BITTER REALITY
Crime luring middle class youth: Police
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: With the arrest of three middle class youth, the Goa police not only unraveled the mystery behind thefts, where parked cars were broken into and valuables stolen, but also opened the society’s eyes to a bitter truth. Cases of middle class youth getting drawn to a life of crime are on the rise.
Calangute police arrested three young boys — Gaurish Kerkar alias Gawde, Venkatesh Shintal and Nitin Anande — in the age group of 20-23, from Porvorim, for their alleged involvement in thefts from vehicles at Candolim and Panaji late Monday night. The parents of two of the boys are government employees, while one boy’s father is a businessman. All the accused are school drop-outs.
Calangute PI Tushar Vernekar, explaining the modus operandi of the youth, said that they would keep a watch on vehicles outside night clubs and casinos. “Once the place was empty, they would strike and escape with the booty. The motive was to earn fast money,” said Vernekar.
Last week, two youth were arrested by the Ponda police for their alleged role in robberies in Panaji, Porvorim and Pernem.
According to the police, cases of middle class youth committing crime are on the rise. “Children from middle class families are taking to crime not because of any compulsion, but by choice as they want to make easy money,” said SP (north) Bosco George. Psychiatrists and psychologists feel that this is a result of decreasing moral values imparted by parents to their children and the increasing tendency among the youth to be lured by money and short term gains.
“Movies also glorify criminals. Moreover, once a person commits a crime, it becomes a way of life for him/her. They stop worrying about getting caught or punished. The argument often put forth by such persons is that ‘everyone is looting the people and so are we. When the society is corrupt, why should we deprive ourselves of all the goodies’,” said Dr Ajoy Estibeiro, a psychiatrist.
Fr Socorro Mendes of the family counselling centre said , “Today’s youth want to become affluent and often imitate movies and take every action in life as a challenge.”
October 1,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Thursday, October 02, 2008
TERROR THREATENS PRIVACY - Eye in the sky for Goa beaches?
TERROR THREATENS PRIVACY
Eye in the sky for Goa beaches?
Sanjay Banerjee & Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji/Margao: Privacy on Goa’s beaches could take a hit because of the terror threat. Closed circuit television cameras could soon be monitoring that romantic walk on the beach or moonlight picnic should a Goa police proposal come through.
The police proposal, sent to the two district collectors, came after the two district SPs conducted a security survey of some tourist hotspots in their jurisdiction.
The tourism minister’s office said “there are funds for a beach management policy and we can always consider the proposal”. Tourism minister, Francisco Xavier Pacheco, currently in Moscow participating in a tourism mart, is expected to take a decision following the South Goa collector, G P Naik, forwarding the SP’s letter to his department.
While the North Goa police surveyed night clubs, entertainment areas and the flea market in Calangute, Baga and Anjuna, the South Goa police visited Bogmalo, Palolem and Colva beaches.
The SP (South) has proposed installing 30 CCTVs—10 each at Colva, Bogmalo and Palolem beaches that attract lakhs of domestic and foreign tourists every year. The SP has also asked for CCTVs at parking areas. The plan proposes two CCTVs for the parking areas at Bogmalo and Palolem and four at Colva to keep watch on vehicles as these are often used to plant bombs.
The SP (North) has made similar proposals, besides emphasising that “all discotheques should close by 12 am and licences shouldn’t be recommended to entertainment areas that don’t have adequate parking, illumination, CCTV coverage and proper security cover”. Parking areas to be illuminated
Panaji/Margao: Most of the beaches in the state could soon have closed circuit television cameras to monitor the movement of visitors.
The two district SPs did a security survey of some tourist hot spots in their areas and submitted reports to the district collectors. The SP (North) brought to the notice of the authorities that parking areas should be fully illuminated and have CCTV coverage.
Elaborate proposals have also been worked out for parking vehicles on New Year’s Eve, when the holiday crowd is huge. Despite Colva having ample parking space, on December 31, parking will be allowed in an open field and the electricity department will be asked to illuminate the area in consultation with Margao traffic cell.
For Bogmalo on December 31, the police have worked out different plans for the day and night. The movement of traffic on the Bogmalo road will continue as usual during the day, but after 8.00 pm vehicles will be stopped and parking allowed in an open ground where 800 to 1000 four wheelers and about 2000 two wheelers can be accommodated.
A shuttle service operated by Kadamba Transport Corporation will ferry tourists over the 2km stretch from the parking area to the beach.
“Village panchayats concerned may be asked to install traffic signs and to level the place in consultation with Vasco traffic cell,” the plan has proposed.
October 1, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Eye in the sky for Goa beaches?
Sanjay Banerjee & Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji/Margao: Privacy on Goa’s beaches could take a hit because of the terror threat. Closed circuit television cameras could soon be monitoring that romantic walk on the beach or moonlight picnic should a Goa police proposal come through.
The police proposal, sent to the two district collectors, came after the two district SPs conducted a security survey of some tourist hotspots in their jurisdiction.
The tourism minister’s office said “there are funds for a beach management policy and we can always consider the proposal”. Tourism minister, Francisco Xavier Pacheco, currently in Moscow participating in a tourism mart, is expected to take a decision following the South Goa collector, G P Naik, forwarding the SP’s letter to his department.
While the North Goa police surveyed night clubs, entertainment areas and the flea market in Calangute, Baga and Anjuna, the South Goa police visited Bogmalo, Palolem and Colva beaches.
The SP (South) has proposed installing 30 CCTVs—10 each at Colva, Bogmalo and Palolem beaches that attract lakhs of domestic and foreign tourists every year. The SP has also asked for CCTVs at parking areas. The plan proposes two CCTVs for the parking areas at Bogmalo and Palolem and four at Colva to keep watch on vehicles as these are often used to plant bombs.
The SP (North) has made similar proposals, besides emphasising that “all discotheques should close by 12 am and licences shouldn’t be recommended to entertainment areas that don’t have adequate parking, illumination, CCTV coverage and proper security cover”. Parking areas to be illuminated
Panaji/Margao: Most of the beaches in the state could soon have closed circuit television cameras to monitor the movement of visitors.
The two district SPs did a security survey of some tourist hot spots in their areas and submitted reports to the district collectors. The SP (North) brought to the notice of the authorities that parking areas should be fully illuminated and have CCTV coverage.
Elaborate proposals have also been worked out for parking vehicles on New Year’s Eve, when the holiday crowd is huge. Despite Colva having ample parking space, on December 31, parking will be allowed in an open field and the electricity department will be asked to illuminate the area in consultation with Margao traffic cell.
For Bogmalo on December 31, the police have worked out different plans for the day and night. The movement of traffic on the Bogmalo road will continue as usual during the day, but after 8.00 pm vehicles will be stopped and parking allowed in an open ground where 800 to 1000 four wheelers and about 2000 two wheelers can be accommodated.
A shuttle service operated by Kadamba Transport Corporation will ferry tourists over the 2km stretch from the parking area to the beach.
“Village panchayats concerned may be asked to install traffic signs and to level the place in consultation with Vasco traffic cell,” the plan has proposed.
October 1, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
24 bomb hoaxes in Goa in Sept
24 bomb hoaxes in Goa in Sept
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: As the nation struggled to cope with terror strikes, pranksters in Goa made 24 hoax calls to the police control room in September.
In the past two days alone, about six calls were made informing the police about bombs having been planted at various locations. Of these, four were prank calls and two informed the police about unknown objects in the vicinity of the bus stand at Margao and Junta house, Panaji.
“Any call to the police about suspicious objects cannot be ignored and we rush our personnel to the spot. But more than 70% phone calls are prank calls,” said SP (PCR) Atmaram Deshpande.
Every time there is a bomb scare, the bomb disposal squad and sniffer dogs are rushed to the spot, the area cordoned off and an extensive and hectic search carried out. At the end of the operation, if no explosives are detected, the calls are declared hoaxes.
‘Prank calls amount to mischief mongering’
Panaji: Twenty four hoax calls were made in September to the police control room.
The police reveal that the highest number of bomb hoax calls — five — were made within eight hours on September 25, 2008, sending the sleuths rushing in search of non-existent bombs. In August, about 10 hoax calls were made to the PCR. However, not a single person has been arrested for making such a call.
“People should behave responsibly and think twice before making a call. A mischievous or prank call diverts police resources, which can cause irreparable damage in case the police is unable to attend to a real threat due to a hoax call. A prank call amounts to mischief mongering,” said SP (PCR) Atmaram Deshpande.
1 October, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: As the nation struggled to cope with terror strikes, pranksters in Goa made 24 hoax calls to the police control room in September.
In the past two days alone, about six calls were made informing the police about bombs having been planted at various locations. Of these, four were prank calls and two informed the police about unknown objects in the vicinity of the bus stand at Margao and Junta house, Panaji.
“Any call to the police about suspicious objects cannot be ignored and we rush our personnel to the spot. But more than 70% phone calls are prank calls,” said SP (PCR) Atmaram Deshpande.
Every time there is a bomb scare, the bomb disposal squad and sniffer dogs are rushed to the spot, the area cordoned off and an extensive and hectic search carried out. At the end of the operation, if no explosives are detected, the calls are declared hoaxes.
‘Prank calls amount to mischief mongering’
Panaji: Twenty four hoax calls were made in September to the police control room.
The police reveal that the highest number of bomb hoax calls — five — were made within eight hours on September 25, 2008, sending the sleuths rushing in search of non-existent bombs. In August, about 10 hoax calls were made to the PCR. However, not a single person has been arrested for making such a call.
“People should behave responsibly and think twice before making a call. A mischievous or prank call diverts police resources, which can cause irreparable damage in case the police is unable to attend to a real threat due to a hoax call. A prank call amounts to mischief mongering,” said SP (PCR) Atmaram Deshpande.
