of kids taking to drugs to escape the reality of a broken home,” said Fr Rodrigues. Psychiatrist Rajendra Hegde added, “In some cases children even attempt suicide.”
Pointing out that today’s couples are “educated, qualified professionals who know their rights and don’t mind asserting them” advocate Caroline Colaco said, “Being financially independent, the couple prefers to divorce rather than live in an unhappy marriage.”
“Emancipation of women has also led to an increase in divorces as husbands and even mothers-in-law refuse to accept the changing role of man and woman in society. Somehow the idea that man is God is still a part of our culture,” said Fr Socorro Mendes, Family Service Centre, Archdiocese of Goa.
(With inputs from Anabelle Colaco)
2008 May 30 Times Of India Goa
Ill-treated wives prefer to separate
Ill-treated wives prefer to separate
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Middle aged women who are ill-treated or harassed by their husbands and in-laws may not seek divorce in Goa, but are certainly looking forward to separation.
An increasing number of women in their 50s and 60s now seek separation — provided under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 — from their “ill-treating” husbands.
And, the number of such cases is on the rise.
More than 40 women in the state sought protection under the Act in the first four months of 2008 while in 2007, 43 women sought refuge under the Act.
The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act was implemented in the state only in 2007 and family counsellors believe that this is just the tip of the ice-berg.
“Surprisingly, women in their 50s and 60s are opting for separation rather than divorce as they feel that the Act ensures protection of their rights,” said Goa State Commission for Women chairperson Dr Pramod Salgaocar.
The commission itself received around 15 such cases last year.
“The good news is that in most cases, the children support the mother,” added Dr Salgaocar.
For women in domestic dismay, the Act grants immediate relief and deters the perpetrator and enables the woman to sustain her battle against domestic violence while maintaining her rights.
“Separation could well be a step taken by the husband and wife to safeguard family reputation. It also allows room for the couple to come together in future,” said Fr Socorro Mendes, Family Service Centre, Archdiocese of Goa.
“Most women complain of sexual or physical assault, torture, extra marital affairs and children abuse.’’
“Many also allege that they are not allowed to take up jobs, besides not being given money for daily expenses,” said a block development officer from South Goa, who is also a protection officer.
“Often, due to social stigma and the fear of hampering their children’s — especially daughter’s —- marriage prospects, women are forced to continue in a difficult relationship.
They prefer to stay separately with the tag of being ‘married women’,” said women’s activist, advocate Albertina Almeida.
Interestingly, Goa is the only state in the country to have family laws under the Portuguese Civil Code.
The law defines marriage as a contract, wherein majority of couples opt for communion of assets.
In other words, the husband and wife have an equal share in all assets acquired before and after marriage, ensuring that both have equal rights to home, property and bank account.
But, women activists state that though the laws exist, it is only on paper and often women are denied equal rights.
“Family laws give equal rights to the man and the woman in most respects. However, these provisions don’t necessarily turn out to be egalitarian for the woman. If she is thrown out of her house, there is no alternate and immediate support system. Family laws may guarantee a woman her rights in the long run but she should have the sustaining power to last her through, which in most cases is difficult,” added Adv Almeida.
(Few names changed to protect identity)
2008 Jun 01 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Middle aged women who are ill-treated or harassed by their husbands and in-laws may not seek divorce in Goa, but are certainly looking forward to separation.
An increasing number of women in their 50s and 60s now seek separation — provided under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 — from their “ill-treating” husbands.
And, the number of such cases is on the rise.
More than 40 women in the state sought protection under the Act in the first four months of 2008 while in 2007, 43 women sought refuge under the Act.
The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act was implemented in the state only in 2007 and family counsellors believe that this is just the tip of the ice-berg.
“Surprisingly, women in their 50s and 60s are opting for separation rather than divorce as they feel that the Act ensures protection of their rights,” said Goa State Commission for Women chairperson Dr Pramod Salgaocar.
The commission itself received around 15 such cases last year.
“The good news is that in most cases, the children support the mother,” added Dr Salgaocar.
For women in domestic dismay, the Act grants immediate relief and deters the perpetrator and enables the woman to sustain her battle against domestic violence while maintaining her rights.
“Separation could well be a step taken by the husband and wife to safeguard family reputation. It also allows room for the couple to come together in future,” said Fr Socorro Mendes, Family Service Centre, Archdiocese of Goa.
“Most women complain of sexual or physical assault, torture, extra marital affairs and children abuse.’’
“Many also allege that they are not allowed to take up jobs, besides not being given money for daily expenses,” said a block development officer from South Goa, who is also a protection officer.
“Often, due to social stigma and the fear of hampering their children’s — especially daughter’s —- marriage prospects, women are forced to continue in a difficult relationship.
