Sunburn weathers storm, Rs 1 lakh surety paid
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: Even as the Calangute police lodged a complaint against the organizers of the Sunburn festival at Candolim for playing loud music, the government granted fresh conditional permission to the organizers to carry on with the beach music festival after they paid a surety of Rs 1 lakh.
Chief secretary JP Singh said, “The organizers have made a petition to the collector and they have given a guarantee of Rs 1 lakh and an undertaking that they will not violate the sound levels. As their sound levels on the second day were within the norms, the deputy collector gave them permission to continue the festival. This is conditional. Moreover, the Goa State Pollution Control Board will monitor the sound levels.”
When asked if this is an exception and if others who violate the Noise Pollution Act will be allowed to carry on operations by giving a guarantee amount, Singh said, “This can’t become a trend.”
The 3-day festival which started on Saturday was stopped by the Calangute police on Sunday after Mapusa sub divisional magistrate issued an order cancelling its conditional NOC.
Sources said that due to political pressure from a ruling MLA, the government asked the organizers to apply again for permission. They were then asked to give a surety of Rs 1 lakh and an undertaking that they would strictly abide by the law and if it is violated, penal action would be taken against them, besides them having to forfeit the Rs 1 lakh.
Mapusa SDM Mahesh Khorjuenkar said, “It is a government decision to give fresh permission as the organizers have applied again on Monday. We have given permission with certain conditions.”
Reacting to the conditional permission granted by the government, former additional advocate general Vilas Thali told TOI that the guarantee should not have been accepted at all. “The decision is discriminatory,” he said.
Environmentalist Claude Alvares said the decision of granting permission after taking a guarantee of Rs 1 lakh is “wrong and illegal”. “Goa Foundation will approach the court and see that nobody is allowed to have parties like this in the future,” he said.
Pointing to the amount being “hardly anything” for the organizers to shell out, he said, “Considering the amount, every organizer will be willing to give such a guarantee to organize such parties.”
The police in their complaint said that on December 27, between 12.45pm and 10pm, the organizers of the festival played music ranging from 67.2db to 89.3db. The permitted decibel level is up to 55db. A case had accordingly been registered against the organizer Lyndon Alves from Dona Paula under section 3 and 4 of the Noise Pollution Act.
When contacted, Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes said, “I was fighting to get permissions for Sunburn. Because of this, 48 more shacks have got permission to play music. If you don’t have such parties and music for Christmas, then what is the fun of being in Goa? For the sake of tourism, people need to bear some music that anyway stops by 10pm. Everyone in Calangute and Candolim is happy except people who complain perenially.”
December 30, 2008, The Times of India, Goa Edition
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
SUNBURN 2008 Sun sets early on fest as organizers goof up
SUNBURN 2008
Sun sets early on fest as organizers goof up
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: The three-day Sunburn 2008 beach festival that had started on Saturday with conditional permission at Candolim, was stopped by the Calangute police after Mapusa sub-divisional magistrate issued an order cancelling the conditional NOC issued to the organizers.
The SDM in his order to the police said that the Goa Pollution Control Board in its report to him had clearly stated that the organizers had violated the sound decibel level and since it was in violation of the conditional NOC, the premission stands cancelled.
SP (North) Bosco George, confirming that the festival has been stopped said, “Acting on the SDMs order we stopped the festival between 7 and 7.30 pm on Sunday.”
Mapusa SDM Mahesh Khorjuenkar said, “Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) submitted a report on Sunday in which they have stated that the organizers have failed to comply with permissible sound levels and therefore the North Goa collector issued directions to me to ask the police to take action.”
Sources said that GSPCB in its report has said that the organizers were exceeding the music limit and playing at 83 sound decibels on Saturday.
While the permission granted by the SDM was for 55 decibels, the GSPCB maintained that the music could be played upto 65 decibels in Calangute and Candolim as it is a commercial area and this can be extended up to 75 decibels. However, even that was violated.
While in the morning the music remained at 60 decibels, by 3.30 pm the decibel level peaked to 83 near the entrance of the festival which was much above the permissible level.
Meanwhile, highly placed sources said that Central intelligence agencies having examined the arrangements made by the organizers have opined to the Goa police that it is not a secure arrangement, especially from the beach side to prevent any entry of any terror attacks.
While issuing the conditional NOC to the organizers, the SDM and the police had clearly stated that they would have to comply with 22 conditions and if any condition was violated then the order issuing the conditional NOC will be deemed to be revoked.
Meanwhile, villagers said that soon after the cops left, music could be heard.
However, police personnel intervened once again to stop the festival.
December 27, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Sun sets early on fest as organizers goof up
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: The three-day Sunburn 2008 beach festival that had started on Saturday with conditional permission at Candolim, was stopped by the Calangute police after Mapusa sub-divisional magistrate issued an order cancelling the conditional NOC issued to the organizers.
The SDM in his order to the police said that the Goa Pollution Control Board in its report to him had clearly stated that the organizers had violated the sound decibel level and since it was in violation of the conditional NOC, the premission stands cancelled.
SP (North) Bosco George, confirming that the festival has been stopped said, “Acting on the SDMs order we stopped the festival between 7 and 7.30 pm on Sunday.”
Mapusa SDM Mahesh Khorjuenkar said, “Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) submitted a report on Sunday in which they have stated that the organizers have failed to comply with permissible sound levels and therefore the North Goa collector issued directions to me to ask the police to take action.”
Sources said that GSPCB in its report has said that the organizers were exceeding the music limit and playing at 83 sound decibels on Saturday.
While the permission granted by the SDM was for 55 decibels, the GSPCB maintained that the music could be played upto 65 decibels in Calangute and Candolim as it is a commercial area and this can be extended up to 75 decibels. However, even that was violated.
While in the morning the music remained at 60 decibels, by 3.30 pm the decibel level peaked to 83 near the entrance of the festival which was much above the permissible level.
Meanwhile, highly placed sources said that Central intelligence agencies having examined the arrangements made by the organizers have opined to the Goa police that it is not a secure arrangement, especially from the beach side to prevent any entry of any terror attacks.
While issuing the conditional NOC to the organizers, the SDM and the police had clearly stated that they would have to comply with 22 conditions and if any condition was violated then the order issuing the conditional NOC will be deemed to be revoked.
Meanwhile, villagers said that soon after the cops left, music could be heard.
However, police personnel intervened once again to stop the festival.
December 27, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Sunburn 2008 gets green signal
THE PARTY IS ON
Sunburn 2008 gets green signal
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: Despite the government declaring that “open” beach festivals are banned, the organizers of the Sunburn 2008 music beach festival managed to get permission to hold the festival at Candolim beach by enclosing the premises with metal sheets.
“The SP (north) and SP (traffic) have both issued a conditional NOC and if any condition is breached, the NOC will be cancelled,” said SP (intelligence) Atmaram Deshpande.
Highly placed sources said that there was immense pressure on the organizers to issue the NOC, due to which the police issued a conditional NOC after the organizers promised to comply with several directions. Sources revealed that the NOC will hold only if the organizers comply with the condition of having armed private guards in uniform, traffic marshals to man vehicles, security men in plain clothes, hand metal detectors, frame metal detectors, sniffer dogs and the entire area enclosed with metal sheets. It is also said that no minor should be allowed and everyone’s I-cards should be checked. “There are about 22 conditions the organizers have to comply with,” sources said
“The NOC also states that there should be no parking in the lane and a separate parking provision should be made. Penal action will be initiated in case the organizers fail to comply with the undertaking they have given us,” said police sources. The police have also asked the organizers to stop all activity by 10 pm.
Incidentally, even when the police were refusing to grant an NOC, Manuj Agarwal, chief operating officer of Percept D’- Mark had declared that the festival is on. “They have been given permission on the technical ground that the festival is going to be held on private property behind the sand dunes at Candolim and not on the beach,” said sources in the government.
The Sunburn festival, dedicated to the promotion of peace and global harmony, aims to attract more than 3000 people and will be held from December 27 to December 29. More than 35 music artists from around the
world will play across 4 stages on the beach, and will have food stalls, fire jugglers, stilt walkers, a flea market and will also promote environmental awareness and education.
Deputy Collector (Mapusa) MV Khorjuenkar said, “Earlier the report was that the festival was on the beach, but as they said that it is being held on private property, the police verified it and gave a report to us that the music permission should be granted as the organizers have given an undertaking.”
“We discussed the matter with the collector and after examining the case granted permission as the festival doesn’t violate the government order banning open beach parties,” he added.
December 27, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Sunburn 2008 gets green signal
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: Despite the government declaring that “open” beach festivals are banned, the organizers of the Sunburn 2008 music beach festival managed to get permission to hold the festival at Candolim beach by enclosing the premises with metal sheets.
“The SP (north) and SP (traffic) have both issued a conditional NOC and if any condition is breached, the NOC will be cancelled,” said SP (intelligence) Atmaram Deshpande.
Highly placed sources said that there was immense pressure on the organizers to issue the NOC, due to which the police issued a conditional NOC after the organizers promised to comply with several directions. Sources revealed that the NOC will hold only if the organizers comply with the condition of having armed private guards in uniform, traffic marshals to man vehicles, security men in plain clothes, hand metal detectors, frame metal detectors, sniffer dogs and the entire area enclosed with metal sheets. It is also said that no minor should be allowed and everyone’s I-cards should be checked. “There are about 22 conditions the organizers have to comply with,” sources said
“The NOC also states that there should be no parking in the lane and a separate parking provision should be made. Penal action will be initiated in case the organizers fail to comply with the undertaking they have given us,” said police sources. The police have also asked the organizers to stop all activity by 10 pm.
Incidentally, even when the police were refusing to grant an NOC, Manuj Agarwal, chief operating officer of Percept D’- Mark had declared that the festival is on. “They have been given permission on the technical ground that the festival is going to be held on private property behind the sand dunes at Candolim and not on the beach,” said sources in the government.
The Sunburn festival, dedicated to the promotion of peace and global harmony, aims to attract more than 3000 people and will be held from December 27 to December 29. More than 35 music artists from around the
world will play across 4 stages on the beach, and will have food stalls, fire jugglers, stilt walkers, a flea market and will also promote environmental awareness and education.
Deputy Collector (Mapusa) MV Khorjuenkar said, “Earlier the report was that the festival was on the beach, but as they said that it is being held on private property, the police verified it and gave a report to us that the music permission should be granted as the organizers have given an undertaking.”
“We discussed the matter with the collector and after examining the case granted permission as the festival doesn’t violate the government order banning open beach parties,” he added.
December 27, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Goan cops send arms wish list to Centre
Goan cops send arms wish list to Centre
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Goa government has asked the Centre for advanced arms and ammunition to fight terrorists, better infrastructure and equipment for coastal police, modern surveillance tools and advanced communication technology for the Goa police.
The estimated cost of the equipment sought has been pegged at approximately Rs 100 crore, and would strengthen the Goa police force. The proposal was sent after Union minister of state for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal, at a meeting with the Goa chief minister, Home minister and police officials on December 24 had asked for a list of requirements.
The state government has requested the Centre to provide the infrastructure and equipment during the financial year 2009-10.