1 October, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
DOPE ON DRUGS‘Over 250 drug dealers in Goa’
DOPE ON DRUGS
‘Over 250 drug dealers in Goa’
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: David Driham aka Dudu, picked up by the Mumbai cops on September 20 from Anjuna, has revealed that there are more than 250 people dealing in narcotics in the state.
“During interrogations, Dudu revealed that there is a gang of about 250 people dealing in drugs and all of them are operating from Goa. However, he has not revealed from where and how the narcotic
drugs come to Goa,” said investigating officer PI Anil Jadhav from the Mumbai police’s anti-narcotic cell.
PI Jadhav said that they got to know of Dudu’s activities after they arrested an agent from Goa, Nana, in Mumbai while attempting to distribute 500 ecstasy tablets and 400 LSD tablets in Mumbai pubs and discotheques earlier this month. “He revealed that he had got his supply from an Israeli named Dudu from Anjuna. Based on this information, we raided his house and brought him to Mumbai for further investigations.”
Dudu has been booked under section 8 (interstate movement of narcotics), section 22 (possession of drugs) and section 29 (abettment and participation in a criminal conspiracy) under the NPDS Act.
Dudu has been living in Goa for a few years. According to documents submitted by him before the Adhoc Additional District judge, Panaji in a civil suit filed by him against the state government for serving him a deportation order in 2006, Dudu said that he had come to Goa for the first time in November 2003 and set up a company — Dudu Division Import Export Private Limited — along with his Israeli wife Ronit Harel and Goan partner Sagar Adelkar in 2004.
He also informed the court that he had come to Goa on a business visa from Bangkok and was staying in a rented house at Gaonkarwaddo, Anjuna since 2004. His company, formed with the objective of buying, selling, importing, exporting, general trading in textiles and garments, was registered as a private limited company on April 23, 2004, with its office at Gaonkarwaddo.
Dudu had been under police scrutiny in Goa and the state government had made two attempts to deport him. “We had strong suspicions that he was dealing in drugs. We had raided his house twice, but it didn’t yield any results,” said SP (ANC) Omprakash Kudtarkar.
In an attempt in 2006, the home department on February 15, 2006 had issued a deportation order asking him to leave the country within 15 days. However, Dudu challenged the order in the Adhoc Additional District court, Panaji, stating that the visa granted by the Indian embassy in Bangkok, extended up to October 26, 2006 and had not yet expired.
Dudu continued to stay in the country even after his visa expired and on October 28, 2006, the Anjuna police booked him for overstaying. The state government issued a “Leave India Notice” to him on November 2, 2006, soon after Dudu wrote to the Home department requesting an extension of stay in India for him and his wife, which was denied. “As the matter is still pending in court, he continues to stay in Goa,” added SP Fernandes.
September 30.2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
‘Over 250 drug dealers in Goa’
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: David Driham aka Dudu, picked up by the Mumbai cops on September 20 from Anjuna, has revealed that there are more than 250 people dealing in narcotics in the state.
“During interrogations, Dudu revealed that there is a gang of about 250 people dealing in drugs and all of them are operating from Goa. However, he has not revealed from where and how the narcotic
drugs come to Goa,” said investigating officer PI Anil Jadhav from the Mumbai police’s anti-narcotic cell.
PI Jadhav said that they got to know of Dudu’s activities after they arrested an agent from Goa, Nana, in Mumbai while attempting to distribute 500 ecstasy tablets and 400 LSD tablets in Mumbai pubs and discotheques earlier this month. “He revealed that he had got his supply from an Israeli named Dudu from Anjuna. Based on this information, we raided his house and brought him to Mumbai for further investigations.”
Dudu has been booked under section 8 (interstate movement of narcotics), section 22 (possession of drugs) and section 29 (abettment and participation in a criminal conspiracy) under the NPDS Act.
Dudu has been living in Goa for a few years. According to documents submitted by him before the Adhoc Additional District judge, Panaji in a civil suit filed by him against the state government for serving him a deportation order in 2006, Dudu said that he had come to Goa for the first time in November 2003 and set up a company — Dudu Division Import Export Private Limited — along with his Israeli wife Ronit Harel and Goan partner Sagar Adelkar in 2004.
He also informed the court that he had come to Goa on a business visa from Bangkok and was staying in a rented house at Gaonkarwaddo, Anjuna since 2004. His company, formed with the objective of buying, selling, importing, exporting, general trading in textiles and garments, was registered as a private limited company on April 23, 2004, with its office at Gaonkarwaddo.
Dudu had been under police scrutiny in Goa and the state government had made two attempts to deport him. “We had strong suspicions that he was dealing in drugs. We had raided his house twice, but it didn’t yield any results,” said SP (ANC) Omprakash Kudtarkar.
In an attempt in 2006, the home department on February 15, 2006 had issued a deportation order asking him to leave the country within 15 days. However, Dudu challenged the order in the Adhoc Additional District court, Panaji, stating that the visa granted by the Indian embassy in Bangkok, extended up to October 26, 2006 and had not yet expired.
Dudu continued to stay in the country even after his visa expired and on October 28, 2006, the Anjuna police booked him for overstaying. The state government issued a “Leave India Notice” to him on November 2, 2006, soon after Dudu wrote to the Home department requesting an extension of stay in India for him and his wife, which was denied. “As the matter is still pending in court, he continues to stay in Goa,” added SP Fernandes.
September 30.2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
AC at Goa Medical College ICU not working for one month
ACs at GMC ICU not working for one month
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The air conditioner at GMC’s intensive care unit has not been working for the last one month. And the ACs at coronary care unit and intermediate intensive care unit have been out for a week.
Doctors say such facilities—they being closed areas and patients being in critical condition—24x7 functioning ACs are essential. “The functioning of ACs is a must to maintain sterility, circulation of air and a comfortable ambient temperature for patients,” said Dr Rufino Monteiro, who also works with the ICU at Vintage Hospital, Panaji.
“If the AC doesn’t function 24x7, the room temperature will rise, causing discomfort to patients, disturb their metabolism and deteriorate their condition, besides increasing the risk of infection,” he said.
GMC’s medical superintendent, Rajan Kunkolienkar, said, “For the last two-three weeks there has been trouble as the main transformer has some snag. We have informed Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation and they are in the process of getting replacements. Though the AC is functioning periodically, the effect is not perfect.”
Doctors fear this could increase the risk of infections among patients and also lead to the damage of expensive equipment, like the machine monitoring cardiovascular parameters, respiratory, renal and nervous system functioning.
GSIDC electrical manager N R Vhaval said, “There is a problem with the transformer, but the AC plant works either with the help of the transformer or generator. We don’t know whether the AC is in operation in the rooms as the operating contract is not with us. Even if the AC plant is working but the air handling unit maintained by GMC is not started in the respective rooms, there won’t be any cooling.” Kunkolienkar also said GMC had purchased a new transformer, which arrived on Saturday and would be installed soon. GSIDC confirmed this.
While patients affected by life threatening conditions like acute respiratory failure, cardiac failure, deep coma or major trauma patients are admitted to the ICU, patients with cardiac arrest and blood pressure problems are admitted at the CCU. GMC’s ICU has eight beds, CCU has seven beds and the ICCU has 18 beds.
September 30, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The air conditioner at GMC’s intensive care unit has not been working for the last one month. And the ACs at coronary care unit and intermediate intensive care unit have been out for a week.
Doctors say such facilities—they being closed areas and patients being in critical condition—24x7 functioning ACs are essential. “The functioning of ACs is a must to maintain sterility, circulation of air and a comfortable ambient temperature for patients,” said Dr Rufino Monteiro, who also works with the ICU at Vintage Hospital, Panaji.
“If the AC doesn’t function 24x7, the room temperature will rise, causing discomfort to patients, disturb their metabolism and deteriorate their condition, besides increasing the risk of infection,” he said.
GMC’s medical superintendent, Rajan Kunkolienkar, said, “For the last two-three weeks there has been trouble as the main transformer has some snag. We have informed Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation and they are in the process of getting replacements. Though the AC is functioning periodically, the effect is not perfect.”
Doctors fear this could increase the risk of infections among patients and also lead to the damage of expensive equipment, like the machine monitoring cardiovascular parameters, respiratory, renal and nervous system functioning.
GSIDC electrical manager N R Vhaval said, “There is a problem with the transformer, but the AC plant works either with the help of the transformer or generator. We don’t know whether the AC is in operation in the rooms as the operating contract is not with us. Even if the AC plant is working but the air handling unit maintained by GMC is not started in the respective rooms, there won’t be any cooling.” Kunkolienkar also said GMC had purchased a new transformer, which arrived on Saturday and would be installed soon. GSIDC confirmed this.
While patients affected by life threatening conditions like acute respiratory failure, cardiac failure, deep coma or major trauma patients are admitted to the ICU, patients with cardiac arrest and blood pressure problems are admitted at the CCU. GMC’s ICU has eight beds, CCU has seven beds and the ICCU has 18 beds.
September 30, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Monday, September 29, 2008
BITTER PILL Smoking ban will affect business: Shack owners
BITTER PILL
Smoking ban will affect business: Shack owners
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Even as the government is gearing up to prohibit smoking in public places from October 2, owners of pubs and shacks claim that this move ‘would affect their business and reduce their clientele’.
“More than 90% tourists, especially foreigners, who come to the shacks come to drink, smoke, make merry and enjoy the beauty of the sea. If we ask them not to smoke, then it will reduce our clientele and affect tourism,” said All Goa Shack Owners Welfare Association president, Cruz Cardozo. He said that they would be making a representation to the government to relax the ban for the tourists who visit the shacks, as 90% of the guests smoke. “We can’t stop our guests from smoking, we can only request them not to smoke. We hope the government would grant us permission to place tables and chairs outside the shack so that people who want to smoke, can sit at the beach and smoke,” said shack owner from Betalbatim Inacio Fernandes.