They prefer to stay separately with the tag of being ‘married women’,” said women’s activist, advocate Albertina Almeida.
Interestingly, Goa is the only state in the country to have family laws under the Portuguese Civil Code.
The law defines marriage as a contract, wherein majority of couples opt for communion of assets.
In other words, the husband and wife have an equal share in all assets acquired before and after marriage, ensuring that both have equal rights to home, property and bank account.
But, women activists state that though the laws exist, it is only on paper and often women are denied equal rights.
“Family laws give equal rights to the man and the woman in most respects. However, these provisions don’t necessarily turn out to be egalitarian for the woman. If she is thrown out of her house, there is no alternate and immediate support system. Family laws may guarantee a woman her rights in the long run but she should have the sustaining power to last her through, which in most cases is difficult,” added Adv Almeida.
(Few names changed to protect identity)
2008 Jun 01 Times Of India Goa
Banned from buying houses, foreigners opt for long lease
RENT RUCKUS
Banned from buying houses, foreigners opt for long lease
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: With the state government ‘banning foreigners from buying properties in the state’, local builders have fine tuned their strategies and are promoting five-year leases among tourists.
There are no official figures to prove the trend, but lawyers and builders agree that thsi is definitely increasing, with several builders from the state organizing road shows and exhibitions in UK to attract customers to Goa.
“A large number of builders are leasing houses to foreigners and it is within the law. But something needs to be done as houses are being leased to foreigners at a huge price, making it difficult for Goans to invest in homes” said builder Rajendra Talak of Talak constructions, Margao.
Despite India’s stringent property laws, the affordability of real estate draws foreigners — British, Russians and Israelis — to Goa. “While a two-bedroom villa would cost about Rs five crore or more in Europe, in Goa the flats come at much cheaper rates. Europeans prefer Goa and find investing in homes in the state a cheaper option,” said a builder, who leases out homes to Europeans.
“Purchasing of property by foreigners has come to a standstill and it’s difficult to execute any deed of sale as the procedure is no longer simple, thus forcing them to seek options like lease, if they intend to stay for long periods in the state,” said advocate Vikram Varma.
It is not just builders, but apartment owners who rent their homes through local rental management agencies in the state and earn a quick buck.
The modalities of the scheme are simple. A lease agreement is signed for five years for a nominal annual lease amount between the builder and foreigner. The value of the property is taken as a security deposit, which is refundable at the end of lease period or whenever the foreigner vacates.
“This gives breathing time to foreigners to complete the residential condition of 182 days residing in India and obtain a business or an employment visa and once this is obtained they can transfer the flat or bungalow to the foreigner’s name,” said chartered account Lalit Shah from Panaji, who specializes in the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA).
He added that only non-residents require permission from Reserve Bank of India to purchase a house or property in Goa.
“But if the foreigner stays 182 days in India and shows the intention to reside for indefinite period, then they are considered a resident of India and they don’t require RBI permission to acquire property in India,” added Shah. However, the risks for the foreigner are high, as there is a possibility of being cheated and some do complain of fraud. “In case a foreigner pays a high amount of security deposit then the safety of that deposit is at a high risk as the foreigner doesn’t have any legal sanction to occupy the house for more than five years,” added Varma.
2008 Jun 02 Times Of India Goa
Banned from buying houses, foreigners opt for long lease
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: With the state government ‘banning foreigners from buying properties in the state’, local builders have fine tuned their strategies and are promoting five-year leases among tourists.
There are no official figures to prove the trend, but lawyers and builders agree that thsi is definitely increasing, with several builders from the state organizing road shows and exhibitions in UK to attract customers to Goa.
“A large number of builders are leasing houses to foreigners and it is within the law. But something needs to be done as houses are being leased to foreigners at a huge price, making it difficult for Goans to invest in homes” said builder Rajendra Talak of Talak constructions, Margao.
Despite India’s stringent property laws, the affordability of real estate draws foreigners — British, Russians and Israelis — to Goa. “While a two-bedroom villa would cost about Rs five crore or more in Europe, in Goa the flats come at much cheaper rates. Europeans prefer Goa and find investing in homes in the state a cheaper option,” said a builder, who leases out homes to Europeans.
“Purchasing of property by foreigners has come to a standstill and it’s difficult to execute any deed of sale as the procedure is no longer simple, thus forcing them to seek options like lease, if they intend to stay for long periods in the state,” said advocate Vikram Varma.
It is not just builders, but apartment owners who rent their homes through local rental management agencies in the state and earn a quick buck.