IGP Kishan Kumar confirmed that a proposal to improve the police infrastructure and equipment was sent to the Central government. “Through the state government we have moved a proposal to the Centre for more arms and ammunition, better facilities for the coastal police, vehicles for beat constables and improved communication systems,” said Kumar.
Sources said that the list of demands includes guns, 200 each of hybrid weapon Insas and AK-56s, besides more AK-47s and 7.62 SLRs. Most of the weapons the Goa police possesses today are vintage quality .303 rifles. The police have also sought more vehicles — jeeps for the coastal and traffic police, as well as for the police control room staff and about 320 motorcycles for the beat constables, so that each beat will have its own vehicle, sources said.
The police have also proposed the introduction of an advanced communication technology system. Currently, most police communication is done through the wireless.
GUNNING FOR MORE
The list of demands includes guns, 200 each of hybrid weapon Insas and AK-56s, besides more AK-47s and 7.62 SLR
The police have also sought more vehicles —jeeps and about 320 motorcycles Goa police propose better radio network
Panaji: The Goa police propose to introduce TETRA communication and Cipa system in all police stations in the state, sources said.
While Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) communication is a combined version of the modern digital private mobile radio (PMR) and public access mobile radio (PAMR) technology, which heightens security over air for police, the Cipa system will enable police stations to access data and information from other police stations in the country.
The proposal also focuses on improving the coastal police stations by making them better equipped with ammunition, communication systems and speed boats.
At the moment there are three coastal police stations,
but the proposal suggests more of these at the one major and five minor ports, besides creating new sea check posts, to keep an eye on vessels entering the state through the sea.
Currently the coastal police have no high-tech speed boats. While the Central government has promised nine speed boats, the police require about fifteen more to man the 125 km long coastline.
While the necessary equipment and infrastructure would be provided by the Centre, the state government would have to provide the manpower for the new coastal police stations, said sources.
At present the coastal police stations located at Siolim, Betul and harbour are functioning either from existing outposts or police station buildings.
December 29, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Goa government has asked the Centre for advanced arms and ammunition to fight terrorists, better infrastructure and equipment for coastal police, modern surveillance tools and advanced communication technology for the Goa police.
The estimated cost of the equipment sought has been pegged at approximately Rs 100 crore, and would strengthen the Goa police force. The proposal was sent after Union minister of state for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal, at a meeting with the Goa chief minister, Home minister and police officials on December 24 had asked for a list of requirements.
The state government has requested the Centre to provide the infrastructure and equipment during the financial year 2009-10.
IGP Kishan Kumar confirmed that a proposal to improve the police infrastructure and equipment was sent to the Central government. “Through the state government we have moved a proposal to the Centre for more arms and ammunition, better facilities for the coastal police, vehicles for beat constables and improved communication systems,” said Kumar.
Sources said that the list of demands includes guns, 200 each of hybrid weapon Insas and AK-56s, besides more AK-47s and 7.62 SLRs. Most of the weapons the Goa police possesses today are vintage quality .303 rifles. The police have also sought more vehicles — jeeps for the coastal and traffic police, as well as for the police control room staff and about 320 motorcycles for the beat constables, so that each beat will have its own vehicle, sources said.
The police have also proposed the introduction of an advanced communication technology system. Currently, most police communication is done through the wireless.
GUNNING FOR MORE
The list of demands includes guns, 200 each of hybrid weapon Insas and AK-56s, besides more AK-47s and 7.62 SLR
The police have also sought more vehicles —jeeps and about 320 motorcycles Goa police propose better radio network
Panaji: The Goa police propose to introduce TETRA communication and Cipa system in all police stations in the state, sources said.
While Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) communication is a combined version of the modern digital private mobile radio (PMR) and public access mobile radio (PAMR) technology, which heightens security over air for police, the Cipa system will enable police stations to access data and information from other police stations in the country.
The proposal also focuses on improving the coastal police stations by making them better equipped with ammunition, communication systems and speed boats.
At the moment there are three coastal police stations,
but the proposal suggests more of these at the one major and five minor ports, besides creating new sea check posts, to keep an eye on vessels entering the state through the sea.
Currently the coastal police have no high-tech speed boats. While the Central government has promised nine speed boats, the police require about fifteen more to man the 125 km long coastline.
While the necessary equipment and infrastructure would be provided by the Centre, the state government would have to provide the manpower for the new coastal police stations, said sources.
At present the coastal police stations located at Siolim, Betul and harbour are functioning either from existing outposts or police station buildings.
December 29, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Police stations double up as homes for cops this Xmas
TERROR EFFECT
Police stations double up as homes for cops this Xmas
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: For probably the first time during their tenure in the police force, Catholic police officers won’t be able to go home for their traditional Christmas lunch. They will have to spend their time either at their respective police station or their area of posting, as the Goa police has decided that its men will work 24x7 from December 23 to January 5 due to a terror threat looming over Goa during Christmas and New Year.
However, despite the tension and high pressures, such as an almost unlimited amount of demand versus a limited amount of resources, a desire to respond quickly and thoroughly to incidents that have already occurred versus a need to prevent such incidents from occurring in the first place, a majority of the police stations have planned a quiet Christmas for their staff to help lift the spirit and spread some cheer.
SP (North) Bosco George said, “No police personnel can go home. They have to either be at the place they are posted or at their respective police station 24x7 from December 23, 2008 to January 5, 2009”.
In fact, for the first time the Panaji police station has put in an extra effort to make Christmas cribs, while Vasco is continuing with their tradition of setting up cribs, though there is only one Catholic PSI at the station. “Christmas and New Year are special to one and all. It means something different to everybody, and whether it’s familyrelated or not, whether you are Catholic or not, it fills you with a lot of emotions and feelings,” said a police officer.
Majority of police stations supervisors have decided to purchase cakes and sweets to be distributed to the staff on Christmas as they are all going to be “together on duty”. Some police staff have decided to burst firecrackers to welcome the New Year, “if things go on peacefully”.
There are about 4000-odd police personnel and the ratio of police to the state’s population is 1:339. Of these, about 15 to 20 % of the staff comprise Catholics. But they will have to sacrifice their personal celebrations to ensure that we celebrate the festival without any fear or uncertainty.
While some Catholic police officials said, “I would have loved to be at home for Christmas but then extraordinary situations call for extraordinary caution. We don’t want to take any chances”, few others said that they have decided not to celebrate this year as a mark of respect for those policemen who lost their lives in Mumbai terror attacks.
Some policemen added, “The police force is one big family and this season also we will celebrate with our family members”.
December 24, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Police stations double up as homes for cops this Xmas
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: For probably the first time during their tenure in the police force, Catholic police officers won’t be able to go home for their traditional Christmas lunch. They will have to spend their time either at their respective police station or their area of posting, as the Goa police has decided that its men will work 24x7 from December 23 to January 5 due to a terror threat looming over Goa during Christmas and New Year.
However, despite the tension and high pressures, such as an almost unlimited amount of demand versus a limited amount of resources, a desire to respond quickly and thoroughly to incidents that have already occurred versus a need to prevent such incidents from occurring in the first place, a majority of the police stations have planned a quiet Christmas for their staff to help lift the spirit and spread some cheer.
SP (North) Bosco George said, “No police personnel can go home. They have to either be at the place they are posted or at their respective police station 24x7 from December 23, 2008 to January 5, 2009”.
In fact, for the first time the Panaji police station has put in an extra effort to make Christmas cribs, while Vasco is continuing with their tradition of setting up cribs, though there is only one Catholic PSI at the station. “Christmas and New Year are special to one and all. It means something different to everybody, and whether it’s familyrelated or not, whether you are Catholic or not, it fills you with a lot of emotions and feelings,” said a police officer.
Majority of police stations supervisors have decided to purchase cakes and sweets to be distributed to the staff on Christmas as they are all going to be “together on duty”. Some police staff have decided to burst firecrackers to welcome the New Year, “if things go on peacefully”.
There are about 4000-odd police personnel and the ratio of police to the state’s population is 1:339. Of these, about 15 to 20 % of the staff comprise Catholics. But they will have to sacrifice their personal celebrations to ensure that we celebrate the festival without any fear or uncertainty.
While some Catholic police officials said, “I would have loved to be at home for Christmas but then extraordinary situations call for extraordinary caution. We don’t want to take any chances”, few others said that they have decided not to celebrate this year as a mark of respect for those policemen who lost their lives in Mumbai terror attacks.
Some policemen added, “The police force is one big family and this season also we will celebrate with our family members”.
December 24, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Medico-legal cases: Docs draft guidelines
Medico-legal cases: Docs draft guidelines
To Be Added To Existing Medical Norms
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: When around three months back, an asthma patient in her late twenties, collapsed, hit her head against the edge of a hospital bed and died soon after she was given an injection at a hospital, there was confusion as to whether the case should be treated as a medico legal case (MLC) or not, before it was finally decided to treat the case as an MLC.
However, such dilemmas will soon become a thing of the past. To avoid confusions or conflicts, doctors at the Goa Medical College (GMC) have drafted medico-legal guidelines that clearly describe the category of cases that should qualify as MLCs.
These guidelines not only deliberate on traditional MLC cases — such as suicides, accidental deaths, murders, cases referred by courts, burn injuries cases, etc — but also review those related to presentday situations.
“As we came across such cases in the GMC, it was discussed with experts and we decided that it is the need of the hour to treat such cases as MLCs. Guidelines have been drafted keeping in mind the present day situation,” said GMC dean Dr VN Jindal.
According to the new guidelines, if a patient is brought unconscious to the hospital and dies immediately thereafter, the case would turn into a medico legal case even without the family members demanding it. This will be done especially if the patient’s past medical reports are not available.
Furthermore, even if a patient passes away suddenly after parenteral administration of a drug or medication, or if the patient falls or if there is
any mishap in the hospital due to which the patient sustains injuries and passes away, then it would be treated as a MLC.
The guidelines also suggests that if the relatives of the patient assault the treating doctor or other staff of the hospital, or if the patient’s relatives create a law and order problem in the hospital, then the case should be treated as a medico legal case.
Incidentally, these new guidelines are in addition to the existing norms which are being practised by doctors all over the country.
“So far, only burn injury cases, accident cases and those related to homicide, suicide, sexual assault, death in operation theatre or after surgery or in the intensive care unit (ICU) were considered as medico-legal.
“But it was now the need of the hour to include new categories in the new guidelines as it not only helps the doctors but also removes any doubt in the mind of the patient’s relatives,” said Dr Wiseman Pinto, who has been in the forefront of drafting these guidelines. The guidelines were then sent across for circulation and discussion to all the clinical departments along with the forensic department and the anaesthesia department, before it was decided to implement them in the GMC.
Dr Pinto added, “These guidelines on medico-legal cases would also serve to reduce the conflict between hospital authorities and patient’s relatives who generally allege suspicious deaths. Besides this, it will also help the law enforcement agencies”.
A copy of the guidelines will also be sent to all government-run hospitals and even private nursing homes and hospitals across the state.