According to Dr Shekhar Salkar, general secretary of an NGO National Organization for Tobacco Eradication (NOTE), “If a shack has sitting capacity of more than 31, they should have smoking
zone. If the number is less than 30, then they should be smoke free. The deck beds belong to the shack owner and it should also be smoke free.”
The government of India has notified revised rules on the Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places on 30 May 2008, which would be enforced by the Goa government in the state from October 2. As per the revised rules, smoking is banned in shopping malls, cinema halls, public/private work places, hotels, banquet halls, discotheques, canteens, coffee houses, pubs, bars, airport lounges and railway stations.
A few shack owners state that there is a need to create awareness amongst tourists about the smoking ban to avoid any confrontations. “If someone comes smoking into the shack, we can’t ask them to leave. It is inhospitable and would affect business. But we will request them to go and sit on the deck beds placed on the beach and smoke,” said a shack owner from Arambol, Suresh Barde.
Meanwhile, some of the night pubs have decided to adhere to the government policy. R Chandrashekar, director of finance, Goa Marriott Resort, said that they will abide by the law in letter and spirit.
“Smoking will be prohibited in the entire hotel premises as prescribed by the Act .We have always been cooperative towards every government policy,” he added.
September 29, 2008,The Times of India, Goa edition
Smoking ban will affect business: Shack owners
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Even as the government is gearing up to prohibit smoking in public places from October 2, owners of pubs and shacks claim that this move ‘would affect their business and reduce their clientele’.
“More than 90% tourists, especially foreigners, who come to the shacks come to drink, smoke, make merry and enjoy the beauty of the sea. If we ask them not to smoke, then it will reduce our clientele and affect tourism,” said All Goa Shack Owners Welfare Association president, Cruz Cardozo. He said that they would be making a representation to the government to relax the ban for the tourists who visit the shacks, as 90% of the guests smoke. “We can’t stop our guests from smoking, we can only request them not to smoke. We hope the government would grant us permission to place tables and chairs outside the shack so that people who want to smoke, can sit at the beach and smoke,” said shack owner from Betalbatim Inacio Fernandes.
According to Dr Shekhar Salkar, general secretary of an NGO National Organization for Tobacco Eradication (NOTE), “If a shack has sitting capacity of more than 31, they should have smoking
zone. If the number is less than 30, then they should be smoke free. The deck beds belong to the shack owner and it should also be smoke free.”
The government of India has notified revised rules on the Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places on 30 May 2008, which would be enforced by the Goa government in the state from October 2. As per the revised rules, smoking is banned in shopping malls, cinema halls, public/private work places, hotels, banquet halls, discotheques, canteens, coffee houses, pubs, bars, airport lounges and railway stations.
A few shack owners state that there is a need to create awareness amongst tourists about the smoking ban to avoid any confrontations. “If someone comes smoking into the shack, we can’t ask them to leave. It is inhospitable and would affect business. But we will request them to go and sit on the deck beds placed on the beach and smoke,” said a shack owner from Arambol, Suresh Barde.
Meanwhile, some of the night pubs have decided to adhere to the government policy. R Chandrashekar, director of finance, Goa Marriott Resort, said that they will abide by the law in letter and spirit.
“Smoking will be prohibited in the entire hotel premises as prescribed by the Act .We have always been cooperative towards every government policy,” he added.
September 29, 2008,The Times of India, Goa edition
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Cops: Goa nightclubs sitting ducks for terrorists
Cops: Goa nightclubs sitting ducks for terrorists
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Nightclubs in the state will continue to rock, but under the glare of security. Calling discotheques and other entertainment venues, “sitting ducks for terrorists”, the police have issued notices asking them to strengthen security or face consequences, which could lead to imprisonment.
Pointing out that several entertainment and nightclubs premises were unsafe, director general of police B S Brar said, “Goa is a tourist state and we have to ensure that all premises are reasonably safe. If it is not so, and the owners permit entry of people with this knowledge, legal action would be taken against them under section 304 and 304 (a) of IPC.”
While section 304 of IPC deals with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, section 304A deals with causing death by negligence not amounting to culpable homicide.
“Goa being a tourist destination can be the potential target for terrorist attacks. To ensure security we are taking these steps as a majority of discotheques and entertainment zones in the coastal areas are sitting ducks for terrorists,” said SP (north) Bosco George.
Rushing to meet the demands of the police, a few nightclubs have hired women bouncers as “door security” staff along with male bouncers, while others have banned the parking of vehicles close to the venue, besides illuminating the area, installing CCTVs and metal detectors.
“We have everything in place to ensure safety and security of our guests. We have placed a metal detector at the entrance and have not only employed male bouncers but even female bouncers for the first time,” said David D’Souza of Club Titos and Cafe Mambo at Baga. Besides illuminating the place, Titos have also installed CCTVs on the road leading to the nightclubs as well as inside the club and ensured that no one parks close to the venue. Nightclubs to frisk guests
Panaji: Night clubs in Goa are getting ready to face the terror threat. Steve Fernandes of Hill Top Disco at Anjuna said, “Anyone who enters the discotheque will be frisked by male and female bouncers throughout the season. Besides, no one will be allowed to enter the premise with their handbags.”
With a heightened terror threat perception, police in coastal areas are inspecting “unsafe” premises, especially night clubs, discotheques and dance floors, checking the security system. If the security facilities are found to be poor, a notice under section 149 of CrPC stating that in case of mishap, a case under section 304 of the IPC would be registered against the owner.
While the Calangute police have issued five notices, the Anjuna police have started inspections. Police admit that the notice would be issued to those premises which have few entry and exit points, no emergency exit, a narrow, ill lit access making it difficult for a fire engine or ambulance to come close in case of emergency, premises without a CCTV or metal detector and proper parking place.
September 28, 2008 Front Page Page 1, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Nightclubs in the state will continue to rock, but under the glare of security. Calling discotheques and other entertainment venues, “sitting ducks for terrorists”, the police have issued notices asking them to strengthen security or face consequences, which could lead to imprisonment.
Pointing out that several entertainment and nightclubs premises were unsafe, director general of police B S Brar said, “Goa is a tourist state and we have to ensure that all premises are reasonably safe. If it is not so, and the owners permit entry of people with this knowledge, legal action would be taken against them under section 304 and 304 (a) of IPC.”
While section 304 of IPC deals with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, section 304A deals with causing death by negligence not amounting to culpable homicide.
“Goa being a tourist destination can be the potential target for terrorist attacks. To ensure security we are taking these steps as a majority of discotheques and entertainment zones in the coastal areas are sitting ducks for terrorists,” said SP (north) Bosco George.
Rushing to meet the demands of the police, a few nightclubs have hired women bouncers as “door security” staff along with male bouncers, while others have banned the parking of vehicles close to the venue, besides illuminating the area, installing CCTVs and metal detectors.
“We have everything in place to ensure safety and security of our guests. We have placed a metal detector at the entrance and have not only employed male bouncers but even female bouncers for the first time,” said David D’Souza of Club Titos and Cafe Mambo at Baga. Besides illuminating the place, Titos have also installed CCTVs on the road leading to the nightclubs as well as inside the club and ensured that no one parks close to the venue. Nightclubs to frisk guests
Panaji: Night clubs in Goa are getting ready to face the terror threat. Steve Fernandes of Hill Top Disco at Anjuna said, “Anyone who enters the discotheque will be frisked by male and female bouncers throughout the season. Besides, no one will be allowed to enter the premise with their handbags.”
With a heightened terror threat perception, police in coastal areas are inspecting “unsafe” premises, especially night clubs, discotheques and dance floors, checking the security system. If the security facilities are found to be poor, a notice under section 149 of CrPC stating that in case of mishap, a case under section 304 of the IPC would be registered against the owner.
While the Calangute police have issued five notices, the Anjuna police have started inspections. Police admit that the notice would be issued to those premises which have few entry and exit points, no emergency exit, a narrow, ill lit access making it difficult for a fire engine or ambulance to come close in case of emergency, premises without a CCTV or metal detector and proper parking place.
September 28, 2008 Front Page Page 1, The Times of India, Goa edition
Friday, September 26, 2008
Classmate assaults Margao girl, posts video on Youtube
Classmate assaults Margao girl, posts video on Youtube
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Margao: A video recording of a standard XII student being beaten up by a fellow student in the classroom and uploaded on youtube has left the victim depressed and traumatized.
The victim, a student of RMS higher secondary school Margao, in a complaint to the police said that at 3 pm on September 13, a classmate called her to the classroom stating that she wanted to talk to her. She then began to abuse and hit her. The following day, the victim learnt that a video clipping of her being beaten up had been uploaded on the net.
“I am hurt about the nasty comments on the internet against me. I suspect that the whole incident was planned to defame me,” said the victim, who has not attended class since that day and says she will never again go to the school. “Everybody is laughing at me. I have become a butt of ridicule and I can’t take the taunts and unwarranted comments from my schoolmates,” added the victim.
School principal Vinod Pawar admitted that the incident had occurred in the school. “We have asked for an explanation from both students. Both are adolescents and we are trying to sort the matter
amicably. If a compromise is not arrived at, I would have to take appropriate action.”
Pawar blamed the parents for the situation. “At all parents-teachers meetings, I had requested parents not to provide mobile phones to their children. Yet, more than 50% of the students bring mobiles and some misuse them. Parents are themselves responsible for such irresponsible behaviour of the students,” said Pawar.
Meanwhile, the girl’s mother has demanded action against the girl who assaulted her daughter and forwarded the video clip to mobile phones and posted it on internet sites.