The modalities of the scheme are simple. A lease agreement is signed for five years for a nominal annual lease amount between the builder and foreigner. The value of the property is taken as a security deposit, which is refundable at the end of lease period or whenever the foreigner vacates.
“This gives breathing time to foreigners to complete the residential condition of 182 days residing in India and obtain a business or an employment visa and once this is obtained they can transfer the flat or bungalow to the foreigner’s name,” said chartered account Lalit Shah from Panaji, who specializes in the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA).
He added that only non-residents require permission from Reserve Bank of India to purchase a house or property in Goa.
“But if the foreigner stays 182 days in India and shows the intention to reside for indefinite period, then they are considered a resident of India and they don’t require RBI permission to acquire property in India,” added Shah. However, the risks for the foreigner are high, as there is a possibility of being cheated and some do complain of fraud. “In case a foreigner pays a high amount of security deposit then the safety of that deposit is at a high risk as the foreigner doesn’t have any legal sanction to occupy the house for more than five years,” added Varma.
2008 Jun 02 Times Of India Goa
Banned from buying houses, foreigners opt for long lease
RENT RUCKUS
Banned from buying houses, foreigners opt for long lease
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: With the state government ‘banning foreigners from buying properties in the state’, local builders have fine tuned their strategies and are promoting five-year leases among tourists.
There are no official figures to prove the trend, but lawyers and builders agree that thsi is definitely increasing, with several builders from the state organizing road shows and exhibitions in UK to attract customers to Goa.
“A large number of builders are leasing houses to foreigners and it is within the law. But something needs to be done as houses are being leased to foreigners at a huge price, making it difficult for Goans to invest in homes” said builder Rajendra Talak of Talak constructions, Margao.
Despite India’s stringent property laws, the affordability of real estate draws foreigners — British, Russians and Israelis — to Goa. “While a two-bedroom villa would cost about Rs five crore or more in Europe, in Goa the flats come at much cheaper rates. Europeans prefer Goa and find investing in homes in the state a cheaper option,” said a builder, who leases out homes to Europeans.
“Purchasing of property by foreigners has come to a standstill and it’s difficult to execute any deed of sale as the procedure is no longer simple, thus forcing them to seek options like lease, if they intend to stay for long periods in the state,” said advocate Vikram Varma.
It is not just builders, but apartment owners who rent their homes through local rental management agencies in the state and earn a quick buck.
The modalities of the scheme are simple. A lease agreement is signed for five years for a nominal annual lease amount between the builder and foreigner. The value of the property is taken as a security deposit, which is refundable at the end of lease period or whenever the foreigner vacates.
“This gives breathing time to foreigners to complete the residential condition of 182 days residing in India and obtain a business or an employment visa and once this is obtained they can transfer the flat or bungalow to the foreigner’s name,” said chartered account Lalit Shah from Panaji, who specializes in the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA).
He added that only non-residents require permission from Reserve Bank of India to purchase a house or property in Goa.
“But if the foreigner stays 182 days in India and shows the intention to reside for indefinite period, then they are considered a resident of India and they don’t require RBI permission to acquire property in India,” added Shah. However, the risks for the foreigner are high, as there is a possibility of being cheated and some do complain of fraud. “In case a foreigner pays a high amount of security deposit then the safety of that deposit is at a high risk as the foreigner doesn’t have any legal sanction to occupy the house for more than five years,” added Varma.
2008 Jun 02 Times Of India Goa
Banned from buying houses, foreigners opt for long lease
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: With the state government ‘banning foreigners from buying properties in the state’, local builders have fine tuned their strategies and are promoting five-year leases among tourists.
There are no official figures to prove the trend, but lawyers and builders agree that thsi is definitely increasing, with several builders from the state organizing road shows and exhibitions in UK to attract customers to Goa.
“A large number of builders are leasing houses to foreigners and it is within the law. But something needs to be done as houses are being leased to foreigners at a huge price, making it difficult for Goans to invest in homes” said builder Rajendra Talak of Talak constructions, Margao.
Despite India’s stringent property laws, the affordability of real estate draws foreigners — British, Russians and Israelis — to Goa. “While a two-bedroom villa would cost about Rs five crore or more in Europe, in Goa the flats come at much cheaper rates. Europeans prefer Goa and find investing in homes in the state a cheaper option,” said a builder, who leases out homes to Europeans.
“Purchasing of property by foreigners has come to a standstill and it’s difficult to execute any deed of sale as the procedure is no longer simple, thus forcing them to seek options like lease, if they intend to stay for long periods in the state,” said advocate Vikram Varma.
It is not just builders, but apartment owners who rent their homes through local rental management agencies in the state and earn a quick buck.