December 23, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
To Be Added To Existing Medical Norms
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: When around three months back, an asthma patient in her late twenties, collapsed, hit her head against the edge of a hospital bed and died soon after she was given an injection at a hospital, there was confusion as to whether the case should be treated as a medico legal case (MLC) or not, before it was finally decided to treat the case as an MLC.
However, such dilemmas will soon become a thing of the past. To avoid confusions or conflicts, doctors at the Goa Medical College (GMC) have drafted medico-legal guidelines that clearly describe the category of cases that should qualify as MLCs.
These guidelines not only deliberate on traditional MLC cases — such as suicides, accidental deaths, murders, cases referred by courts, burn injuries cases, etc — but also review those related to presentday situations.
“As we came across such cases in the GMC, it was discussed with experts and we decided that it is the need of the hour to treat such cases as MLCs. Guidelines have been drafted keeping in mind the present day situation,” said GMC dean Dr VN Jindal.
According to the new guidelines, if a patient is brought unconscious to the hospital and dies immediately thereafter, the case would turn into a medico legal case even without the family members demanding it. This will be done especially if the patient’s past medical reports are not available.
Furthermore, even if a patient passes away suddenly after parenteral administration of a drug or medication, or if the patient falls or if there is
any mishap in the hospital due to which the patient sustains injuries and passes away, then it would be treated as a MLC.
The guidelines also suggests that if the relatives of the patient assault the treating doctor or other staff of the hospital, or if the patient’s relatives create a law and order problem in the hospital, then the case should be treated as a medico legal case.
Incidentally, these new guidelines are in addition to the existing norms which are being practised by doctors all over the country.
“So far, only burn injury cases, accident cases and those related to homicide, suicide, sexual assault, death in operation theatre or after surgery or in the intensive care unit (ICU) were considered as medico-legal.
“But it was now the need of the hour to include new categories in the new guidelines as it not only helps the doctors but also removes any doubt in the mind of the patient’s relatives,” said Dr Wiseman Pinto, who has been in the forefront of drafting these guidelines. The guidelines were then sent across for circulation and discussion to all the clinical departments along with the forensic department and the anaesthesia department, before it was decided to implement them in the GMC.
Dr Pinto added, “These guidelines on medico-legal cases would also serve to reduce the conflict between hospital authorities and patient’s relatives who generally allege suspicious deaths. Besides this, it will also help the law enforcement agencies”.
A copy of the guidelines will also be sent to all government-run hospitals and even private nursing homes and hospitals across the state.
December 23, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Sunday, December 14, 2008
IN TERROR SHADOW?
Port faces security threat, MPT tells govt
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Citing a security threat, Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) has written to the state government asking that the Khariwada fishing jetty situated alongside the port be moved out of Vasco bay.
Sources in the state government said MPT chairman Praveen Agarwal has written to the chief minister explaining why the fishing jetty needs to be moved out. “MPT continues to operate in an insecure regime which is likely to lead to disastrous consequences... It has become unacceptable to the central government to continue port operations with the looming security threat of the fishing jetty at arm’s length to the operational berths of MPT,” the government sources said.
When contacted, Agarwal refused to comment on the issue.
The recent terrorist attacks at Mumbai have brought to the fore the immediate necessity of shifting the Khariwada fishing jetty out of Vasco Bay or stopping its operations altogether, the sources quoted Agarwal as saying.
The letter, sent on December 6, also warned of an impact on the trade and commerce of Goa.
Referring to a secret report of
the Central Industrial Security Force dated December 4/5, in which there is information about the unauthorized entry of a fishing vessel into the port’s operational area on December 4, Agarwal said, “That an attempt to test the security of Khariwada jetty could be made soon after the Mumbai attacks shows the brazen approach of the enemies of the nation. It is obvious that attempts are being made by destructive forces to find vulnerable entry points in Goa from the sea side.”
Khariwada jetty is in close proximity to MPT’s berths 11 and 10. ENSURING SAFETY MEASURES
Jetty provides free access to port: MPT
Panaji: Reasoning that there is no way in which control can be exercised over the activities at Khariwada jetty towards ensuring the safety of Mormugao port and quoting various reports, MPT chairman Praveen Agarwal has written to the chief minister saying that “it is, therefore, extremely desirable that as requested by the ministry of shipping, road transport and highways, New Delhi; as mandated by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) repeatedly; as recommended by the home ministry and other agencies from time to time; as directed by the high powered committee on implementing security measures; as directed by the director general, shipping, who are the auditors for ISPS (International Ships facility and Port Security Code) compliance for major ports; as directed by the various other committees and conferences from time to time; and as demanded by masters of merchant ships calling at MPT, the Khariwada jetty has to be shifted out of Vasco Bay”.
Sources in the state government said Agarwal sought the state’s cooperation in identifying an alternative site outside Vasco Bay, so that MPT can start the work of developing a new world class fishing jetty.
“It is also a well-known fact that the Khariwada area has a large number of migrants and people with dubious identities, and others who keep moving from place to place, and who have no proper identification. All these have free access to the Mormugao port through the K h a r i w a d a fishing jetty which abuts berth number 11,” the letter said. The letter added that MPT is facing a threat to the port’s compliance with the ISPS code with the continuance of the Khariwada fishing jetty.
“Failure of MPT to comply with the ISPS Code will ultimately bring shipping activities to a grinding halt in the Mormugao harbour, which again will have a serious detrimental impact on the trade and commerce of Goa,” the letter added.
December 13, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Port faces security threat, MPT tells govt
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Citing a security threat, Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) has written to the state government asking that the Khariwada fishing jetty situated alongside the port be moved out of Vasco bay.
Sources in the state government said MPT chairman Praveen Agarwal has written to the chief minister explaining why the fishing jetty needs to be moved out. “MPT continues to operate in an insecure regime which is likely to lead to disastrous consequences... It has become unacceptable to the central government to continue port operations with the looming security threat of the fishing jetty at arm’s length to the operational berths of MPT,” the government sources said.
When contacted, Agarwal refused to comment on the issue.
The recent terrorist attacks at Mumbai have brought to the fore the immediate necessity of shifting the Khariwada fishing jetty out of Vasco Bay or stopping its operations altogether, the sources quoted Agarwal as saying.
The letter, sent on December 6, also warned of an impact on the trade and commerce of Goa.
Referring to a secret report of
the Central Industrial Security Force dated December 4/5, in which there is information about the unauthorized entry of a fishing vessel into the port’s operational area on December 4, Agarwal said, “That an attempt to test the security of Khariwada jetty could be made soon after the Mumbai attacks shows the brazen approach of the enemies of the nation. It is obvious that attempts are being made by destructive forces to find vulnerable entry points in Goa from the sea side.”
Khariwada jetty is in close proximity to MPT’s berths 11 and 10. ENSURING SAFETY MEASURES
Jetty provides free access to port: MPT
Panaji: Reasoning that there is no way in which control can be exercised over the activities at Khariwada jetty towards ensuring the safety of Mormugao port and quoting various reports, MPT chairman Praveen Agarwal has written to the chief minister saying that “it is, therefore, extremely desirable that as requested by the ministry of shipping, road transport and highways, New Delhi; as mandated by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) repeatedly; as recommended by the home ministry and other agencies from time to time; as directed by the high powered committee on implementing security measures; as directed by the director general, shipping, who are the auditors for ISPS (International Ships facility and Port Security Code) compliance for major ports; as directed by the various other committees and conferences from time to time; and as demanded by masters of merchant ships calling at MPT, the Khariwada jetty has to be shifted out of Vasco Bay”.
Sources in the state government said Agarwal sought the state’s cooperation in identifying an alternative site outside Vasco Bay, so that MPT can start the work of developing a new world class fishing jetty.
“It is also a well-known fact that the Khariwada area has a large number of migrants and people with dubious identities, and others who keep moving from place to place, and who have no proper identification. All these have free access to the Mormugao port through the K h a r i w a d a fishing jetty which abuts berth number 11,” the letter said. The letter added that MPT is facing a threat to the port’s compliance with the ISPS code with the continuance of the Khariwada fishing jetty.
“Failure of MPT to comply with the ISPS Code will ultimately bring shipping activities to a grinding halt in the Mormugao harbour, which again will have a serious detrimental impact on the trade and commerce of Goa,” the letter added.
December 13, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Police ignored attack on me: Russian
Police ignored attack on me: Russian
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: A Russian investor in Goa has alleged that he was beaten up by a group of locals even as the police turned a blind eye.
Dan Sorokin, director of White Raj Resorts Pvt Ltd, which is reportedly an Indian company, said in a press conference on Friday that the company had bought about 1,10,037 sq m of land at Nagarcem village in Palolem in the year 2007, which is “now worth crores of rupees”.
On Sunday, December 7, he alleged that he and his friends were assaulted on the property by a group of around 15 people.
“I am in a position to identify the men, armed with a traditional Indian sword, knives and steel tubes. They hit me on the head and kept on beating me while I was on the ground. My friends saved my life, carrying me out of this ugly scene and also taking some beating. As a result, I sustained as many as 15 wounds from the steel bars. I had to be operated on my head, spending a while in the intensive care unit (ICU). “My friends also got injuries on the head. Some bones were also broken,” alleged Sorokin.
He further alleged that an attacker tried to break the spine of his girlfriend with an iron stick, but “fortunately she screamed, thus making the attacker hesitate and run away”.
“A police car brought us to the government hospital at Chaudi. However, they grabbed one of my innocent friends (also a Russian) and arrested him because he was conscious.
“One of the policemen who was dressed in civil clothes actually participated in this armed assault to our lives. No arrests are made up to now,” he alleged.
Suspecting that the motive for the attack on him is “a clash of economical interests”, Sorokin further alleged, “Before the assault, the chief gangster told me, ‘you are not at home, you are in India.”
“We have informed the Russian Consul General in Mumbai of the incident and it is taking steps. The behaviour of the police is shocking and unacceptable as they have not even bothered to inquire into the matter or take my statement even though a complaint was lodged soon after the incident,” alleged Sorokin.
Stating that they are not mafia, Sorokin added, “To call us Russian mafia is not fair. We don’t live on crime but earn our bread and butter with hard work.”
Police sources, on the other hand, told TOI on Friday that one Suraj Ballikar from Bali, Quepem has claimed that the property purchased by the Russians was sub-leased to him and that he is a claimant.
When on December 7 the Russians tried to construct a tent on the property, he is believed to have objected. Ballikar in his complaint to the police said that he was assaulted by five Russians, including Sorokin and that the police registered a case against the Russians for grievous assault, trespass and intimidation.
“Later the locals attacked the Russians, and one Victor lodged a counter complaint against the locals for forming unlawful assembly and wrongfully assaulting the foreigners,” police sources said.
SP (South) Allan de Sa said, “Cross complaints were registered and we have taken immediate action. Investigations are on. The fight was over a property dispute and we will inquire thoroughly into it.”
December 13, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: A Russian investor in Goa has alleged that he was beaten up by a group of locals even as the police turned a blind eye.
Dan Sorokin, director of White Raj Resorts Pvt Ltd, which is reportedly an Indian company, said in a press conference on Friday that the company had bought about 1,10,037 sq m of land at Nagarcem village in Palolem in the year 2007, which is “now worth crores of rupees”.