In her complaint to the principal, she said that in the previous few days she had noticed an abrupt change in her daughter’s behaviour, which prompted her to quiz her. The mother claimed that the girl, otherwise “vibrant and vivacious”, had turned “distraught and depressed”, and was reluctantly attending class.
Upon questioning her daughter, the mother learnt that the former had been assaulted by one of her classmates and that a video clipping of the assault was being circulated among the students through mobile phones and the on internet.
The Margao police have registered a complaint and are investigating the matter.
September 26,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Margao: A video recording of a standard XII student being beaten up by a fellow student in the classroom and uploaded on youtube has left the victim depressed and traumatized.
The victim, a student of RMS higher secondary school Margao, in a complaint to the police said that at 3 pm on September 13, a classmate called her to the classroom stating that she wanted to talk to her. She then began to abuse and hit her. The following day, the victim learnt that a video clipping of her being beaten up had been uploaded on the net.
“I am hurt about the nasty comments on the internet against me. I suspect that the whole incident was planned to defame me,” said the victim, who has not attended class since that day and says she will never again go to the school. “Everybody is laughing at me. I have become a butt of ridicule and I can’t take the taunts and unwarranted comments from my schoolmates,” added the victim.
School principal Vinod Pawar admitted that the incident had occurred in the school. “We have asked for an explanation from both students. Both are adolescents and we are trying to sort the matter
amicably. If a compromise is not arrived at, I would have to take appropriate action.”
Pawar blamed the parents for the situation. “At all parents-teachers meetings, I had requested parents not to provide mobile phones to their children. Yet, more than 50% of the students bring mobiles and some misuse them. Parents are themselves responsible for such irresponsible behaviour of the students,” said Pawar.
Meanwhile, the girl’s mother has demanded action against the girl who assaulted her daughter and forwarded the video clip to mobile phones and posted it on internet sites.
In her complaint to the principal, she said that in the previous few days she had noticed an abrupt change in her daughter’s behaviour, which prompted her to quiz her. The mother claimed that the girl, otherwise “vibrant and vivacious”, had turned “distraught and depressed”, and was reluctantly attending class.
Upon questioning her daughter, the mother learnt that the former had been assaulted by one of her classmates and that a video clipping of the assault was being circulated among the students through mobile phones and the on internet.
The Margao police have registered a complaint and are investigating the matter.
September 26,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Panaji cops arrest bird thief
PANAJI: The Panaji police arrested one Pratik Soste (36), wanted by the Pune police for his involvement in the theft of foreign birds worth Rs 12-15 lakh.
The accused was arrested at the Panaji bus stand. Police inspector Francisco Corte said that Soste was in Goa for the last three months and was staying at Old Goa.
"The Pune police had informed us that he was involved in the theft of expensive foreign birds," the PI said. The Goa police have intimated their Pune counterparts about the arrest.
September 26, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
The accused was arrested at the Panaji bus stand. Police inspector Francisco Corte said that Soste was in Goa for the last three months and was staying at Old Goa.
"The Pune police had informed us that he was involved in the theft of expensive foreign birds," the PI said. The Goa police have intimated their Pune counterparts about the arrest.
September 26, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Thursday, September 25, 2008
CHARTERS WARNED:Drunken tourists to be sent back
CHARTERS WARNED
Drunken tourists to be sent back
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: The immigration department of the Goa police has made it clear to charter and tour operators in the state that if any foreign tourist creates nuisance at the airport under the influence of alcohol then it (immigration department) may even issue a ‘request to leave’ (RTL) notice to the concerned airlines.
At a meeting of all charter and tour operators on Wednesday at the police headquarters — to discuss various issues related to charter flights for the season from October to May 2009 — the SP (immigration), Tony Fernandes, said, “During the last charter season it was noted that many passengers, particularly from Russia, arrived under heavy influence of alcohol and created nuisance in the arrival bay. Immigration reserves the right to accept or reject
such passengers and if required issue a RTL notice to the concerned airlines.”
The police have also asked for an advance list of charter flights to be operated by different flight operators with dates and arrival and departure timings.
September 25,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Drunken tourists to be sent back
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: The immigration department of the Goa police has made it clear to charter and tour operators in the state that if any foreign tourist creates nuisance at the airport under the influence of alcohol then it (immigration department) may even issue a ‘request to leave’ (RTL) notice to the concerned airlines.
At a meeting of all charter and tour operators on Wednesday at the police headquarters — to discuss various issues related to charter flights for the season from October to May 2009 — the SP (immigration), Tony Fernandes, said, “During the last charter season it was noted that many passengers, particularly from Russia, arrived under heavy influence of alcohol and created nuisance in the arrival bay. Immigration reserves the right to accept or reject
such passengers and if required issue a RTL notice to the concerned airlines.”
The police have also asked for an advance list of charter flights to be operated by different flight operators with dates and arrival and departure timings.
September 25,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Goa DGP seeks to curb political transfers
DGP seeks to curb political transfers
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Police officers seeking transfers through political pressure may not get them this time. Stymieing transfer moves by police officers before the tourist season, DGP B S Brar in a letter to the chief secretary said that “the Police Establishment Board continues to receive number of requests asking for transfer, but the operation officers have to serve a minimum tenure of two years”.
The letter goes on to say that “the home department may circulate the concerned portion of an SC judgment (in this regard) to all concerned”. Senior police officials admit that Brar’s note would have a dual effect. “It will put an end to the number of police officials approaching politicians to ensure a transfer before the tourist season. This would end the phenomenon of frequent and indiscriminate transfers ordered on political considerations,” said an official. Transfer guidelines for cops as per SC
Panaji: The state DGP B S Brar has written a letter to the chief secretary stating “the Police Establishment Board continues to receive number of requests asking for transfer, but the operation officers have to serve a minimum tenure of two years.”
When contacted, Brar said he was following orders of the Supreme Court in the Prakash Singh and others versus the Union of India case. “As per the Supreme Court guidelines, SP in charge of a district and police inspector incharge of a police station can’t be transferred unless they have completed two years.”
According to the Supreme Court judgement, an IGP, an SP in charge of district and station house officer incharge of a police station, “shall have a prescribed minimum tenure of two year unless it is found necessary to remove them prematurely following disciplinary proceedings against them or their conviction in a criminal offence or in a case of corruption or if the incumbent is otherwise incapacitated from discharging his responsibilities.”
Said DGP Brar, “This two year tenure is essential as the officers have developed a knowledge of the area and the people, and shouldn’t be disturbed, for effective policing and police-community relations.”
Police sources admit that during the month of September there had been an increased interaction of police officers with politicians to ensure plum postings, especially in tourism areas. “There has been increased pressure on the police headquarters from politicians to transfer police officials to hot police stations before the onset of tourist season,” said a senior police official. But Brar is firm that the two year rule shall be strictly enforced.
Meanwhile, IGP Kishan Kumar at an interaction with the beat constables of North Goa on Monday evening said that the success of the beat system would be achieved only if the beat constables are not transferred for at least two years.
September 25,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Police officers seeking transfers through political pressure may not get them this time. Stymieing transfer moves by police officers before the tourist season, DGP B S Brar in a letter to the chief secretary said that “the Police Establishment Board continues to receive number of requests asking for transfer, but the operation officers have to serve a minimum tenure of two years”.
The letter goes on to say that “the home department may circulate the concerned portion of an SC judgment (in this regard) to all concerned”. Senior police officials admit that Brar’s note would have a dual effect. “It will put an end to the number of police officials approaching politicians to ensure a transfer before the tourist season. This would end the phenomenon of frequent and indiscriminate transfers ordered on political considerations,” said an official. Transfer guidelines for cops as per SC
Panaji: The state DGP B S Brar has written a letter to the chief secretary stating “the Police Establishment Board continues to receive number of requests asking for transfer, but the operation officers have to serve a minimum tenure of two years.”
When contacted, Brar said he was following orders of the Supreme Court in the Prakash Singh and others versus the Union of India case. “As per the Supreme Court guidelines, SP in charge of a district and police inspector incharge of a police station can’t be transferred unless they have completed two years.”
According to the Supreme Court judgement, an IGP, an SP in charge of district and station house officer incharge of a police station, “shall have a prescribed minimum tenure of two year unless it is found necessary to remove them prematurely following disciplinary proceedings against them or their conviction in a criminal offence or in a case of corruption or if the incumbent is otherwise incapacitated from discharging his responsibilities.”
Said DGP Brar, “This two year tenure is essential as the officers have developed a knowledge of the area and the people, and shouldn’t be disturbed, for effective policing and police-community relations.”
Police sources admit that during the month of September there had been an increased interaction of police officers with politicians to ensure plum postings, especially in tourism areas. “There has been increased pressure on the police headquarters from politicians to transfer police officials to hot police stations before the onset of tourist season,” said a senior police official. But Brar is firm that the two year rule shall be strictly enforced.
Meanwhile, IGP Kishan Kumar at an interaction with the beat constables of North Goa on Monday evening said that the success of the beat system would be achieved only if the beat constables are not transferred for at least two years.
September 25,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Shrusti makes Thorats smile
Shrusti makes Thorats smile
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Regaining consciousness on Monday, Shrusti Thorat who survived the accident that killed the rest of her family, smiled at doctors and asked for her parents.
“I had no answer and simply told her that they would be coming soon. I don’t know how long I will be able to hide the truth from her,” said Rupesh Thorat, her uncle, consternation writ large on his face.
Four-year-old Shrusti was unconscious at the Goa Medical College ICU since last Monday. In the grief the Thorat family is going through — they have lost their son Sunil, 35, his wife Jyoti, 30, and their six-month-old son Vinayak — Shrusti’s innocent smile on Monday came as a soothing salve.
“She was her father’s darling and very attached to him. She would miss him terribly whenever he went out for long,” said Rupesh.