The modalities of the scheme are simple. A lease agreement is signed for five years for a nominal annual lease amount between the builder and foreigner. The value of the property is taken as a security deposit, which is refundable at the end of lease period or whenever the foreigner vacates.
“This gives breathing time to foreigners to complete the residential condition of 182 days residing in India and obtain a business or an employment visa and once this is obtained they can transfer the flat or bungalow to the foreigner’s name,” said chartered account Lalit Shah from Panaji, who specializes in the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA).
He added that only non-residents require permission from Reserve Bank of India to purchase a house or property in Goa.
“But if the foreigner stays 182 days in India and shows the intention to reside for indefinite period, then they are considered a resident of India and they don’t require RBI permission to acquire property in India,” added Shah. However, the risks for the foreigner are high, as there is a possibility of being cheated and some do complain of fraud. “In case a foreigner pays a high amount of security deposit then the safety of that deposit is at a high risk as the foreigner doesn’t have any legal sanction to occupy the house for more than five years,” added Varma.
2008 Jun 02 Times Of India Goa
Will Scarlette film show real Goa?
REEL THREAT
Will Scarlette film show real Goa?
Bharti Dubey & Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Given Bollywood’s penchant of depicting Goa and Goans in a distorted manner, Bollywood director Prabhakar Shukla’s idea of a film, Rave Party, based on British teenager Scarlette Keeling, has stirred a hornet’s nest. Scarlette, one may recall was allegedly drugged, raped and murdered on a beach in Goa under mysterious circumstances in February this year. Shukla is looking cast Bollywood star Katrina Kaif in the lead role.
The question on everyone’s lips is — will the film be a true depiction of Goa? Tiatrist Prince Jacob is wary. Speaking to TOI he said, “Don’t label the film as a Christian girl’s story. If the filmmaker tries to project a false stereotype image of Goans, we should oppose the making of such film. The state government shouldn’t allow any unrealistic movie which depicts Goa as land of sex, drugs and sin to be shot here.”
Shukla assures that he will project the characters in the right manner. He said, “I respect all cultures and will keep in mind the culture of Goa while making the film and not give anyone a reason to object. Every community has good and bad elements which may be seen in the film. Besides, the case is still under investigation and before I start the film I will definitely speak to the government authorities to get their official version which I will incorporate in the film. I am leaving for the United Kingdom next week to get a clearance from Scarlette’s mother Fiona.”
Hindi film industry’s depiction of Goa and Goans, though colourful, has often been distorted. Be it a drunk Anthony Gonsalves, a sexy fisherwoman Bobby or the drug mafia-based film Jalwa, Bollywood has allegdly always portrayed a flawed image of the state. Films don’t tell complete truth: Talak
Panaji: Bollywood director Prabhakar Shukla is planning a film on Scarlette Keeling, who was raped and murdered on a Goa beach recently. Goans don’t mind a filmmaker showing the truth through the medium of cinema. “Movies are a reflection of society. I may not like what is being presented as it gives a notorious reputation to Goa and Goans. But the incident happened in the state and the filmmaker has creative freedom,” said Dr Pramod Salgaonkar, chairperson of Goa State Commission for Women.
Scarlette’s life and death in Goa is a perfect plot for a Bollywood masala movie — drugs, sex, crime. “So far, Bollywood has never projected the true Goa. As long as a filmmaker sticks to facts, it’s welcome. But it wouldn’t be fair to judge Goa or its culture on one incident,” said Konkani writer Damodar Mauzo.
By Shukla’s own admission, the incident has inspired him to expose the seedier side of Goa, which has now become a haven for drug dealers and addicts. Shukla had said, “The film is against drug abuse and the exploitation of tourists. Not just in India, but the world over, real-life cinema is attracting curiosity.”
However, Konkani filmmaker Rajendra Talak doesn’t buy this argument. “Films may be a partial reflection of society but it doesn’t tell the complete truth. Today films are made for time-pass and hardly have any impact on society or people,” said Talak.
Shukla had earlier made the film Kahani Gudiya Ki based on the truelife story of Gudiya, a 26-year-old woman from Uttar Pradesh who chose to remain with her second husband Taufeeq even after her first husband, a solider Mohammad Aarif, returned in 2004. Traumatised, she finally died in 2006 in an army hospital.
2008 May 14 Times Of India Goa
Will Scarlette film show real Goa?
Bharti Dubey & Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Given Bollywood’s penchant of depicting Goa and Goans in a distorted manner, Bollywood director Prabhakar Shukla’s idea of a film, Rave Party, based on British teenager Scarlette Keeling, has stirred a hornet’s nest. Scarlette, one may recall was allegedly drugged, raped and murdered on a beach in Goa under mysterious circumstances in February this year. Shukla is looking cast Bollywood star Katrina Kaif in the lead role.