On Sunday, December 7, he alleged that he and his friends were assaulted on the property by a group of around 15 people.
“I am in a position to identify the men, armed with a traditional Indian sword, knives and steel tubes. They hit me on the head and kept on beating me while I was on the ground. My friends saved my life, carrying me out of this ugly scene and also taking some beating. As a result, I sustained as many as 15 wounds from the steel bars. I had to be operated on my head, spending a while in the intensive care unit (ICU). “My friends also got injuries on the head. Some bones were also broken,” alleged Sorokin.
He further alleged that an attacker tried to break the spine of his girlfriend with an iron stick, but “fortunately she screamed, thus making the attacker hesitate and run away”.
“A police car brought us to the government hospital at Chaudi. However, they grabbed one of my innocent friends (also a Russian) and arrested him because he was conscious.
“One of the policemen who was dressed in civil clothes actually participated in this armed assault to our lives. No arrests are made up to now,” he alleged.
Suspecting that the motive for the attack on him is “a clash of economical interests”, Sorokin further alleged, “Before the assault, the chief gangster told me, ‘you are not at home, you are in India.”
“We have informed the Russian Consul General in Mumbai of the incident and it is taking steps. The behaviour of the police is shocking and unacceptable as they have not even bothered to inquire into the matter or take my statement even though a complaint was lodged soon after the incident,” alleged Sorokin.
Stating that they are not mafia, Sorokin added, “To call us Russian mafia is not fair. We don’t live on crime but earn our bread and butter with hard work.”
Police sources, on the other hand, told TOI on Friday that one Suraj Ballikar from Bali, Quepem has claimed that the property purchased by the Russians was sub-leased to him and that he is a claimant.
When on December 7 the Russians tried to construct a tent on the property, he is believed to have objected. Ballikar in his complaint to the police said that he was assaulted by five Russians, including Sorokin and that the police registered a case against the Russians for grievous assault, trespass and intimidation.
“Later the locals attacked the Russians, and one Victor lodged a counter complaint against the locals for forming unlawful assembly and wrongfully assaulting the foreigners,” police sources said.
SP (South) Allan de Sa said, “Cross complaints were registered and we have taken immediate action. Investigations are on. The fight was over a property dispute and we will inquire thoroughly into it.”
December 13, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Russia asks its citizens to reconsider Goa trip
RED FLAG
Russia asks its citizens
to reconsider Goa trip
Naik
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: Concerned about the safety of their citizens holidaying in Goa, the Russian consulate has advised them to “reconsider their trips” to the state.
Sources in the government revealed that in a letter to chief minister Digambar Kamat, the Russian consul general in Mumbai, Alexander Mantytsky, said, “Unfortunately, the times seem to have changed. Concerned over the security in Goa that may endanger the safety and health of Russian tourists and the failure of the Goan police to keep the situation under control, the consulate general has advised them to reconsider their trips to this state.”
Though the letter sent on December 1 came after the Mumbai terror attack, government sources said the letter was also prompted by the taxi strike in Goa which inconvenienced many Russian tourists.
“The Russian consulate was concerned as it received complaints about taxi drivers making anti-Russian slogans, not letting Russian tourists go out of their hotels and stopping coaches,” said sources.
Confirming the receipt of the letter, chief secretary J P Singh said, “The Russian consulate has requested us to act as Russian tourists in Goa had complained to the consulate of harassment by taxi drivers. We have assured them all possible help. The CM had a meeting with tour operators and taxi drivers to arrive at a consensus. Now the tourism director is having further meetings to sort out the problem.” ‘Cancellation of trips due to credit crunch’
Panaji: Concerned for the safety of Russians, the Russian consulate in Mumbai has asked its citizens to reconsider their visit to Goa.
The Russian consulate’s advocate in Goa, Vikram Varma said, “The conduct of some taxi drivers during the strike has cast doubts on the safety of Russian tourists. Tourists in all countries are free to choose their mode of transport.” During the taxi strike in November, it was alleged by tourists and tour operators that taxi drivers had behaved in an uncouth manner with foreign tourists and blocked vehicles and roads.
Tour operators had lodged complaints with the police and a few taxi drivers had been held. It was alleged that coaches and vehicles had been stopped by taxi drivers at various places and most of the tourists affected were Russians. President of the Federation of Associations of Tourist Taxi Owners and Drivers (FATTOD) Jeorge Fernandes says their grievance against Russian tourists is that they come on a tourist visa but engage in business, working as tourist guides in coaches.
Russians who do not understand English, prefer travelling in such coaches rather than taxis. However, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) vice-president Ernest Dias said, “The taxi drivers strike did cause inconvenience to our foreign clients and this has affected us. But the reason for cancellation of trips to Goa is due to the credit crunch, followed by the Mumbai blasts.
December 13, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Russia asks its citizens
to reconsider Goa trip
Naik
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: Concerned about the safety of their citizens holidaying in Goa, the Russian consulate has advised them to “reconsider their trips” to the state.
Sources in the government revealed that in a letter to chief minister Digambar Kamat, the Russian consul general in Mumbai, Alexander Mantytsky, said, “Unfortunately, the times seem to have changed. Concerned over the security in Goa that may endanger the safety and health of Russian tourists and the failure of the Goan police to keep the situation under control, the consulate general has advised them to reconsider their trips to this state.”
Though the letter sent on December 1 came after the Mumbai terror attack, government sources said the letter was also prompted by the taxi strike in Goa which inconvenienced many Russian tourists.
“The Russian consulate was concerned as it received complaints about taxi drivers making anti-Russian slogans, not letting Russian tourists go out of their hotels and stopping coaches,” said sources.
Confirming the receipt of the letter, chief secretary J P Singh said, “The Russian consulate has requested us to act as Russian tourists in Goa had complained to the consulate of harassment by taxi drivers. We have assured them all possible help. The CM had a meeting with tour operators and taxi drivers to arrive at a consensus. Now the tourism director is having further meetings to sort out the problem.” ‘Cancellation of trips due to credit crunch’
Panaji: Concerned for the safety of Russians, the Russian consulate in Mumbai has asked its citizens to reconsider their visit to Goa.
The Russian consulate’s advocate in Goa, Vikram Varma said, “The conduct of some taxi drivers during the strike has cast doubts on the safety of Russian tourists. Tourists in all countries are free to choose their mode of transport.” During the taxi strike in November, it was alleged by tourists and tour operators that taxi drivers had behaved in an uncouth manner with foreign tourists and blocked vehicles and roads.
Tour operators had lodged complaints with the police and a few taxi drivers had been held. It was alleged that coaches and vehicles had been stopped by taxi drivers at various places and most of the tourists affected were Russians. President of the Federation of Associations of Tourist Taxi Owners and Drivers (FATTOD) Jeorge Fernandes says their grievance against Russian tourists is that they come on a tourist visa but engage in business, working as tourist guides in coaches.
Russians who do not understand English, prefer travelling in such coaches rather than taxis. However, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) vice-president Ernest Dias said, “The taxi drivers strike did cause inconvenience to our foreign clients and this has affected us. But the reason for cancellation of trips to Goa is due to the credit crunch, followed by the Mumbai blasts.
December 13, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Goa//No need for CBI probe in German girl case: Cops
No need for CBI probe in German girl case: Cops
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: In an affidavit filed in the high court of Bombay at Goa, the Goa police submitted that “there has been no laxity in the investigation” and that it was “on account of non-cooperation of the complainant and the victim girl” that investigations were hampered in the alleged rape case of a minor German girl.
The police said that there was no case for handing over investigation to the CBI as it had been carried out in a proper manner and in accordance with the law.
SP (North) Bosco George in the affidavit submitted that “the response to the show cause notice is without prejudice to the submission that this court, in exercise of powers under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, cannot direct handing over investigation to the CBI unless the state has granted its consent”. No laxity in German girl probe: Cops
Panaji: The Goa police told the high court of Bombay in Goa that there has been no laxity on their part in investigations into the alleged rape of a minor German girl.
Chief Justice Swatanter Kumar had taken suo motu cognizance of the case in which a German woman had alleged that her minor daughter had been raped by Education minister Atanasio Monserrate’s son Rohit and sexually exploited by PWD minister Churchill Alemao’s nephew Warren. The division bench in its order on November 21 had asked the state to reply as to why investigations shouldn’t be transferred to the CBI.
The police categorically stated that within 24 hours of the medical report and statement of the minor being recorded and received by the police, Rohit had been taken into custody.
The affidavit states that investigations were, “in accordance with law and without any fear or favour”. It also says though steps were taken to take Rohit into custody, he could not be apprehended. “Subsequently the victim refused to cooperate with the investigating agency and was not even prepared to make a statement or subject herself to a medical examination. The very factum of the incident of rape therefore could not be ascertained and under these circumstances, no further steps were taken to arrest Rohit,” the SP submitted in his affidavit.
“In the complaint there was no direct allegation of rape, but it was stated that Rohit had ‘apparently’ raped her. Further, in the report of the NGO, it is recorded from conversation with the victim that the victim had not informed her mother of any such incident of rape,” the affidavit also states.
It was further submitted that in view of the statement of the victim and medical report which disclosed that there was an old healed hymenal tear, Rohit had been taken into custody. “As soon as the commission of the crime was ascertained the police have taken Rohit into custody for further investigation.”
Further, the police also submitted that they have recorded a further statement from the girl in the presence of two representatives of an NGO, in which she was unable to provided details of the alleged rape. “She has further stated that she has not received any threat, either verbal or written, from any person. She also stated that she has no complaint against anybody and that she has repeatedly been stating the same,” it was submitted.
As regards the complaint against Warren, the police submitted that there was no “material available to proceed against Warren Alemao and on the contrary the victim had categorically stated that she does not know any person by the name of Warren Alemao.”
The police in its affidavit also gave a clean chit to the Education minister and said that there was no material to proceed against him as an abettor to the crime.
When the matter came up for hearing before the division bench of Justice A P Deshpande and Justice N A Britto on Wednesday, advocate general Subodh Kantak informed the court that he had filed an application seeking to correct two paragraphs in the order passed on November 21, in which statements were attributed to the state, stating that Rohit was absconding till November 4. Kantak submitted that Rohit had deposed before the police on November 1 prior to recording the girl’s statement by Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Mapusa.
Senior counsel Atmaram Nadkarni appearing for Rohit was granted a week’s time to file an affidavit as to why Rohit’s bail shouldn’t be cancelled.
December 11, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: In an affidavit filed in the high court of Bombay at Goa, the Goa police submitted that “there has been no laxity in the investigation” and that it was “on account of non-cooperation of the complainant and the victim girl” that investigations were hampered in the alleged rape case of a minor German girl.
The police said that there was no case for handing over investigation to the CBI as it had been carried out in a proper manner and in accordance with the law.
SP (North) Bosco George in the affidavit submitted that “the response to the show cause notice is without prejudice to the submission that this court, in exercise of powers under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, cannot direct handing over investigation to the CBI unless the state has granted its consent”. No laxity in German girl probe: Cops
Panaji: The Goa police told the high court of Bombay in Goa that there has been no laxity on their part in investigations into the alleged rape of a minor German girl.