Doctors said that Shrusti, admitted to GMC in a critical condition with severe head and chest injuries, is better. “Though she is under post-traumatic stress, she is conscious and her condition is improving,” doctors said. She was taken off the ventilator and shifted to the neuro surgery ward on Tuesday afternoon. Doctors said that Shrusti doesn’t seem to remember much about the moments before the deadly collision.
Describing Shrusti as a stubborn and mischievous girl, an emotional Rupesh said, “She is a fighter. Even at home, if she felt she was right, she would argue till she drove her point home.” It is, perhaps, the same fighting spirit that helped little Shrusti fight death. Shrusti was admitted to the GMC after her family, heading home to Mollem met with an accident at Palaskatta, Sukhtolem in Mollem. Thorats yet to get over shock
Panaji: Shrusti Thorat, the little girl who survived the fatal mishap that killed the rest of her family, has been taken off the ventilator and ever since, she’s been crying for her parents.
In the accident that took place last week, Sunil, who was driving the car in which the family was travelling, lost control and crashed into a tipper truck carrying iron ore and proceeding to Usgao, Tisk. Police said that Sunil was over speeding and the impact of the accident damaged the front portion of the car and the tipper.
Recollecting the events of that Monday evening, Rupesh said his family is yet to recover from the shock. “Sunil was the obedient son, who listened to my father and handled all his tasks. My father is yet to recover from the shock and is being treated by a doctor. We hope that news of Shrusti’s recovery will act like a balm for him,” said Rupesh.
Sunil, the younger of the family was living with his parents and ran a grocery shop in Mollem and rented out jeeps to tourists visiting Dudhsagar. His family said that this was not the first time Sunil had met with a collision at the same spot. “He collided with a motorcycle in 2005, but both walked away with minor knee injuries. After that he rarely drove and on Monday, he had driven when the accident occurred,” said Rupesh.
September 24, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Regaining consciousness on Monday, Shrusti Thorat who survived the accident that killed the rest of her family, smiled at doctors and asked for her parents.
“I had no answer and simply told her that they would be coming soon. I don’t know how long I will be able to hide the truth from her,” said Rupesh Thorat, her uncle, consternation writ large on his face.
Four-year-old Shrusti was unconscious at the Goa Medical College ICU since last Monday. In the grief the Thorat family is going through — they have lost their son Sunil, 35, his wife Jyoti, 30, and their six-month-old son Vinayak — Shrusti’s innocent smile on Monday came as a soothing salve.
“She was her father’s darling and very attached to him. She would miss him terribly whenever he went out for long,” said Rupesh.
Doctors said that Shrusti, admitted to GMC in a critical condition with severe head and chest injuries, is better. “Though she is under post-traumatic stress, she is conscious and her condition is improving,” doctors said. She was taken off the ventilator and shifted to the neuro surgery ward on Tuesday afternoon. Doctors said that Shrusti doesn’t seem to remember much about the moments before the deadly collision.
Describing Shrusti as a stubborn and mischievous girl, an emotional Rupesh said, “She is a fighter. Even at home, if she felt she was right, she would argue till she drove her point home.” It is, perhaps, the same fighting spirit that helped little Shrusti fight death. Shrusti was admitted to the GMC after her family, heading home to Mollem met with an accident at Palaskatta, Sukhtolem in Mollem. Thorats yet to get over shock
Panaji: Shrusti Thorat, the little girl who survived the fatal mishap that killed the rest of her family, has been taken off the ventilator and ever since, she’s been crying for her parents.
In the accident that took place last week, Sunil, who was driving the car in which the family was travelling, lost control and crashed into a tipper truck carrying iron ore and proceeding to Usgao, Tisk. Police said that Sunil was over speeding and the impact of the accident damaged the front portion of the car and the tipper.
Recollecting the events of that Monday evening, Rupesh said his family is yet to recover from the shock. “Sunil was the obedient son, who listened to my father and handled all his tasks. My father is yet to recover from the shock and is being treated by a doctor. We hope that news of Shrusti’s recovery will act like a balm for him,” said Rupesh.
Sunil, the younger of the family was living with his parents and ran a grocery shop in Mollem and rented out jeeps to tourists visiting Dudhsagar. His family said that this was not the first time Sunil had met with a collision at the same spot. “He collided with a motorcycle in 2005, but both walked away with minor knee injuries. After that he rarely drove and on Monday, he had driven when the accident occurred,” said Rupesh.
September 24, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Security exercise triggers panic
IGP Maintains That It Was A Mock Drill While Rumours Fly Thick And Fast
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Each time a red alert is declared, Goa swings into uncertainty. For, besides heavy patrolling activities, rumormongering also tends to trigger panic among people.
Monday afternoon was no different. Within seconds of a red alert being declared, fear and uncertainty only got more pronounced. Policemen intensified patrolling and bandobast duties and began checking vehicles, leaving several people stranded.
Meanwhile, rumours that explosives were transported into the state by road were rife. News that explosives had even been detected in Calangute did the rounds. However, these were found to be false. In fact, a few hours later, the red alert was lifted and the whole exercise was termed “a drill to ensure that the police are alert”.
Explaining the need for such drills, IGP Kishan Kumar said, “It’s not just the police, but even people who have to remain vigilant. Public involvement is necessary to fight any sort of terror. This will be a regular practice to ensure that we don’t lower our guard.”
According to IGP Kumar, it is time that the state snaps out of its complacent attitude. “Goa is considered a soft target because people believe that any criminal can enter and leave the state without getting noticed. But now we have to send a clear message that security is our main concern. People should also know about this and help”, he added.
Incidentally, it has been observed that every time a bomb blast occured anywhere in the country during the last five months, red alerts were issued in Goa followed by intensified patrolling. Police presence throughout the state, especially in the coastal areas, tends to get intensified.
To explain the importance of such drills, the beat constables in each area were asked on Monday to involve the general public and make them understand that “terrorism has spread. None of us are safe. Regular checks and drills, even though they might cause some discomfort, are very important for the safety of the state,” said IGP Kumar.
The Goa police terms a stage of preparation of the police during a contingency or emergency a “red alert”. “We increase police visibility on the road to instill confidence in people, besides intensifying security in crowded places like markets, bus stations, railway stations and airports,” said SSP (security) V V Chaudhary.
SP (special branch) Atmaram Deshpande said that people should neither panic nor get upset. “When in doubt, they need to either call the beat officer, nearest police station or the control room. People also shouldn’t fall prey to any sort of rumors as these create unwanted fear. But when a situation really arises, people will tend to become complacent wherein nobody will react, thus leading the troublemakers to take advantage.”
September 23, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Each time a red alert is declared, Goa swings into uncertainty. For, besides heavy patrolling activities, rumormongering also tends to trigger panic among people.
Monday afternoon was no different. Within seconds of a red alert being declared, fear and uncertainty only got more pronounced. Policemen intensified patrolling and bandobast duties and began checking vehicles, leaving several people stranded.
Meanwhile, rumours that explosives were transported into the state by road were rife. News that explosives had even been detected in Calangute did the rounds. However, these were found to be false. In fact, a few hours later, the red alert was lifted and the whole exercise was termed “a drill to ensure that the police are alert”.
Explaining the need for such drills, IGP Kishan Kumar said, “It’s not just the police, but even people who have to remain vigilant. Public involvement is necessary to fight any sort of terror. This will be a regular practice to ensure that we don’t lower our guard.”
According to IGP Kumar, it is time that the state snaps out of its complacent attitude. “Goa is considered a soft target because people believe that any criminal can enter and leave the state without getting noticed. But now we have to send a clear message that security is our main concern. People should also know about this and help”, he added.
Incidentally, it has been observed that every time a bomb blast occured anywhere in the country during the last five months, red alerts were issued in Goa followed by intensified patrolling. Police presence throughout the state, especially in the coastal areas, tends to get intensified.
To explain the importance of such drills, the beat constables in each area were asked on Monday to involve the general public and make them understand that “terrorism has spread. None of us are safe. Regular checks and drills, even though they might cause some discomfort, are very important for the safety of the state,” said IGP Kumar.
The Goa police terms a stage of preparation of the police during a contingency or emergency a “red alert”. “We increase police visibility on the road to instill confidence in people, besides intensifying security in crowded places like markets, bus stations, railway stations and airports,” said SSP (security) V V Chaudhary.
SP (special branch) Atmaram Deshpande said that people should neither panic nor get upset. “When in doubt, they need to either call the beat officer, nearest police station or the control room. People also shouldn’t fall prey to any sort of rumors as these create unwanted fear. But when a situation really arises, people will tend to become complacent wherein nobody will react, thus leading the troublemakers to take advantage.”
September 23, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Goa cops on Anjuna cleansing drive
Cops on Anjuna cleansing drive
Put Onus On Shackowners To Prevent Drugs, Beach Parties
Preetu Nair | TNN
Anjuna: Wild, drug-powered parties on the beach with loud music blaring through the night in Anjuna, marked on the world tourist map as the hippie haven in the sixties and seventies, may be a thing of the past this season. That is, if the government manages to implement its orders properly.
Rocked by the rape and murder of British teenager Scarlett Keeling in February and because of the increased threat perception in the state, the police say they are not taking any chances this tourist season. Local panchayats have been told by the police to ensure that all those who apply for no objection certificates to erect shacks and other tourist amusement centres on the beaches should prohibit the use of narcotic drugs and strictly follow the closing time of 11 pm.
The onus will be on the owners of these establishments if anything untoward happens in or around their premises, a police note to the panchayats said. “Strict measures need to be taken not just to ensure the safety of tourists but also to ensure security. Security of the state comes before tourism, and it’s the police’s responsibility to warn the agencies concerned,” said SP (North) Bosco George.