The question on everyone’s lips is — will the film be a true depiction of Goa? Tiatrist Prince Jacob is wary. Speaking to TOI he said, “Don’t label the film as a Christian girl’s story. If the filmmaker tries to project a false stereotype image of Goans, we should oppose the making of such film. The state government shouldn’t allow any unrealistic movie which depicts Goa as land of sex, drugs and sin to be shot here.”
Shukla assures that he will project the characters in the right manner. He said, “I respect all cultures and will keep in mind the culture of Goa while making the film and not give anyone a reason to object. Every community has good and bad elements which may be seen in the film. Besides, the case is still under investigation and before I start the film I will definitely speak to the government authorities to get their official version which I will incorporate in the film. I am leaving for the United Kingdom next week to get a clearance from Scarlette’s mother Fiona.”
Hindi film industry’s depiction of Goa and Goans, though colourful, has often been distorted. Be it a drunk Anthony Gonsalves, a sexy fisherwoman Bobby or the drug mafia-based film Jalwa, Bollywood has allegdly always portrayed a flawed image of the state. Films don’t tell complete truth: Talak
Panaji: Bollywood director Prabhakar Shukla is planning a film on Scarlette Keeling, who was raped and murdered on a Goa beach recently. Goans don’t mind a filmmaker showing the truth through the medium of cinema. “Movies are a reflection of society. I may not like what is being presented as it gives a notorious reputation to Goa and Goans. But the incident happened in the state and the filmmaker has creative freedom,” said Dr Pramod Salgaonkar, chairperson of Goa State Commission for Women.
Scarlette’s life and death in Goa is a perfect plot for a Bollywood masala movie — drugs, sex, crime. “So far, Bollywood has never projected the true Goa. As long as a filmmaker sticks to facts, it’s welcome. But it wouldn’t be fair to judge Goa or its culture on one incident,” said Konkani writer Damodar Mauzo.
By Shukla’s own admission, the incident has inspired him to expose the seedier side of Goa, which has now become a haven for drug dealers and addicts. Shukla had said, “The film is against drug abuse and the exploitation of tourists. Not just in India, but the world over, real-life cinema is attracting curiosity.”
However, Konkani filmmaker Rajendra Talak doesn’t buy this argument. “Films may be a partial reflection of society but it doesn’t tell the complete truth. Today films are made for time-pass and hardly have any impact on society or people,” said Talak.
Shukla had earlier made the film Kahani Gudiya Ki based on the truelife story of Gudiya, a 26-year-old woman from Uttar Pradesh who chose to remain with her second husband Taufeeq even after her first husband, a solider Mohammad Aarif, returned in 2004. Traumatised, she finally died in 2006 in an army hospital.
2008 May 14 Times Of India Goa
We don’t want to scare you, but here’s a reality check
We don’t want to scare you, but here’s a reality check
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: This is not an alarm but a reality check. Though there is no immediate threat or intelligence input about an imminent attack in Goa, the heavy influx of tourists makes the state a likely terror target. And Goa is just not prepared.
After the Bali attack in 2006, Israel had asked its citizens to watch out for a copycat attack during Christmas in Goa. It may also be recalled that in February 2008, when terror suspect Riyazuddin Nasir alias Mohammed Ghouse was arrested in Karnataka, he said that they had been planning a series of terror activities along the Goa coastline.
The state has a mere 4000-strong police force to man the state’s 15 lakh residents apart from the 25 lakh tourists who pour in annually. With a red alert being sounded on Tuesday, the same personnel who earlier in the day were manning traffic were called in for night patrolling.
The state has a 105-km-long coastline that draws about four lakh foreign tourists every year. There are three coastal police stations—two in South Goa at Betul and at the harbour at Mormugao, and one in Siolim. All are illequipped and the South Goa stations do not even have a two wheeler, let alone a patrol vehicle. The Siolim station is fortunate to have a jeep, albeit a very old one. It breaks down every one kilometre.
The cops have just one bomb disposal squad, with about six men and one set of equipment. “The bomb detection squad consists of six to eight personnel, who have regular training in bomb detection and disposal,” said a top official.