Chief Justice Swatanter Kumar had taken suo motu cognizance of the case in which a German woman had alleged that her minor daughter had been raped by Education minister Atanasio Monserrate’s son Rohit and sexually exploited by PWD minister Churchill Alemao’s nephew Warren. The division bench in its order on November 21 had asked the state to reply as to why investigations shouldn’t be transferred to the CBI.
The police categorically stated that within 24 hours of the medical report and statement of the minor being recorded and received by the police, Rohit had been taken into custody.
The affidavit states that investigations were, “in accordance with law and without any fear or favour”. It also says though steps were taken to take Rohit into custody, he could not be apprehended. “Subsequently the victim refused to cooperate with the investigating agency and was not even prepared to make a statement or subject herself to a medical examination. The very factum of the incident of rape therefore could not be ascertained and under these circumstances, no further steps were taken to arrest Rohit,” the SP submitted in his affidavit.
“In the complaint there was no direct allegation of rape, but it was stated that Rohit had ‘apparently’ raped her. Further, in the report of the NGO, it is recorded from conversation with the victim that the victim had not informed her mother of any such incident of rape,” the affidavit also states.
It was further submitted that in view of the statement of the victim and medical report which disclosed that there was an old healed hymenal tear, Rohit had been taken into custody. “As soon as the commission of the crime was ascertained the police have taken Rohit into custody for further investigation.”
Further, the police also submitted that they have recorded a further statement from the girl in the presence of two representatives of an NGO, in which she was unable to provided details of the alleged rape. “She has further stated that she has not received any threat, either verbal or written, from any person. She also stated that she has no complaint against anybody and that she has repeatedly been stating the same,” it was submitted.
As regards the complaint against Warren, the police submitted that there was no “material available to proceed against Warren Alemao and on the contrary the victim had categorically stated that she does not know any person by the name of Warren Alemao.”
The police in its affidavit also gave a clean chit to the Education minister and said that there was no material to proceed against him as an abettor to the crime.
When the matter came up for hearing before the division bench of Justice A P Deshpande and Justice N A Britto on Wednesday, advocate general Subodh Kantak informed the court that he had filed an application seeking to correct two paragraphs in the order passed on November 21, in which statements were attributed to the state, stating that Rohit was absconding till November 4. Kantak submitted that Rohit had deposed before the police on November 1 prior to recording the girl’s statement by Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Mapusa.
Senior counsel Atmaram Nadkarni appearing for Rohit was granted a week’s time to file an affidavit as to why Rohit’s bail shouldn’t be cancelled.
December 11, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Bunkers planned on Goa beaches
Bunkers planned on Goa beaches
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Armed police personnel at key beaches and bunkers from which to keep a watch on suspicious movement from the sea are part of the security measures the Goa police are putting in place.
“Bunkers of over five feet height will be constructed at strategically important beaches and armed policemen will be deployed with wireless and binoculars,” said a senior police official.
From the bunkers police will be able to track movement from the sea and reduce the possibility of terrorists infiltrating through this route. Goa has a 105-km-long coastline, with a major sea port and famous beaches.
“As we have a long coastline, we need to be careful and after the recent terror attacks, we need to tighten security on the beaches,” sources said. The bunkers are planned at Utorda, Majorda, Colva, Benaulim, Varca, Cavelossim and Mobor in South Goa, and Anjuna, Calangute and Dona Paula in north Goa. The North and South district SPs visited the beaches on Tuesday and selected the sites for the bunkers. Besides, the wireless and automatic weapons, once bullet proof jackets and protective head gear have been procured, the cops on duty there would be armoured with the same. At the moment there are about 30 outdated bullet proof jackets and no protective head gear with the police, sources added.
Cops can’t be everywhere, says Kamat
Margao: Chief minister Digambar Kamat, who toured South Goa coastal areas on Tuesday, said he was quite comfortable and satisfied with the security arrangements made. He also discussed security measures with hotels in the area, involving them in making security arrangements. “You cannot expect the police to be deployed everywhere,” the CM said.
Kamat, however, said that the proposed CCTVs on beaches was not feasible, but maintained that the security system in place was quite good. He also allayed fears of possible attacks from al-Qaeda and said precautions were being taken after the Mumbai attack as the government was not leaving anything to chance. TNN P 2 Fishermen alerted along coastal belt
Panaji: Goa police will be putting up bunkers of over five feet height at key beaches in the state to keep a close watch on any suspicious movement.
With hardly any reserve force available in the state, the police plans to post at least two armed policemen at the bunkers. Besides, there would be regular patrolling on the beaches and the Quick Response Teams (QRT) have been deployed to sensitive beaches. The government has brought in the navy, coast guard and coastal police to man the sea coast. While the navy is keeping vigil in the deep seas, the coast guard is checking on activities closer to shore and the coastal police is patrolling waters within five kms of land, with the help of boats borrowed from the customs and fisheries departments.
The police is also meeting fishermen and trawler owners to apprise them of the terror scenario in the country and asking them to be alert along the coast. The police have also asked water sports operators to stop activities by sunset.
December 10, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Armed police personnel at key beaches and bunkers from which to keep a watch on suspicious movement from the sea are part of the security measures the Goa police are putting in place.
“Bunkers of over five feet height will be constructed at strategically important beaches and armed policemen will be deployed with wireless and binoculars,” said a senior police official.
From the bunkers police will be able to track movement from the sea and reduce the possibility of terrorists infiltrating through this route. Goa has a 105-km-long coastline, with a major sea port and famous beaches.
“As we have a long coastline, we need to be careful and after the recent terror attacks, we need to tighten security on the beaches,” sources said. The bunkers are planned at Utorda, Majorda, Colva, Benaulim, Varca, Cavelossim and Mobor in South Goa, and Anjuna, Calangute and Dona Paula in north Goa. The North and South district SPs visited the beaches on Tuesday and selected the sites for the bunkers. Besides, the wireless and automatic weapons, once bullet proof jackets and protective head gear have been procured, the cops on duty there would be armoured with the same. At the moment there are about 30 outdated bullet proof jackets and no protective head gear with the police, sources added.
Cops can’t be everywhere, says Kamat
Margao: Chief minister Digambar Kamat, who toured South Goa coastal areas on Tuesday, said he was quite comfortable and satisfied with the security arrangements made. He also discussed security measures with hotels in the area, involving them in making security arrangements. “You cannot expect the police to be deployed everywhere,” the CM said.
Kamat, however, said that the proposed CCTVs on beaches was not feasible, but maintained that the security system in place was quite good. He also allayed fears of possible attacks from al-Qaeda and said precautions were being taken after the Mumbai attack as the government was not leaving anything to chance. TNN P 2 Fishermen alerted along coastal belt
Panaji: Goa police will be putting up bunkers of over five feet height at key beaches in the state to keep a close watch on any suspicious movement.
With hardly any reserve force available in the state, the police plans to post at least two armed policemen at the bunkers. Besides, there would be regular patrolling on the beaches and the Quick Response Teams (QRT) have been deployed to sensitive beaches. The government has brought in the navy, coast guard and coastal police to man the sea coast. While the navy is keeping vigil in the deep seas, the coast guard is checking on activities closer to shore and the coastal police is patrolling waters within five kms of land, with the help of boats borrowed from the customs and fisheries departments.
The police is also meeting fishermen and trawler owners to apprise them of the terror scenario in the country and asking them to be alert along the coast. The police have also asked water sports operators to stop activities by sunset.
December 10, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Goa-Stop watersport activities by sunset: Police to operators
Stop watersport activities by sunset: Police to operators
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Goa police, in a determined bid to curb the movement of jetskis and speedboats after sunset have issued notices to water sports operators to stop activities by sunset to prevent the infiltration of terrorists through the sea. Notices have been issued under section 149 of the CrPC to prevent cognizable offences.
Besides, a proposal will also be sent to the captain of ports and director of tourism to stop operations of water sports activities during late evening hours in the sea, “which makes it difficult for the police to identify” the user, highly placed police sources said. Water sports activities are a common feature in the popular coastal belt of North Goa. Sometime back, a proposal was sent to captain of ports and director of tourism to allot “a small portion of land to install a surveillance tower” in the Baga, Calangute stretch, where a majority of water sports operators are located on account of the area being popular with both, foreign and Indian tourists.
The police wrote, “Considering the recent terror attacks at Mumbai, its essential to maintain surveillance on the sea front”. The spot for the surveillance tower was identified at Baga beach.
The Goa police, which has intensified patrolling and strengthened security in the state following the terror attacks in Mumbai, during a meeting with the fishermen and trawler owners to appraise them of the present terror scenario in the country, wherein terrorists had infiltrated through the sea route, have realized that it won’t be easy maintaining security along the coastaline on account of the manner in which the water sports operators have been functioning.
“During the meetings held, it was equivocally stated that jetskis and speedboats have been operating during late evening hours in the sea,
which makes it difficult to identify any unknown vessel or boat moving in the sea due to presence of water sports activities,” said police sources.
The police were interacting with fishermen and trawler owners to request their co-operation in the maintenance of security along the coastal line.
Owners of offshore casinos anchored in the river Mandovi have also tightened security in and around their vessels in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks, even as the coastal police is patrolling the river water 24 X7. Nimai Biswas, proprietor of Scansea marine, which ensures that security is maintained as per the international security code, said, “We have trained security officers and a security system is in place to sense a terror strike. We have taken all precautions to keep our guests safe”.
Sources added that the casino owners have heightened security at the entrance of the casinos and even inside the vessels.
“We have installed metal detectors and everyone who enters the casino is frisked. No one is allowed to carry bags on board. Moreover, security guards are keeping a close watch on movements in and outside the casinos,” said an operator.
December 9, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Goa police, in a determined bid to curb the movement of jetskis and speedboats after sunset have issued notices to water sports operators to stop activities by sunset to prevent the infiltration of terrorists through the sea. Notices have been issued under section 149 of the CrPC to prevent cognizable offences.
Besides, a proposal will also be sent to the captain of ports and director of tourism to stop operations of water sports activities during late evening hours in the sea, “which makes it difficult for the police to identify” the user, highly placed police sources said. Water sports activities are a common feature in the popular coastal belt of North Goa. Sometime back, a proposal was sent to captain of ports and director of tourism to allot “a small portion of land to install a surveillance tower” in the Baga, Calangute stretch, where a majority of water sports operators are located on account of the area being popular with both, foreign and Indian tourists.
The police wrote, “Considering the recent terror attacks at Mumbai, its essential to maintain surveillance on the sea front”. The spot for the surveillance tower was identified at Baga beach.
The Goa police, which has intensified patrolling and strengthened security in the state following the terror attacks in Mumbai, during a meeting with the fishermen and trawler owners to appraise them of the present terror scenario in the country, wherein terrorists had infiltrated through the sea route, have realized that it won’t be easy maintaining security along the coastaline on account of the manner in which the water sports operators have been functioning.
“During the meetings held, it was equivocally stated that jetskis and speedboats have been operating during late evening hours in the sea,
which makes it difficult to identify any unknown vessel or boat moving in the sea due to presence of water sports activities,” said police sources.