Owners of shacks and amusement centres have also been asked to display boards prohibiting the use of narcotic drugs. They will have to provide security not only to guests, but their belongings as well by employing guards verified by the police.
PARTY POOPER
Shacks must close down by 11 pm, order police Shackowners will be held responsible for any untoward incident on their premises or nearby Shackowners say the police diktats will hit the tourism industry Shackowners not keen on crackdown
Anjuna: Cracking down on beach parties and drug peddling, the police have asked the Anjuna panchayat to warn shack owners that they would be held responsible for anything untoward happening in and around their establishments. Hence, they should be prompt to intimate police of any suspicious thing or person in the vicinity of their premises.
A similar letter has also been sent by the Calangute police to the panchayat. “From the security point of view, both Calangute and Anjuna are vulnerable to terror attacks. These precautions are the need of the hour and the community as a whole has to cooperate,” added George.
Goa has been in terror crosshairs because of the large number of foreign tourists it attracts, especially from Russia, the UK, the US and Israel.
However, shackowners are not amused with the police idea. “This will adversely affect tourism. People come here because of the privacy they get and to enjoy the nightlife. We don’t encourage the sale or consumption of drugs in the shacks, but without music and nightlife we won’t have any tourists visiting us,” said All Goa Shack Owners Welfare Society president Cruz Cardozo.
Meanwhile, a request by the Anjuna panchayat to the tourism department to light up Vagator, Anjuna and Ozran beaches with sodium vapour lamps has been turned down.
“We had asked for sanction of 100 sodium vapour lamps and 500 street light fixtures to be provided on existing electricity poles on the beach side. But the tourism department has replied that the government has discontinued with the policy of supplying such material,” said Anjuna sarpanch Sandip Chimulkar.
Panchayat members are now toying with the idea of putting up tubelights and even focus light at strategic locations at the local police's request. “The beach area is absolutely dark. Scarlett’s rape and murder has already given a bad name to the place. This season we want to ensure that the place is safe for tourists. Proper lighting will also act as a deterrent to terrorists who might seek to take advantage of the cover of darkness,” added Chimulkar.
September 21, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Put Onus On Shackowners To Prevent Drugs, Beach Parties
Preetu Nair | TNN
Anjuna: Wild, drug-powered parties on the beach with loud music blaring through the night in Anjuna, marked on the world tourist map as the hippie haven in the sixties and seventies, may be a thing of the past this season. That is, if the government manages to implement its orders properly.
Rocked by the rape and murder of British teenager Scarlett Keeling in February and because of the increased threat perception in the state, the police say they are not taking any chances this tourist season. Local panchayats have been told by the police to ensure that all those who apply for no objection certificates to erect shacks and other tourist amusement centres on the beaches should prohibit the use of narcotic drugs and strictly follow the closing time of 11 pm.
The onus will be on the owners of these establishments if anything untoward happens in or around their premises, a police note to the panchayats said. “Strict measures need to be taken not just to ensure the safety of tourists but also to ensure security. Security of the state comes before tourism, and it’s the police’s responsibility to warn the agencies concerned,” said SP (North) Bosco George.
Owners of shacks and amusement centres have also been asked to display boards prohibiting the use of narcotic drugs. They will have to provide security not only to guests, but their belongings as well by employing guards verified by the police.
PARTY POOPER
Shacks must close down by 11 pm, order police Shackowners will be held responsible for any untoward incident on their premises or nearby Shackowners say the police diktats will hit the tourism industry Shackowners not keen on crackdown
Anjuna: Cracking down on beach parties and drug peddling, the police have asked the Anjuna panchayat to warn shack owners that they would be held responsible for anything untoward happening in and around their establishments. Hence, they should be prompt to intimate police of any suspicious thing or person in the vicinity of their premises.
A similar letter has also been sent by the Calangute police to the panchayat. “From the security point of view, both Calangute and Anjuna are vulnerable to terror attacks. These precautions are the need of the hour and the community as a whole has to cooperate,” added George.
Goa has been in terror crosshairs because of the large number of foreign tourists it attracts, especially from Russia, the UK, the US and Israel.
However, shackowners are not amused with the police idea. “This will adversely affect tourism. People come here because of the privacy they get and to enjoy the nightlife. We don’t encourage the sale or consumption of drugs in the shacks, but without music and nightlife we won’t have any tourists visiting us,” said All Goa Shack Owners Welfare Society president Cruz Cardozo.
Meanwhile, a request by the Anjuna panchayat to the tourism department to light up Vagator, Anjuna and Ozran beaches with sodium vapour lamps has been turned down.
“We had asked for sanction of 100 sodium vapour lamps and 500 street light fixtures to be provided on existing electricity poles on the beach side. But the tourism department has replied that the government has discontinued with the policy of supplying such material,” said Anjuna sarpanch Sandip Chimulkar.
Panchayat members are now toying with the idea of putting up tubelights and even focus light at strategic locations at the local police's request. “The beach area is absolutely dark. Scarlett’s rape and murder has already given a bad name to the place. This season we want to ensure that the place is safe for tourists. Proper lighting will also act as a deterrent to terrorists who might seek to take advantage of the cover of darkness,” added Chimulkar.
September 21, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Medical tourism may take a hit
Medical tourism may take a hit
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Hospitals in Goa engaged in medical tourism forsee a 50% fall in arrival of foreigners this season. Alarmed by initial trends, some hospitals are planning new schemes to attract walk-in foreign tourists.
“We expect a 50% decline among foreign tourists who come for dental, cosmetic or bariatic treatment to Goa. Generally during the tourist season, about 10 rooms are booked by foreigners, but the quantum is expected to be less this season,” said Victor Albuquerque, pioneer in medical tourism in Goa.
There’s been a steep decline in bookings by foreign patients at Albuquerque’s Margao hospital, Apollo Victor. From some 200 bookings by foreigners last year, the number has decreased to 20 this year. “We were expecting a 25% increase in foreign patients and had even tied up with hospitals in UK, but due to the global meltdown and Goa’s image sliding from bad to worse, there has been a drastic decline in the number of patients this season,” said Albuquerque.
Most hospitals in Goa offering cosmetic surgery were expecting an increase of about 25% to 50% of foreign patients this year. “The bookings are low this season even though we were expecting a higher turnout. We just hope there’s no decline in walk-in foreign tourists this season,” said Dr Digambar Naik of Vrundavan hospital, Mapusa.
Interestingly, to attract walk-in foreign tourists, Goan hospitals are now planning new schemes. Said Selvio Fernandes, marketing manager, Campal Clinic, “We are also not far from introducing attractive schemes as it is the need of the hour. However, we have yet to decide on what to offer to our international clients.” LOW COST TREATMENT Schemes to woo medical tourists
Panaji: With hospitals in Goa expecting a decline in foreigners coming for treatment to the state this season, they are thinkin up innovative schemes to woo the medical-tourist.
“We are planning to offer discounts or free health check-ups to walk-in international patients. The whole idea is to make them feel important,” said Edna Noronha, manager (marketing), Apollo Victor hospital.
Some hospitals are planning to send medical teams to examine patients at their hotels rather than have them come to hospital.
Low-cost treatment and better facilities had turned Goa into a hot destination for tourists seeking dental or cosmetic treatment. In 2007, about 250 tourists went under the scapel in a bid to enhance their looks in four hospitals across the state.
A majority of the tourists who came for treatment were
from the United Kingdom and the United States. According to doctors, the most sought after treatments were liposuction (fat removal), facelift, tummy tuck or abdominoplasty, botox treatment and breast enlargement or reduction.
September 19, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Hospitals in Goa engaged in medical tourism forsee a 50% fall in arrival of foreigners this season. Alarmed by initial trends, some hospitals are planning new schemes to attract walk-in foreign tourists.
“We expect a 50% decline among foreign tourists who come for dental, cosmetic or bariatic treatment to Goa. Generally during the tourist season, about 10 rooms are booked by foreigners, but the quantum is expected to be less this season,” said Victor Albuquerque, pioneer in medical tourism in Goa.
There’s been a steep decline in bookings by foreign patients at Albuquerque’s Margao hospital, Apollo Victor. From some 200 bookings by foreigners last year, the number has decreased to 20 this year. “We were expecting a 25% increase in foreign patients and had even tied up with hospitals in UK, but due to the global meltdown and Goa’s image sliding from bad to worse, there has been a drastic decline in the number of patients this season,” said Albuquerque.
Most hospitals in Goa offering cosmetic surgery were expecting an increase of about 25% to 50% of foreign patients this year. “The bookings are low this season even though we were expecting a higher turnout. We just hope there’s no decline in walk-in foreign tourists this season,” said Dr Digambar Naik of Vrundavan hospital, Mapusa.
Interestingly, to attract walk-in foreign tourists, Goan hospitals are now planning new schemes. Said Selvio Fernandes, marketing manager, Campal Clinic, “We are also not far from introducing attractive schemes as it is the need of the hour. However, we have yet to decide on what to offer to our international clients.” LOW COST TREATMENT Schemes to woo medical tourists
Panaji: With hospitals in Goa expecting a decline in foreigners coming for treatment to the state this season, they are thinkin up innovative schemes to woo the medical-tourist.
“We are planning to offer discounts or free health check-ups to walk-in international patients. The whole idea is to make them feel important,” said Edna Noronha, manager (marketing), Apollo Victor hospital.
Some hospitals are planning to send medical teams to examine patients at their hotels rather than have them come to hospital.
Low-cost treatment and better facilities had turned Goa into a hot destination for tourists seeking dental or cosmetic treatment. In 2007, about 250 tourists went under the scapel in a bid to enhance their looks in four hospitals across the state.
A majority of the tourists who came for treatment were
from the United Kingdom and the United States. According to doctors, the most sought after treatments were liposuction (fat removal), facelift, tummy tuck or abdominoplasty, botox treatment and breast enlargement or reduction.