“Goa police are not equipped to counter any terror attacks. They have neither the latest training nor the gadgets to fight terror. When they cannot handle small attacks on police stations how can they rise to save Goa from terror attacks?” says former IGP Prabhakar Sinari. GOA NOT EQUIPPED TO TACKLE TERROR Police strength
Less than 4,000 man
Goa’s 14 lakh population 25 lakh tourists annually
Coastal Police mobility
1 run-down jeep among 3 police stations that man the 105 km-long coastline thronged by tourists
Emergency Services 3 government-run hospitals; 19 primary health centres (PHCs); 100 ambulances (approx.) Significant shortage of doctors and support staff at PHCs. Average 15-20 beds for every 60,000 people*
* (Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India report 2004. The situation persists) Top security ordered in the state
Panaji: With security experts not ruling out a terrorist attack in Goa, former Dy SP Gurudas Juwarkar says, “The Goa police intelligence gathering is neither strong nor are the intelligence personnel trained to gather information and pass it on to ensure that any terror threat is nipped in the bud. Without a strong intelligence by merely tightening security we cannot control terror.”
And tightening security is just what Goa did after it was put on red alert Tuesday night. “We are alert and have intensified patrolling in the state,” said IGP Kishan Kumar.
The police have beefed up security after a red alert was declared in the state following the serial blasts in Jaipur. North Goa SP Bosco George said, “After the red alert all of us were at various points throughout the night keeping a watch on vehicular movement and verifying and detaining people who looked suspicious. Only after we were convinced did we allow the people to proceed. Besides we have also strengthened our force at various check points.”
South Goa too followed a similar pattern. Speaking to TOI, South Goa Dy SP Gajanand Prabhudesai said, “Every vehicle was stopped and checked. If there were any suspicious people we double checked. Similarly at the border area every vehicle entering the state was also checked.”
Security at the airport, port, railway stations has been beefed up and so too along the coastal areas. It’s effectiveness though remains to be seen.
Security experts do not rule out a Bali-like terror strike that killed a number of tourists in the state. Goa receives about 25 lakh tourists every year. Of them, about 45% are Britons, 30% from other European countries and the rest from North America and the Far East.
Tourism is Goa’s major industry with a multiplier effect that percolates to a wide section of the population and the police are aware of the threat.
“We are working for a broader co-ordination among various agencies like the licensing authority for hotels, lodges, bars and restaurants to work handin-hand for a thorough cover of the coastal state to preempt terror strikes,” added the official. But verification of tenants renting houses does not always happen, though the authorities keep stressing on this.
2008 May 15 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: This is not an alarm but a reality check. Though there is no immediate threat or intelligence input about an imminent attack in Goa, the heavy influx of tourists makes the state a likely terror target. And Goa is just not prepared.
After the Bali attack in 2006, Israel had asked its citizens to watch out for a copycat attack during Christmas in Goa. It may also be recalled that in February 2008, when terror suspect Riyazuddin Nasir alias Mohammed Ghouse was arrested in Karnataka, he said that they had been planning a series of terror activities along the Goa coastline.
The state has a mere 4000-strong police force to man the state’s 15 lakh residents apart from the 25 lakh tourists who pour in annually. With a red alert being sounded on Tuesday, the same personnel who earlier in the day were manning traffic were called in for night patrolling.
The state has a 105-km-long coastline that draws about four lakh foreign tourists every year. There are three coastal police stations—two in South Goa at Betul and at the harbour at Mormugao, and one in Siolim. All are illequipped and the South Goa stations do not even have a two wheeler, let alone a patrol vehicle. The Siolim station is fortunate to have a jeep, albeit a very old one. It breaks down every one kilometre.
The cops have just one bomb disposal squad, with about six men and one set of equipment. “The bomb detection squad consists of six to eight personnel, who have regular training in bomb detection and disposal,” said a top official.
“Goa police are not equipped to counter any terror attacks. They have neither the latest training nor the gadgets to fight terror. When they cannot handle small attacks on police stations how can they rise to save Goa from terror attacks?” says former IGP Prabhakar Sinari. GOA NOT EQUIPPED TO TACKLE TERROR Police strength
Less than 4,000 man
Goa’s 14 lakh population 25 lakh tourists annually
Coastal Police mobility
1 run-down jeep among 3 police stations that man the 105 km-long coastline thronged by tourists
Emergency Services 3 government-run hospitals; 19 primary health centres (PHCs); 100 ambulances (approx.) Significant shortage of doctors and support staff at PHCs. Average 15-20 beds for every 60,000 people*
* (Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India report 2004. The situation persists) Top security ordered in the state
Panaji: With security experts not ruling out a terrorist attack in Goa, former Dy SP Gurudas Juwarkar says, “The Goa police intelligence gathering is neither strong nor are the intelligence personnel trained to gather information and pass it on to ensure that any terror threat is nipped in the bud. Without a strong intelligence by merely tightening security we cannot control terror.”
And tightening security is just what Goa did after it was put on red alert Tuesday night. “We are alert and have intensified patrolling in the state,” said IGP Kishan Kumar.