The police were interacting with fishermen and trawler owners to request their co-operation in the maintenance of security along the coastal line.
Owners of offshore casinos anchored in the river Mandovi have also tightened security in and around their vessels in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks, even as the coastal police is patrolling the river water 24 X7. Nimai Biswas, proprietor of Scansea marine, which ensures that security is maintained as per the international security code, said, “We have trained security officers and a security system is in place to sense a terror strike. We have taken all precautions to keep our guests safe”.
Sources added that the casino owners have heightened security at the entrance of the casinos and even inside the vessels.
“We have installed metal detectors and everyone who enters the casino is frisked. No one is allowed to carry bags on board. Moreover, security guards are keeping a close watch on movements in and outside the casinos,” said an operator.
December 9, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Al-Qaeda to target installations in Goa
Goa on SIMI, Qaida hitlists
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Al Qaida and SIMI terrorists have been planning to target American, British and Israeli tourists in Goa, intelligence and police sources say.
While arrested SIMI leader Safdar Nagori—who is alleged to be behind the Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Delhi blasts—revealed during narco-analysis their plan to strike Goa, a Qaida module busted in the US provided provided information about the tourist hotspot being in terror crosshairs.
Sources added both these reports have been submitted to the Goa police. When contacted, DGP B S Brar said, “As of today, Goa is not a target. However, interrogation reports of various terrorists arrested by the police have revealed that they had Goa as a target and we are not taking any chances. All these groups were based outside Goa.”
During narco-analysis, Nagori said, “Nasir (a SIMI activist arrested by the Karnataka police in January 2008) had spoken to Adnan (arrested by the Karnataka police from Indore in March) and others about his target and he had targeted the Americans, Britishers and Israelis as his present target at Goa…”
Nagori was arrested by the Madhya Pradesh police from Indore and the narcoanalysis was done at Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Bangalore, in April this year. Three others were also subjected to the test. The report was submitted in June.
Nagori revealed that they had organized a training camp at Karnataka’s Castle Rock—80 km from Goa’s capital Panaji—to ready for the operation. “Nasir had attended the Castle Rock training camp and had also visited Hubli,” he said. ‘No immediate threat to state’
Panaji: Intelligence sources revealed that the al Qaida had plans to attack Goa in 2007 itself. A laptop recovered from an al Qaida module busted in the US contained information about a proposed strike around “Baja (Baga) beach”, sources said. This information was passed on to Indian authorities by US agencies.
Although there is no immediate threat it does not reduce the vulnerability, top police officials said. In fact, IGP Kishan Kumar has been continuously saying that Goa needs to comes out of the “nothing will ever happen here” mindset.
The police have already beefed up its intelligence gathering and are insisting on CCTVs and proper lighting at popular beaches. The police have also instructed all night clubs to down shutters by 12 midnight. Two companies of Central industrial security force have been stationed at tourist spots and two more will arrive during the IFFI in November.
October 12, 2008,The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Al Qaida and SIMI terrorists have been planning to target American, British and Israeli tourists in Goa, intelligence and police sources say.
While arrested SIMI leader Safdar Nagori—who is alleged to be behind the Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Delhi blasts—revealed during narco-analysis their plan to strike Goa, a Qaida module busted in the US provided provided information about the tourist hotspot being in terror crosshairs.
Sources added both these reports have been submitted to the Goa police. When contacted, DGP B S Brar said, “As of today, Goa is not a target. However, interrogation reports of various terrorists arrested by the police have revealed that they had Goa as a target and we are not taking any chances. All these groups were based outside Goa.”
During narco-analysis, Nagori said, “Nasir (a SIMI activist arrested by the Karnataka police in January 2008) had spoken to Adnan (arrested by the Karnataka police from Indore in March) and others about his target and he had targeted the Americans, Britishers and Israelis as his present target at Goa…”
Nagori was arrested by the Madhya Pradesh police from Indore and the narcoanalysis was done at Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Bangalore, in April this year. Three others were also subjected to the test. The report was submitted in June.
Nagori revealed that they had organized a training camp at Karnataka’s Castle Rock—80 km from Goa’s capital Panaji—to ready for the operation. “Nasir had attended the Castle Rock training camp and had also visited Hubli,” he said. ‘No immediate threat to state’
Panaji: Intelligence sources revealed that the al Qaida had plans to attack Goa in 2007 itself. A laptop recovered from an al Qaida module busted in the US contained information about a proposed strike around “Baja (Baga) beach”, sources said. This information was passed on to Indian authorities by US agencies.
Although there is no immediate threat it does not reduce the vulnerability, top police officials said. In fact, IGP Kishan Kumar has been continuously saying that Goa needs to comes out of the “nothing will ever happen here” mindset.
The police have already beefed up its intelligence gathering and are insisting on CCTVs and proper lighting at popular beaches. The police have also instructed all night clubs to down shutters by 12 midnight. Two companies of Central industrial security force have been stationed at tourist spots and two more will arrive during the IFFI in November.
October 12, 2008,The Times of India, Goa edition
Friday, December 05, 2008
In Goa-Foreign students under scanner
Foreign students under scanner
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Goa police have decided to conduct a fresh survey of foreigners studying in the state to verify their antecedents and have sought the state government’s permission to be allowed to conduct surprise raids on institutions where foreign students are enrolled.
The police—who are alarmed by the increasing number of natives from West Asia studying in private institutes in the state—said investigations have revealed that foreigners with student visas to study in institutes in other states have enrolled in private institutes in Goa and do not attend classes regularly. In one case, it was found that at times students disappear for months together from the state on sick leave. The police said licences of the institutes should be cancelled in case of any violations and the students bunking classes should be deported.
The police proposal to the state government also said a weekly attendance sheet of the students should be sent to the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO). The proposal comes on the heels of the alleged revelations by Amir Kasab Azam, arrested during the Mumbai terror attack, that he and eight others had made a reconnaissance trip to Mumbai, posing as Malaysian students.
The police suggested bringing such private institutions under the control of the education department and the forwarding of details of all foreign students to the collector and the FRO. “From the security point of view it is important to have a check on people who arrive on the pretext of studying. It is a grey area and if immediate steps are not taken, it may prove detrimental to national security,” said SP (North) Bosco George. 11 institutes not affiliated to any varsity
Panaji: The Goa police in a proposal to the state government has suggested bringing private education institutions in the state under the control of the education department.
The Goa police are also conducting a survey to verify the credentials of foreigners studying in the state.
Police investigations have revealed 11 institutes not recognized or affiliated to any university. Six of them function from Panaji. The institutes mainly cater to foreign students, with about 150 students from West Asia attending courses in English, business administration, computer science and office management. Yemenese nationals top the list, followed by students from Sudan, Afghanistan and Nigeria.
Most of the institutes have trade licenses from the respective municipal council or corporation.
SP (Intelligence) A V Deshpande said, “After conducting a survey of private institutions enrolling foreign students, we learnt that foreign students were using loopholes in the system to be in Goa. Things need to be in place to ensure that subversive elements dont enter the state posing as students.”
December 4, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Goa police have decided to conduct a fresh survey of foreigners studying in the state to verify their antecedents and have sought the state government’s permission to be allowed to conduct surprise raids on institutions where foreign students are enrolled.
The police—who are alarmed by the increasing number of natives from West Asia studying in private institutes in the state—said investigations have revealed that foreigners with student visas to study in institutes in other states have enrolled in private institutes in Goa and do not attend classes regularly. In one case, it was found that at times students disappear for months together from the state on sick leave. The police said licences of the institutes should be cancelled in case of any violations and the students bunking classes should be deported.
The police proposal to the state government also said a weekly attendance sheet of the students should be sent to the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO). The proposal comes on the heels of the alleged revelations by Amir Kasab Azam, arrested during the Mumbai terror attack, that he and eight others had made a reconnaissance trip to Mumbai, posing as Malaysian students.
The police suggested bringing such private institutions under the control of the education department and the forwarding of details of all foreign students to the collector and the FRO. “From the security point of view it is important to have a check on people who arrive on the pretext of studying. It is a grey area and if immediate steps are not taken, it may prove detrimental to national security,” said SP (North) Bosco George. 11 institutes not affiliated to any varsity
Panaji: The Goa police in a proposal to the state government has suggested bringing private education institutions in the state under the control of the education department.
The Goa police are also conducting a survey to verify the credentials of foreigners studying in the state.
Police investigations have revealed 11 institutes not recognized or affiliated to any university. Six of them function from Panaji. The institutes mainly cater to foreign students, with about 150 students from West Asia attending courses in English, business administration, computer science and office management. Yemenese nationals top the list, followed by students from Sudan, Afghanistan and Nigeria.
Most of the institutes have trade licenses from the respective municipal council or corporation.
SP (Intelligence) A V Deshpande said, “After conducting a survey of private institutions enrolling foreign students, we learnt that foreign students were using loopholes in the system to be in Goa. Things need to be in place to ensure that subversive elements dont enter the state posing as students.”
December 4, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
8,500 fishermen in Goa but only 474 ID cards
8,500 fishermen in Goa but only 474 ID cards
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: In yet another example of the government’s lackadaisical attitude towards maritime security, the Goa government has issued identity cards to only 474 of the approximately 8,500 fishermen operating in the state. The drive to issue ID cards had started in April 2007.
Acting director of fisheries Nandkishore Verlekar said, “Information is being collected by the coastal police but it’s a difficult task as about 95% of the labour is from outside the state. Though information is collected and sent to the police station of their origin for verification, there is hardly any response. Due to this there has been a delay in issuing ID cards.” However, in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks, the government has decided to act swiftly to secure the coasts.
Over 80 persons held in South Goa
In an intensive drive against job seekers from outside the state, the South Goa police rounded up nine Lamanis along the coastal belt and some 80 persons from different parts of Cuncolim on Wednesday. Police also undertook verification of around 150 Kashmiris engaged in trading activities. In another operation in Calangute on Tuesday night, police arrested 55 persons from the Aradiband slums. Police said that those arrested had no documents and were moving around the area in a suspicious manner. TNN P 3 Govt mulls colour code for trawlers, IDs for crew
Panaji: The Goa government is contemplating a colour code for trawlers besides bar coded identification cards for fishermen to ensure that unwanted elements don’t penetrate into the state via the sea.
“ID cards would make it easier to verify the antecedents of fishermen operating in Goa and a colour code for trawlers would help check on their movement,” said SP (North) Bosco George. There are about 815 trawlers operating in the state, with some 1,657 trawlers registered with the fisheries department.
Responsibility for verification remains with the state police, while the procedure for application and issuing of cards is managed by the fisheries department.
The police claim “lack of cooperation, illiteracy and absence of documents to prove proof of residence and incomplete or incorrect addresses” make verification difficult, leading to a consequent delay in issuing ID cards.
“We have been regularly checking those employed by
the trawlers. But trawler owners need to maintain proper records of their employees and cooperate with the police,” said DySP (coastal police) Naresh Mhamal.
“Police have been collecting details of the people employed with us, but so far we have not been issued a single ID card,” said Elvis Gomes, a trawler owner from Betul.