September 19, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Goa cops get cycle allowance: Rs 20
Goa cops get cycle allowance: Rs 20
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Terrorists have gone hitech, but the Goa government still expects its constables and hawaldars to go patrolling on bicycles.
How else can one explain the Rs 20 policemen below the rank of assistant sub-inspector get as cycle allowance? ASIs and inspectors are paid Rs 60 a month as conveyance allowance.
This, at a time when the cost of a litre of petrol is around Rs 50 and a beat constable has to cover about 35 km a day. A constable’s basic salary is about Rs 3,050, while that of a hawaldar is Rs 4,050.
“In certain police stations, constables get Rs 100 and head constables are paid Rs 150 as permanent travel allowance, which depends on the area they have to cover. Not every police station has the benefit,” said SP (headquarters) Omprakash Kudchadkar.
The police department also provides Rs 1,500 as interest free loan to constables and hawaldars to purchase cycles. And a police officer completing 12 years in service is entitled to an interestfree loan of Rs 30,000 to purchase a motorbike.
SP (North) Bosco George said, “Rather than a conveyance allowance, the government should provide vehicles to beat constables. The onus would then be on the beat constable to perform.” WOEFULLY ILL-EQUIPPED
Ensuring peace with junk bikes, paltry allowances
Panaji: Policemen also complain that though police stations have been allotted vehicles, most of them are eight to nine years old and in urgent need of repair.
In North Goa, there are 15 jeeps allotted to 12 police stations. Of these, Panaji, Ponda and Mapusa have been allotted two jeeps each, but one each in Panaji and Ponda have been under repairs for almost a month now.
Besides, say police officials, there are 15 PCR vans in North, of which five have been sent for repairs and of the 70 motorcycles, 16 are fit for condemnation.
In South, all 38 motorcycles and 10 of the 26 jeeps have been recommended for condemnation.
“The government doesn’t understand the practical difficulties faced by a policeman. Basic facilities are not provided, yet the police are expected to work 24x7.
“Till the time a policeman is expected to pay from his pocket for patrolling, no beat system will be successful,” said retired IGP PV Sinari.
Policemen in Goa, which is currently on red alert following blasts in other parts of the country, are doing their job without adequate government vehicles.
It is little consolation that constables and hawaldars are paid a cycle allowance of Rs 20 every month. It is a different matter altogether that officials who go out of their jurisdiction on duty are given a travel allowance.
Advocating vehicles for the police, superintendent of police (SP) (South) Shekhar Prabhudessai said, “Once beat constables are given vehicles, they will have a sense of responsibility as it would be convenient for them to cover the beat area.”
September 18, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Terrorists have gone hitech, but the Goa government still expects its constables and hawaldars to go patrolling on bicycles.
How else can one explain the Rs 20 policemen below the rank of assistant sub-inspector get as cycle allowance? ASIs and inspectors are paid Rs 60 a month as conveyance allowance.
This, at a time when the cost of a litre of petrol is around Rs 50 and a beat constable has to cover about 35 km a day. A constable’s basic salary is about Rs 3,050, while that of a hawaldar is Rs 4,050.
“In certain police stations, constables get Rs 100 and head constables are paid Rs 150 as permanent travel allowance, which depends on the area they have to cover. Not every police station has the benefit,” said SP (headquarters) Omprakash Kudchadkar.
The police department also provides Rs 1,500 as interest free loan to constables and hawaldars to purchase cycles. And a police officer completing 12 years in service is entitled to an interestfree loan of Rs 30,000 to purchase a motorbike.
SP (North) Bosco George said, “Rather than a conveyance allowance, the government should provide vehicles to beat constables. The onus would then be on the beat constable to perform.” WOEFULLY ILL-EQUIPPED
Ensuring peace with junk bikes, paltry allowances
Panaji: Policemen also complain that though police stations have been allotted vehicles, most of them are eight to nine years old and in urgent need of repair.
In North Goa, there are 15 jeeps allotted to 12 police stations. Of these, Panaji, Ponda and Mapusa have been allotted two jeeps each, but one each in Panaji and Ponda have been under repairs for almost a month now.
Besides, say police officials, there are 15 PCR vans in North, of which five have been sent for repairs and of the 70 motorcycles, 16 are fit for condemnation.
In South, all 38 motorcycles and 10 of the 26 jeeps have been recommended for condemnation.
“The government doesn’t understand the practical difficulties faced by a policeman. Basic facilities are not provided, yet the police are expected to work 24x7.
“Till the time a policeman is expected to pay from his pocket for patrolling, no beat system will be successful,” said retired IGP PV Sinari.
Policemen in Goa, which is currently on red alert following blasts in other parts of the country, are doing their job without adequate government vehicles.
It is little consolation that constables and hawaldars are paid a cycle allowance of Rs 20 every month. It is a different matter altogether that officials who go out of their jurisdiction on duty are given a travel allowance.
Advocating vehicles for the police, superintendent of police (SP) (South) Shekhar Prabhudessai said, “Once beat constables are given vehicles, they will have a sense of responsibility as it would be convenient for them to cover the beat area.”
September 18, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Goa:Artful Dodgers pose a headache for cops
Artful Dodgers pose a headache for cops
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Criminal gangs employing children to do the dirty deed are rising in Goa. Not only are children often not suspected, but if caught, the real felon escapes. “There are several criminal gangs using children to commit thefts. Such incidents are increasing and their exploitation by criminal elements in shop and house breaking is a matter of grave concern for us,” said SP (South) Shekhar Prabhudessai.
On an average three to four children in conflict with the law are admitted to Apna Ghar every month. “Some of the children are repeat offenders as there is no proper rehabilitation in place for such kids,” says Beethoven Fonseca, member of the Juvenile Justice Board.
Prabhudessai admitted that when children involved in thefts are caught, the police are unable to take them into custody or interrogate them. “In this way, the mastermind in the thefts goes scot free,” says Prabhudessai. “The Juvenile Justice Act gives blanket exemption to a person below 18 years of age, due to which provisions of the Act are misused by criminal elements,” says Carlos Ferreira, assistant solicitor general of India.
On September two, gold jewellery worth Rs 1.80 lakh was stolen from a house metres away from the Margao police station. Police suspect the thieves sent a child into the house by making a small hole in the bathroom window.
Just two days earlier, two boys (both about 10 years old) were caught by the Margao police for attempting to indulge in petty thefts. They were sent to Apna Ghar, home for children in conflict with law, as well as for children in need of care and shelter.
It’s an organized racket in which children are brought from other states and forced into crime in Goa. Once the act is done, they are sent back home, said Ezilda Sapeco, member of the Commission for Protection of Child Rights. These kids usually come from Karnataka, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh or Rajasthan.
Explaining the modus operandi of the criminals, a police official said, “The most commonly adopted pattern is breaking into a home by making a small hole in the window or bending the shutters of a shop from the middle within one foot of the ground, to enable a child to enter.”
The official said that there have also been instances when a mother carrying a baby indulges in chain snatching at crowded places. “The baby is used to ensure that she doesn’t draw people’s attention by her suspicious movement. Sometimes
children are also used for pickpocketing. It is difficult to get anything out of the children as they are tutored and we can’t be harsh with them,” the official added.
Child activist Bernie D’Souza from Jan Ugahi said, “In most cases, youth use younger vulnerable street children, mostly from incapacitated families. But there are a few cases wherein parents, due to poverty have initiated their children into crime.”
Maintaining that catching these kids and sending them to Apna Ghar is not the solution, D’Souza said, “There are no new skills taught to them nor is there any rehabilitation programme in place. Once they come out of the home, they are back on the street, with no help and are further lured into the world of crime.”
NGOs say that rehabilitation of children is most important. “If children are caught, the punishment is minuscule and they are happy to be at the state run home as they get free shelter and food. There is no effort made to rehabilitate them and help them lead a better life,” says activist Auda Viegas.
September 13, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Criminal gangs employing children to do the dirty deed are rising in Goa. Not only are children often not suspected, but if caught, the real felon escapes. “There are several criminal gangs using children to commit thefts. Such incidents are increasing and their exploitation by criminal elements in shop and house breaking is a matter of grave concern for us,” said SP (South) Shekhar Prabhudessai.
On an average three to four children in conflict with the law are admitted to Apna Ghar every month. “Some of the children are repeat offenders as there is no proper rehabilitation in place for such kids,” says Beethoven Fonseca, member of the Juvenile Justice Board.
Prabhudessai admitted that when children involved in thefts are caught, the police are unable to take them into custody or interrogate them. “In this way, the mastermind in the thefts goes scot free,” says Prabhudessai. “The Juvenile Justice Act gives blanket exemption to a person below 18 years of age, due to which provisions of the Act are misused by criminal elements,” says Carlos Ferreira, assistant solicitor general of India.
On September two, gold jewellery worth Rs 1.80 lakh was stolen from a house metres away from the Margao police station. Police suspect the thieves sent a child into the house by making a small hole in the bathroom window.
Just two days earlier, two boys (both about 10 years old) were caught by the Margao police for attempting to indulge in petty thefts. They were sent to Apna Ghar, home for children in conflict with law, as well as for children in need of care and shelter.
It’s an organized racket in which children are brought from other states and forced into crime in Goa. Once the act is done, they are sent back home, said Ezilda Sapeco, member of the Commission for Protection of Child Rights. These kids usually come from Karnataka, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh or Rajasthan.
Explaining the modus operandi of the criminals, a police official said, “The most commonly adopted pattern is breaking into a home by making a small hole in the window or bending the shutters of a shop from the middle within one foot of the ground, to enable a child to enter.”