The police have beefed up security after a red alert was declared in the state following the serial blasts in Jaipur. North Goa SP Bosco George said, “After the red alert all of us were at various points throughout the night keeping a watch on vehicular movement and verifying and detaining people who looked suspicious. Only after we were convinced did we allow the people to proceed. Besides we have also strengthened our force at various check points.”
South Goa too followed a similar pattern. Speaking to TOI, South Goa Dy SP Gajanand Prabhudesai said, “Every vehicle was stopped and checked. If there were any suspicious people we double checked. Similarly at the border area every vehicle entering the state was also checked.”
Security at the airport, port, railway stations has been beefed up and so too along the coastal areas. It’s effectiveness though remains to be seen.
Security experts do not rule out a Bali-like terror strike that killed a number of tourists in the state. Goa receives about 25 lakh tourists every year. Of them, about 45% are Britons, 30% from other European countries and the rest from North America and the Far East.
Tourism is Goa’s major industry with a multiplier effect that percolates to a wide section of the population and the police are aware of the threat.
“We are working for a broader co-ordination among various agencies like the licensing authority for hotels, lodges, bars and restaurants to work handin-hand for a thorough cover of the coastal state to preempt terror strikes,” added the official. But verification of tenants renting houses does not always happen, though the authorities keep stressing on this.
2008 May 15 Times Of India Goa
Goa’s Powers That Be Say We Are Ready For A Terror Attack; Facts Indicate Otherwise
A ticking time BOMB?
Goa’s Powers That Be Say We Are Ready For A Terror Attack; Facts Indicate Otherwise
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Goa’s image as a safe destination was shattered in 2000 when a bomb went off near St. Andrew’s Church in Vasco. The blast was allegedly planned by a Bangalore-based group: Deendare-Anjuman, and was part of a series of blasts that had occured in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Bijapur and Maharashtra over a period of 2 to 3 days. Luckily, no one was killed or injured here.
But overnight, the state’s image changed from being a “sleeper cell”— a conduit for arms and a resting place for separatists —to being a very real target, especially with the hordes of British, Israeli and American tourists that flock to Goa during season.
Senior police sources reveal that arms are traded from Kashmir to Goa by Pakistan-based terrorist groups using ‘mules’ (persons, not necessarily terrorists, acting as carriers).
“The weapons are wrapped in carpets along with counterfeit notes and heroin. While the money and drugs are spread through Goa, especially the northern beach stretch, the arms are traded to Southern Indian states and even smuggled to Sri Lanka,” said a top police official. The main threat, he added, is from any organisation that is influenced by the Al-Quaeda.
The arrest of suspected terrorist Tariq Battlo from Margao in late 2006, is a fresh reminder that terror has really come home. Battlo is a member of Pakistanbased Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen. Terror alerts were sounded in 2005 when the threat of Bali-style bombings in Goa led then tourism minister, Wilfred de Souza, to announce an “international intelligence agency” warning of a terrorist strike on foreign tourists here. The threat resurfaced in October 2006 following similar inputs that bars and discotheques frequented by US and British tourists were being targeted on the lines of the Bali bombings. The Bali bombings in 2002 and 2005 killed 221 people. “Any terror attack on Goa would trigger off a panic reaction and the mass exodus could affect Goa’s economy and irreparably damage Goa’s image as a safe tourist destination,” said a top police official.
BOMB SQUADS
1 Comprises 6-8 trained personnel TARGETS
BEACHES: Palolem, Colva, Calangute-Baga MARKETS: Specially season-time, tourist-packed bazaars Airport, Railway stations, Harbour, Oil depots in Vasco
LATEST THREAT
February 2008 - Suspected terrorist Riyazuddin Nasir alias Mohammed Ghouse arrested in Karnataka, said terror activities were planned along Goa’s coastline KHAKI ALERT
General sensitization of all police stations and people, especially in the coastal areas Patrolling in coastal areas upped by almost 50% during tourist season. Staff of India Reserve Battalion used along with 28 police control room vehicles, 24 station vehicles and motorcycles Tenant verification: under section 144 of CrPC, the Collector has made it mandatory to provide for identity of tenants. However, this order has expired Verfication of men working on trawlers and with fishermen Cyber café users asked to give records of customers Those who give vehicles on hire or sell it second hand asked to give details Verifying terror Preetu Nair & Govind Kamat Maad | TNN
Panaji/Margao: Though verifications serve as an important vigilant aspect of police, the fact remains that the details are rarely supplied and often not up to mark. Take the case of terror suspect, Tariq Battlo.
The member of Pakistan-based Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen lived for almost 6 months at a rented place in Margao without inviting any suspicion from the locals before being nabbed in late 2006.