Added Mandovi Fishermen Marketing Cooperative Society chairman Sitakant Parab, “Hardly 25% of the fishermen have identity cards. Verification takes a long time and by that time many would have shifted to a different job or left the state. It is really difficult to issue identity cards as a majority of the workers are from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Orissa or West Bengal and are here for short periods.”
The cards contain the photograph of the person, identification details, work profile and the association the fisherman is affiliated to. The card was meant to help patrolling agencies keep a check on activities of fishermen and to allow an alert to be raised in case of suspicious activity.
December 4, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: In yet another example of the government’s lackadaisical attitude towards maritime security, the Goa government has issued identity cards to only 474 of the approximately 8,500 fishermen operating in the state. The drive to issue ID cards had started in April 2007.
Acting director of fisheries Nandkishore Verlekar said, “Information is being collected by the coastal police but it’s a difficult task as about 95% of the labour is from outside the state. Though information is collected and sent to the police station of their origin for verification, there is hardly any response. Due to this there has been a delay in issuing ID cards.” However, in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks, the government has decided to act swiftly to secure the coasts.
Over 80 persons held in South Goa
In an intensive drive against job seekers from outside the state, the South Goa police rounded up nine Lamanis along the coastal belt and some 80 persons from different parts of Cuncolim on Wednesday. Police also undertook verification of around 150 Kashmiris engaged in trading activities. In another operation in Calangute on Tuesday night, police arrested 55 persons from the Aradiband slums. Police said that those arrested had no documents and were moving around the area in a suspicious manner. TNN P 3 Govt mulls colour code for trawlers, IDs for crew
Panaji: The Goa government is contemplating a colour code for trawlers besides bar coded identification cards for fishermen to ensure that unwanted elements don’t penetrate into the state via the sea.
“ID cards would make it easier to verify the antecedents of fishermen operating in Goa and a colour code for trawlers would help check on their movement,” said SP (North) Bosco George. There are about 815 trawlers operating in the state, with some 1,657 trawlers registered with the fisheries department.
Responsibility for verification remains with the state police, while the procedure for application and issuing of cards is managed by the fisheries department.
The police claim “lack of cooperation, illiteracy and absence of documents to prove proof of residence and incomplete or incorrect addresses” make verification difficult, leading to a consequent delay in issuing ID cards.
“We have been regularly checking those employed by
the trawlers. But trawler owners need to maintain proper records of their employees and cooperate with the police,” said DySP (coastal police) Naresh Mhamal.
“Police have been collecting details of the people employed with us, but so far we have not been issued a single ID card,” said Elvis Gomes, a trawler owner from Betul.
Added Mandovi Fishermen Marketing Cooperative Society chairman Sitakant Parab, “Hardly 25% of the fishermen have identity cards. Verification takes a long time and by that time many would have shifted to a different job or left the state. It is really difficult to issue identity cards as a majority of the workers are from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Orissa or West Bengal and are here for short periods.”
The cards contain the photograph of the person, identification details, work profile and the association the fisherman is affiliated to. The card was meant to help patrolling agencies keep a check on activities of fishermen and to allow an alert to be raised in case of suspicious activity.
December 4, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
In Goa 38% of HIV hit are women
38% of HIV hit are women
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: A woman, cheated into a marriage with an HIV positive man, filed for divorce as soon as she learned about his HIV status as she didn’t wish to live the rest of her life with the man who kept her in the dark about the same. Women’s liberation has touched a new high in Goa, with few women daring to put the lid on the unhappy marriages.
The latest trend, noticed over the past one year, has seen more than four women apply for either divorce or separation as their partners had hidden their HIV status at the time of marriage. “We have registered number of cases of women who are married to HIV positive men, who either didn’t know their HIV status or didn’t disclose it before marriage. In 4 cases, the women after they knew of their spouse’s HIV status, wanted either divorce or separation. One of them was tested HIV positive,” said Goa State AIDS Control Society chairperson Dr Pramod Salgaocar.
Dr Salgaocar added, “Most of the women are from Goan middle class families, who are in their early twenties. Once they know of their spouse’s HIV status, they feel cheated and betrayed. While some ask for separation, few opt for divorce. But many continue to live with the spouse and try to adjust with what fate has to offer.”
The surveillance data prepared by Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) shows that of the estimated 12000 HIV positive individuals in the state, 38% are women and more than 85% are in the 15 to 29 age group. Besides, the proportion of HIV positive women has alarmingly increased from 12% in 1998 to 38% in 2008. Infact, 1 of every 3 HIV positive case detected in Goa is a woman.
“We have come across cases in which men have hidden their HIV status from their spouses at the time of marriage. Once the wife comes to know of the husband’s HIV status, hell breaks lose. If they are economically independent, then the women either walks out of the marriage or asks for separation.
Even if a woman tries to adjust, it is not easy as the blame game starts,” said Positive Lives Foundation president Jaffar Inamdar.
Sophia from Rishta said, “In majority of cases we have seen that by the time a woman learns about her husband’s HIV status, its too late as by then the woman is also tested HIV positive. So majority of women are left with no option but to support each other, till death parts them.”
“The only option that can help the couples is to make counselling mandatory and testing voluntary before marriage” added Dr Salgaocar.
December 2, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: A woman, cheated into a marriage with an HIV positive man, filed for divorce as soon as she learned about his HIV status as she didn’t wish to live the rest of her life with the man who kept her in the dark about the same. Women’s liberation has touched a new high in Goa, with few women daring to put the lid on the unhappy marriages.
The latest trend, noticed over the past one year, has seen more than four women apply for either divorce or separation as their partners had hidden their HIV status at the time of marriage. “We have registered number of cases of women who are married to HIV positive men, who either didn’t know their HIV status or didn’t disclose it before marriage. In 4 cases, the women after they knew of their spouse’s HIV status, wanted either divorce or separation. One of them was tested HIV positive,” said Goa State AIDS Control Society chairperson Dr Pramod Salgaocar.
Dr Salgaocar added, “Most of the women are from Goan middle class families, who are in their early twenties. Once they know of their spouse’s HIV status, they feel cheated and betrayed. While some ask for separation, few opt for divorce. But many continue to live with the spouse and try to adjust with what fate has to offer.”
The surveillance data prepared by Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) shows that of the estimated 12000 HIV positive individuals in the state, 38% are women and more than 85% are in the 15 to 29 age group. Besides, the proportion of HIV positive women has alarmingly increased from 12% in 1998 to 38% in 2008. Infact, 1 of every 3 HIV positive case detected in Goa is a woman.
“We have come across cases in which men have hidden their HIV status from their spouses at the time of marriage. Once the wife comes to know of the husband’s HIV status, hell breaks lose. If they are economically independent, then the women either walks out of the marriage or asks for separation.
Even if a woman tries to adjust, it is not easy as the blame game starts,” said Positive Lives Foundation president Jaffar Inamdar.
Sophia from Rishta said, “In majority of cases we have seen that by the time a woman learns about her husband’s HIV status, its too late as by then the woman is also tested HIV positive. So majority of women are left with no option but to support each other, till death parts them.”
“The only option that can help the couples is to make counselling mandatory and testing voluntary before marriage” added Dr Salgaocar.
December 2, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Goa-Grim tourism season on further decline
Grim tourism season on further decline
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Hardly two months into the tourism season and reports reveal that cancellation of charter flights has touched 20% and the number of charter tourists visiting Goa is down 40%.
The September estimates had foreseen the arrival of about 40 charter flights a week to Goa for the current season, but revised estimates have reduced this to 32 flights a week.
“About 20% of the 656 charter flights estimated to arrive in Goa have been cancelled. The trend shows a definite decline in tourist arrivals as most flights are landing with 20 to 30% of their seats empty even in the last week of November. This has led to about 18% cancellation of flights and if the trend continues, we might see about 50% of the flights called off by February 2009,” said Subhash Phegade, station manager of Aircon Air Spares and Services.
Landing slots had been allotted to 656 charters at the Dabolim airport for the current season, down from the 747 flights that arrived last season. The estimated number of tourists on these flights is also down from 2,30,000 last season to about 1,65,000. The slide has taken place despite discounts by operators and hoteliers. Condor station manager Bush Miranda said, “Economic slowdown has hit us badly. Prices in the beginning of the season were high. Now, though reduced there are no takers as people are more concerned about their jobs. However, we hope that the 40% of repeat foreign tourists will return this season and we will have a steady flow of at least 40% foreign tourists.”
However, Ralph de Souza, president of Travel and Tourism Association of Goa says, “The number of charter tourists coming directly to Goa has reduced as many tourists are arriving via Mumbai. Certain tour operators like TuiNodic from Finland has cancelled its operations to Goa, but Scandinavian tourists are coming via charters to Mumbai and then onto Goa.”
Industry sources admit that a majority of foreign tourists arriving are those who have booked non-refundable charter tickets. “If they cancel the tickets, they tend to lose money, so they come and prefer to stay and eat in their hotel, rather travel or spend. Due to this, auxiliary sectors like taxi operators, shack and restaurant owners are badly hit,” a source said.
Accepting the downward trend, the industry has started an intensive promotion campaign in UK and Moscow. “Along with routine packages, we are offering an extra supplement of tours to the hinterland, heritage sits, spice plantations, rivers or ghat areas and even promoting trekking in the ghat areas. The idea to expose the 40% repeat clientele to more attractions in Goa, rather than just the beaches and parties,” said de Souza.
Details available with tour operators reveal that charter operators from England have reduced Goa operations this season. While 412 charters arrived from England in 2007-2008, this year the number has dropped to 290. Similarly charter operators from Sweden reduced flights from 68 last season to 52, and those from Finland have brought down operations to 22, half the number of flights operated last year.
There will be no flights from Italy this season, though those from Belgium and Germany would remain steady at 25 and 50. There is, however, a rise in flights from Russia, from 208 last season to about 337. But Vim Airlines, hoping to operate 100 charters from Russia brought in just one and cancelled the other 99.
Tourists skip Goa, head home
Panaji: The continuing global meltdown coupled with Wednesday night’s terror attack in Mumbai has commenced the first tremors in the Goan economy.
Hours after gun shots shattered the peace of the night in Mumbai, foreign tourists cut short their Indian holiday, giving even Goa a miss and left the country from Mumbai.
“Two of our clients from France were on a north India tour and were to arrive in Goa shortly from Mumbai. They left the country from Mumbai itself, after last night’s terror attacks,” Ernest Dias, vice president, TTAG.
Industry insiders, however, say it is too early to predict the impact of the terror attack on Goa’s tourism economy. And if there’s going to be cancellations, it going to be in the Free-of-Itinery Traveller (FITs), and the Group Independant Traveller (GITs) . “There have been four cancellations of GITs in Delhi. Of these, one group was to come to Goa after a north India tour. As of now, there have been no direct cancellations for Goa, but we’ll have to wait for a few days and see,” says Alu Gomes Pereira of TCI. Industry players say the global meltdown itself has seen a 25% drop in British tourists, and a 10% drop in Scandinavian tourists as of November, although Russian arrivals have not really been affected.