The official said that there have also been instances when a mother carrying a baby indulges in chain snatching at crowded places. “The baby is used to ensure that she doesn’t draw people’s attention by her suspicious movement. Sometimes
children are also used for pickpocketing. It is difficult to get anything out of the children as they are tutored and we can’t be harsh with them,” the official added.
Child activist Bernie D’Souza from Jan Ugahi said, “In most cases, youth use younger vulnerable street children, mostly from incapacitated families. But there are a few cases wherein parents, due to poverty have initiated their children into crime.”
Maintaining that catching these kids and sending them to Apna Ghar is not the solution, D’Souza said, “There are no new skills taught to them nor is there any rehabilitation programme in place. Once they come out of the home, they are back on the street, with no help and are further lured into the world of crime.”
NGOs say that rehabilitation of children is most important. “If children are caught, the punishment is minuscule and they are happy to be at the state run home as they get free shelter and food. There is no effort made to rehabilitate them and help them lead a better life,” says activist Auda Viegas.
September 13, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
‘Plaint against Fiona has no locus standi’
‘Plaint against Fiona has no locus standi’
Lawyer Turns Heat On Perpetrators Of Crime
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: Fiona MacKeown, mother of British teenager Scarlett Keeling who was raped and murdered at Anjuna beach, has responded to the show cause notice issued by the director of women and child development.
In her reply, MacKeown said that she wouldn’t be able to appear before the director as she is a single mother of seven minor children and that her presence in England with her children was essential for their care and safety.
The women and child department had issued a show cause notice to MacKeown upon a complaint by Utt Goenkara spokesperson Aires Rodrigues and directed her to be present on Friday. The complaint was filed against her for violation of provisions of the Children’s Act.
Fiona further stated through her lawyer, Vikram Varma, that inadequate notice was given to her to make alternative arrangements for the safety and care of her children
and asked for exemption from personal appearance.
“My client is the natural mother of the deceased Scarlett. She has exhibited her concerns and responsibilities as a parent for Scarlett Eden Keeling from her birth, during her life and even after her death far in excess of the complainant. The complainant’s attempt to display a level of concern and responsibility higher than my client for Scarlett is unnatural, unfounded and misguiding,” reads the response to the director’s notice.
It further states that Keeling was a victim of homicide and it would be in the interest of the perpetrators of the crime to use both threat and legal muscle in browbeating Fiona from not returning to India to assist in investigations.
“The case is in appeal in the high court and the matter is being examined for its tenability. The complaint needs to be dismissed as it has no locus standi on the matter and is not substantiated by a single shred of evidence,” added Varma.
Meanwhile, the director has adjourned the matter to Thursday, September 18.
September 13, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Lawyer Turns Heat On Perpetrators Of Crime
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: Fiona MacKeown, mother of British teenager Scarlett Keeling who was raped and murdered at Anjuna beach, has responded to the show cause notice issued by the director of women and child development.
In her reply, MacKeown said that she wouldn’t be able to appear before the director as she is a single mother of seven minor children and that her presence in England with her children was essential for their care and safety.
The women and child department had issued a show cause notice to MacKeown upon a complaint by Utt Goenkara spokesperson Aires Rodrigues and directed her to be present on Friday. The complaint was filed against her for violation of provisions of the Children’s Act.
Fiona further stated through her lawyer, Vikram Varma, that inadequate notice was given to her to make alternative arrangements for the safety and care of her children
and asked for exemption from personal appearance.
“My client is the natural mother of the deceased Scarlett. She has exhibited her concerns and responsibilities as a parent for Scarlett Eden Keeling from her birth, during her life and even after her death far in excess of the complainant. The complainant’s attempt to display a level of concern and responsibility higher than my client for Scarlett is unnatural, unfounded and misguiding,” reads the response to the director’s notice.
It further states that Keeling was a victim of homicide and it would be in the interest of the perpetrators of the crime to use both threat and legal muscle in browbeating Fiona from not returning to India to assist in investigations.
“The case is in appeal in the high court and the matter is being examined for its tenability. The complaint needs to be dismissed as it has no locus standi on the matter and is not substantiated by a single shred of evidence,” added Varma.
Meanwhile, the director has adjourned the matter to Thursday, September 18.
September 13, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Fiona’s counsel to contest plaint in Scarlett case
Fiona’s counsel to contest plaint in Scarlett case
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: The Director of Child and Women D eve l o p - ment, Sanjiv Gadkar, will on Friday hear the complaint filed by Utt G o e n k a r a spokesman Aires Rodrigues against British teenager Scarlett Keeling’s mother, Fiona Mackeown, for violating the provisions of the Children’s Act.
Gadkar has directed Fiona to remain present before him to show cause as to why action should not be taken against her under the Children’s Act.
Rodrigues had in his complaint stated that Scarlett had come to India with her mother Fiona who left the minor girl in the company of one ‘Julio’ with the intention that the said ‘Julio’ would take care of the girl by giving her food, shelter, money, etc, while the mother along with some male companion and her other children were away holidaying in Gokarna in Karnataka.
“We are responding to the complaint. What we find untenable is that despite this complaint being examined and subsequently dismissed by the Children’s Court, the directorate has found grounds to override the court’s order and pursue this case,” said Fiona’s counsel Vikram Varma.
He said that the complainant ‘has no locus standi and neither has he substantiated his allegations with a single shred of evidence’. “We would like to examine the evidence before responding to it. In the absence of evidence, the complaint ought to be treated as frivolous and an abuse of the process of law. To my mind this complaint needs to be dismissed,” he added.
September 12, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: The Director of Child and Women D eve l o p - ment, Sanjiv Gadkar, will on Friday hear the complaint filed by Utt G o e n k a r a spokesman Aires Rodrigues against British teenager Scarlett Keeling’s mother, Fiona Mackeown, for violating the provisions of the Children’s Act.
Gadkar has directed Fiona to remain present before him to show cause as to why action should not be taken against her under the Children’s Act.
Rodrigues had in his complaint stated that Scarlett had come to India with her mother Fiona who left the minor girl in the company of one ‘Julio’ with the intention that the said ‘Julio’ would take care of the girl by giving her food, shelter, money, etc, while the mother along with some male companion and her other children were away holidaying in Gokarna in Karnataka.
“We are responding to the complaint. What we find untenable is that despite this complaint being examined and subsequently dismissed by the Children’s Court, the directorate has found grounds to override the court’s order and pursue this case,” said Fiona’s counsel Vikram Varma.
He said that the complainant ‘has no locus standi and neither has he substantiated his allegations with a single shred of evidence’. “We would like to examine the evidence before responding to it. In the absence of evidence, the complaint ought to be treated as frivolous and an abuse of the process of law. To my mind this complaint needs to be dismissed,” he added.
September 12, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
WCD chief summons Fiona
WCD chief summons Fiona
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: The director of the Wo m e n and Child d e p a r t - ment, Goa has issued a notice to S c a rl e t t Keeling’s m o t h e r. The director has directed Fiona Mackeown to remain present before him on September 12, 2008, and to show cause why action shouldn’t be taken against her for violation of the provisions of the Goa Children’s Act, 2005.
This notice was issued by WCD director Sanjiv Gadkar on September 2, based on a complaint received from Utt Goenkara spokesman Aires Rodrigues alleging that Fiona has “committed certain acts which constitute an offence under section 8 (1) (2) and (12) of the Goa Children’s Act, 2003.
Gadkar added, “I am satisfied that there exists a prima facie case for enquiring into the said instance of violation of the provisions of the Goa Children’s Act, 2003 by Fiona”. Rodrigues had alleged that Fiona was fully aware that her daughter Scarlett was a minor and yet left her in the company of Julio to take care of the girl by giving her food, shelter and money. “The law mandates that all children within the state of Goa be provided a safe environment wherein parents are responsible to ensure that the child is not abused,” alleged Rodrigues.
Confirming that he had received the notice, Fiona’s counsel Vikram Varma said that his client would respond to the notice. “It would be unprecedented for the government to start a parallel hearing in a matter which is already being heard by the high court of Bombay at Goa.”
Varma further added, “Such an action is ultravires and could be interpreted as contempt, unless initiated with leave or orders from the high court. Perhaps the director was not informed that the proceedings in this matter are being heard in the high court. I am examining the matter and my client would respond to the notice.”
September 6, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: The director of the Wo m e n and Child d e p a r t - ment, Goa has issued a notice to S c a rl e t t Keeling’s m o t h e r. The director has directed Fiona Mackeown to remain present before him on September 12, 2008, and to show cause why action shouldn’t be taken against her for violation of the provisions of the Goa Children’s Act, 2005.
This notice was issued by WCD director Sanjiv Gadkar on September 2, based on a complaint received from Utt Goenkara spokesman Aires Rodrigues alleging that Fiona has “committed certain acts which constitute an offence under section 8 (1) (2) and (12) of the Goa Children’s Act, 2003.
Gadkar added, “I am satisfied that there exists a prima facie case for enquiring into the said instance of violation of the provisions of the Goa Children’s Act, 2003 by Fiona”. Rodrigues had alleged that Fiona was fully aware that her daughter Scarlett was a minor and yet left her in the company of Julio to take care of the girl by giving her food, shelter and money. “The law mandates that all children within the state of Goa be provided a safe environment wherein parents are responsible to ensure that the child is not abused,” alleged Rodrigues.
Confirming that he had received the notice, Fiona’s counsel Vikram Varma said that his client would respond to the notice. “It would be unprecedented for the government to start a parallel hearing in a matter which is already being heard by the high court of Bombay at Goa.”
Varma further added, “Such an action is ultravires and could be interpreted as contempt, unless initiated with leave or orders from the high court. Perhaps the director was not informed that the proceedings in this matter are being heard in the high court. I am examining the matter and my client would respond to the notice.”
September 6, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
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