Police records reveal that in 2007, in North Goa there were about 7,500 tenant verifications, 4,494 servant verfications and about 2,247 strangers’ verifications done by beat police. Compare this with the verifications done by the short-staffed force in the south. Only 2,782 tenant verifications, 312 servant verifications and 3419 strangers’ verification were done.
Another problem is that of guests at hotels, lodges and guest houses. “There is no law by which the police can force the guest houses or lodges to take the complete details of their visitors,” said South Goa Superintendent of Police Shekhar Prabhudessai. “There maybe a few instances where people don’t give details of their tenants to the police. In such cases, we write to the Collector and they (landlords) are fined,” added North Goa Superintendent of Police Bosco George.
2008 May 15 Times Of India Goa
Goa’s Powers That Be Say We Are Ready For A Terror Attack; Facts Indicate Otherwise
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Goa’s image as a safe destination was shattered in 2000 when a bomb went off near St. Andrew’s Church in Vasco. The blast was allegedly planned by a Bangalore-based group: Deendare-Anjuman, and was part of a series of blasts that had occured in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Bijapur and Maharashtra over a period of 2 to 3 days. Luckily, no one was killed or injured here.
But overnight, the state’s image changed from being a “sleeper cell”— a conduit for arms and a resting place for separatists —to being a very real target, especially with the hordes of British, Israeli and American tourists that flock to Goa during season.
Senior police sources reveal that arms are traded from Kashmir to Goa by Pakistan-based terrorist groups using ‘mules’ (persons, not necessarily terrorists, acting as carriers).
“The weapons are wrapped in carpets along with counterfeit notes and heroin. While the money and drugs are spread through Goa, especially the northern beach stretch, the arms are traded to Southern Indian states and even smuggled to Sri Lanka,” said a top police official. The main threat, he added, is from any organisation that is influenced by the Al-Quaeda.
The arrest of suspected terrorist Tariq Battlo from Margao in late 2006, is a fresh reminder that terror has really come home. Battlo is a member of Pakistanbased Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen. Terror alerts were sounded in 2005 when the threat of Bali-style bombings in Goa led then tourism minister, Wilfred de Souza, to announce an “international intelligence agency” warning of a terrorist strike on foreign tourists here. The threat resurfaced in October 2006 following similar inputs that bars and discotheques frequented by US and British tourists were being targeted on the lines of the Bali bombings. The Bali bombings in 2002 and 2005 killed 221 people. “Any terror attack on Goa would trigger off a panic reaction and the mass exodus could affect Goa’s economy and irreparably damage Goa’s image as a safe tourist destination,” said a top police official.
BOMB SQUADS
1 Comprises 6-8 trained personnel TARGETS
BEACHES: Palolem, Colva, Calangute-Baga MARKETS: Specially season-time, tourist-packed bazaars Airport, Railway stations, Harbour, Oil depots in Vasco
LATEST THREAT
February 2008 - Suspected terrorist Riyazuddin Nasir alias Mohammed Ghouse arrested in Karnataka, said terror activities were planned along Goa’s coastline KHAKI ALERT
General sensitization of all police stations and people, especially in the coastal areas Patrolling in coastal areas upped by almost 50% during tourist season. Staff of India Reserve Battalion used along with 28 police control room vehicles, 24 station vehicles and motorcycles Tenant verification: under section 144 of CrPC, the Collector has made it mandatory to provide for identity of tenants. However, this order has expired Verfication of men working on trawlers and with fishermen Cyber café users asked to give records of customers Those who give vehicles on hire or sell it second hand asked to give details Verifying terror Preetu Nair & Govind Kamat Maad | TNN
Panaji/Margao: Though verifications serve as an important vigilant aspect of police, the fact remains that the details are rarely supplied and often not up to mark. Take the case of terror suspect, Tariq Battlo.
The member of Pakistan-based Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen lived for almost 6 months at a rented place in Margao without inviting any suspicion from the locals before being nabbed in late 2006.
Police records reveal that in 2007, in North Goa there were about 7,500 tenant verifications, 4,494 servant verfications and about 2,247 strangers’ verifications done by beat police. Compare this with the verifications done by the short-staffed force in the south. Only 2,782 tenant verifications, 312 servant verifications and 3419 strangers’ verification were done.
Another problem is that of guests at hotels, lodges and guest houses. “There is no law by which the police can force the guest houses or lodges to take the complete details of their visitors,” said South Goa Superintendent of Police Shekhar Prabhudessai. “There maybe a few instances where people don’t give details of their tenants to the police. In such cases, we write to the Collector and they (landlords) are fined,” added North Goa Superintendent of Police Bosco George.
2008 May 15 Times Of India Goa
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