“However, Russians are facing a credit crunch now. And coupled with the terror attack in Mumbai, we might see a 10-15% drop in Russian tourists,” says Dias. TNN
28 November,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Hardly two months into the tourism season and reports reveal that cancellation of charter flights has touched 20% and the number of charter tourists visiting Goa is down 40%.
The September estimates had foreseen the arrival of about 40 charter flights a week to Goa for the current season, but revised estimates have reduced this to 32 flights a week.
“About 20% of the 656 charter flights estimated to arrive in Goa have been cancelled. The trend shows a definite decline in tourist arrivals as most flights are landing with 20 to 30% of their seats empty even in the last week of November. This has led to about 18% cancellation of flights and if the trend continues, we might see about 50% of the flights called off by February 2009,” said Subhash Phegade, station manager of Aircon Air Spares and Services.
Landing slots had been allotted to 656 charters at the Dabolim airport for the current season, down from the 747 flights that arrived last season. The estimated number of tourists on these flights is also down from 2,30,000 last season to about 1,65,000. The slide has taken place despite discounts by operators and hoteliers. Condor station manager Bush Miranda said, “Economic slowdown has hit us badly. Prices in the beginning of the season were high. Now, though reduced there are no takers as people are more concerned about their jobs. However, we hope that the 40% of repeat foreign tourists will return this season and we will have a steady flow of at least 40% foreign tourists.”
However, Ralph de Souza, president of Travel and Tourism Association of Goa says, “The number of charter tourists coming directly to Goa has reduced as many tourists are arriving via Mumbai. Certain tour operators like TuiNodic from Finland has cancelled its operations to Goa, but Scandinavian tourists are coming via charters to Mumbai and then onto Goa.”
Industry sources admit that a majority of foreign tourists arriving are those who have booked non-refundable charter tickets. “If they cancel the tickets, they tend to lose money, so they come and prefer to stay and eat in their hotel, rather travel or spend. Due to this, auxiliary sectors like taxi operators, shack and restaurant owners are badly hit,” a source said.
Accepting the downward trend, the industry has started an intensive promotion campaign in UK and Moscow. “Along with routine packages, we are offering an extra supplement of tours to the hinterland, heritage sits, spice plantations, rivers or ghat areas and even promoting trekking in the ghat areas. The idea to expose the 40% repeat clientele to more attractions in Goa, rather than just the beaches and parties,” said de Souza.
Details available with tour operators reveal that charter operators from England have reduced Goa operations this season. While 412 charters arrived from England in 2007-2008, this year the number has dropped to 290. Similarly charter operators from Sweden reduced flights from 68 last season to 52, and those from Finland have brought down operations to 22, half the number of flights operated last year.
There will be no flights from Italy this season, though those from Belgium and Germany would remain steady at 25 and 50. There is, however, a rise in flights from Russia, from 208 last season to about 337. But Vim Airlines, hoping to operate 100 charters from Russia brought in just one and cancelled the other 99.
Tourists skip Goa, head home
Panaji: The continuing global meltdown coupled with Wednesday night’s terror attack in Mumbai has commenced the first tremors in the Goan economy.
Hours after gun shots shattered the peace of the night in Mumbai, foreign tourists cut short their Indian holiday, giving even Goa a miss and left the country from Mumbai.
“Two of our clients from France were on a north India tour and were to arrive in Goa shortly from Mumbai. They left the country from Mumbai itself, after last night’s terror attacks,” Ernest Dias, vice president, TTAG.
Industry insiders, however, say it is too early to predict the impact of the terror attack on Goa’s tourism economy. And if there’s going to be cancellations, it going to be in the Free-of-Itinery Traveller (FITs), and the Group Independant Traveller (GITs) . “There have been four cancellations of GITs in Delhi. Of these, one group was to come to Goa after a north India tour. As of now, there have been no direct cancellations for Goa, but we’ll have to wait for a few days and see,” says Alu Gomes Pereira of TCI. Industry players say the global meltdown itself has seen a 25% drop in British tourists, and a 10% drop in Scandinavian tourists as of November, although Russian arrivals have not really been affected.
“However, Russians are facing a credit crunch now. And coupled with the terror attack in Mumbai, we might see a 10-15% drop in Russian tourists,” says Dias. TNN
28 November,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
‘Dada’, was chef Rego’s son’s last word
‘Dada’, was chef Rego’s son’s last word
The 23-Yr-Old Junior Chef Was Shot Dead At Taj, Mumbai
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Urbano do Rego, who is popularly known in Goa as chef Rego, heard the desperate dying words of his 23-yearold son early on Thursday morning and then the call ended abruptly.
In the evening, the family learnt that Boris do Rego, a junior sous chef at the Taj, Mumbai had been shot dead by terrorists that morning.
Recollecting that last harrowing call, chef Rego said that about 4.30 am on Thursday he received a call from his son Boris. “My elder son picked up the phone. After talking to Boris he looked tense and suddenly collapsed. I rushed and picked up the mobile suspecting something fishy and I heard my son cry out ‘dada’ and then the phone went dead,” said chef Rego.
“After that we tried calling him several times. But he didn’t pick the phone,” Urbano said. At 3.30 pm, the family received news that their son had been killed by terrorists. The body will arrive in Goa on Friday. Along with Boris, four other chefs were shot dead.
Chef Rego, who is corporate chef (Goan cuisine, all India operations) said his son went through several desperate and anxious moments. “When we made the first call at 9.30 pm on Thursday, he said, ‘Dada don’t worry, everything will be okay.’ But by the time we made the second call, he sounded tense as he said, “I saw a few people firing at the Shamiana restaurant and a waiter was killed’,” the father recalled.
“We couldn’t understand what was happening, but we knew he was not safe. Throughout the night we called him, sometimes he picked up, but sounded tense. At 2 am he told us that the terrorists had taken them to the basement and an hour later he said they had been brought back to the kitchen to prepare sandwiches for the guests,” recollected the father.
Proud of Boris’ culinary skills, Urbano had hoped his son would carry on with his legacy. “I wanted him to continue with my legacy and I knew in my heart that he would be better than me,” the father said. He said that though his son was not keen on going to Mumbai, he forced him to go to Mumbai as he had also started his career in Taj, Mumbai in 1970 as an apprentice. Boris had joined Taj, Mumbai in June this year to fulfil his dad’s dream, “to be the best Goan cuisine chef ”. But the dreams are now just memories for the family. “It is all over,” said chef Urbano.
28 November 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Goan chef gunned down at Taj
Goan chef gunned down at Taj
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Boris Rego, a 23-year-old junior sous chef at the Taj, Mumbai, was among those shot dead by terrorists who attacked the hotel.
“Dada don’t worry, everything will be okay,” he told his family in Divar over the phone at 9.30 pm on Wednesday after terrorists took over the hotel. However, his optimism was short-lived, recalls his father Urbano Do Rego, popularly known in Goa as chef Rego, who also works at the Taj here in Goa.
28 November,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Boris Rego, a 23-year-old junior sous chef at the Taj, Mumbai, was among those shot dead by terrorists who attacked the hotel.
“Dada don’t worry, everything will be okay,” he told his family in Divar over the phone at 9.30 pm on Wednesday after terrorists took over the hotel. However, his optimism was short-lived, recalls his father Urbano Do Rego, popularly known in Goa as chef Rego, who also works at the Taj here in Goa.
28 November,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
‘I wanted case to be closed out of desperation’
‘I wanted case to be closed out of desperation’
What The German Mother Told Police In Her Second Letter
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The letter given to the police on November 9 by the German woman who had alleged her daughter had been raped by a minister’s son seeking that the “complaint be treated as closed” was “done out of desperation and in the interest to protect my daughter from further annoyance”.
This was stated in a subsequent letter (a copy of which is in TOI’s possession) she gave to SP (north) Bosco George on November 11. Her first letter to the PI, Calangute, two days earlier had said, “I don’t wish to proceed with the complaint and the said case should be treated as closed.”
The second letter also claims that “for whichever reason”, her counsel Aires Rodrigues “saw it to be the better way”.
Rodrigues had withdrawn from the case a day after she gave the letter.
The second letter was submitted after a closed-door meeting with George and investigating officer PI Tushar Vernekar. George said, “We did receive a letter from the mother two days after she gave a letter withdrawing her complaint. But we wouldn’t like to divulge any information as investigation is in progress.”
“My daughter after giving her statement to the judge broke down...She was nervous and due to this (she was) not able to confront the matter. She needs a little bit time to recover from all this,” the woman wrote.
Admitting that “it is a good sign” that her daughter is opening up to her, the woman wrote to the police that her daughter is gradually telling her what had happened to her. This was something “she was not doing before. I am trying carefully to convince her now so that she will be ready to give more details to the police about the incident, which I know is important to proceed with the investigations. So please allow me more time until I see that my daughter feels more easy to talk about it before the police”, she added.
On November 11, the German woman submitted another letter to the SP (north)
seeking leave to take her daughter to Germany after she gave her additional statement to the police. “I would appreciate it very much as she needs a follow-up treatment by her doctors in Germany,” the mother wrote.
Meanwhile, the Calangute police has attached the hard disk of the computer used by the minor girl to communicate with the minister’s son, and sent it to Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad, for examination.
27 November,2008,The Times of India, Goa edition
What The German Mother Told Police In Her Second Letter
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The letter given to the police on November 9 by the German woman who had alleged her daughter had been raped by a minister’s son seeking that the “complaint be treated as closed” was “done out of desperation and in the interest to protect my daughter from further annoyance”.
This was stated in a subsequent letter (a copy of which is in TOI’s possession) she gave to SP (north) Bosco George on November 11. Her first letter to the PI, Calangute, two days earlier had said, “I don’t wish to proceed with the complaint and the said case should be treated as closed.”
The second letter also claims that “for whichever reason”, her counsel Aires Rodrigues “saw it to be the better way”.
Rodrigues had withdrawn from the case a day after she gave the letter.
The second letter was submitted after a closed-door meeting with George and investigating officer PI Tushar Vernekar. George said, “We did receive a letter from the mother two days after she gave a letter withdrawing her complaint. But we wouldn’t like to divulge any information as investigation is in progress.”
“My daughter after giving her statement to the judge broke down...She was nervous and due to this (she was) not able to confront the matter. She needs a little bit time to recover from all this,” the woman wrote.
Admitting that “it is a good sign” that her daughter is opening up to her, the woman wrote to the police that her daughter is gradually telling her what had happened to her. This was something “she was not doing before. I am trying carefully to convince her now so that she will be ready to give more details to the police about the incident, which I know is important to proceed with the investigations. So please allow me more time until I see that my daughter feels more easy to talk about it before the police”, she added.
On November 11, the German woman submitted another letter to the SP (north)
seeking leave to take her daughter to Germany after she gave her additional statement to the police. “I would appreciate it very much as she needs a follow-up treatment by her doctors in Germany,” the mother wrote.
Meanwhile, the Calangute police has attached the hard disk of the computer used by the minor girl to communicate with the minister’s son, and sent it to Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad, for examination.
27 November,2008,The Times of India, Goa edition
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