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
Sunday, October 12, 2008
CALANGUTE MURDER;Kelly’s knife found, claim hotel staff
CALANGUTE MURDER
Kelly’s knife found, claim hotel staff
Preetu Nair | TNN
Calangute: The knife which was allegedly carried by Australian national John Kelly to the Club City restaurant in Calangute has been found. However, the Calangute police said that after examining the knife, the fingerprint expert said that there are no fingerprint marks on it. This, the police explained, could be either due to exposure to sunlight and dew.
The restaurant’s bartender, Ervell, said that around 8.45 pm on Saturday while they were shifting flower pots just outside the restaurant they came across the knife.
“I called a staffer who was working on the day of the incident to verify whether it was the same knife which the foreigner was carrying and had allegedly put to waiter Jaikrishna’s throat. One of the witnesses, Matthew Rehman, who works as a cook in the restaurant said that this was the knife being carried by the foreigner,” Ervell told TOI.
“On that day, Kelly had came into the restaurant’s kitchen at around 7.30 am drunk and threatened me with the knife. Then he suddenly apologized and left to sit below a mango tree adjacent to the restaurant where he was drinking.
“He returned later at around 8 am and then got into an altercation with Jaikrishna and threatened him with the knife which forced him to react in self-defence,” Rehman said.
Meanwhile, the police, which had conducted a panchanama at the site soon after the case was registered
as a murder, said that they had fully checked the premises and had not located the knife.
They also said that they were surprised with the sudden appearance of the knife, which has been found just half a metre from the spot Kelly had fallen after he was pushed by the waiter and security guard.
October 12, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Kelly’s knife found, claim hotel staff
Preetu Nair | TNN
Calangute: The knife which was allegedly carried by Australian national John Kelly to the Club City restaurant in Calangute has been found. However, the Calangute police said that after examining the knife, the fingerprint expert said that there are no fingerprint marks on it. This, the police explained, could be either due to exposure to sunlight and dew.
The restaurant’s bartender, Ervell, said that around 8.45 pm on Saturday while they were shifting flower pots just outside the restaurant they came across the knife.
“I called a staffer who was working on the day of the incident to verify whether it was the same knife which the foreigner was carrying and had allegedly put to waiter Jaikrishna’s throat. One of the witnesses, Matthew Rehman, who works as a cook in the restaurant said that this was the knife being carried by the foreigner,” Ervell told TOI.
“On that day, Kelly had came into the restaurant’s kitchen at around 7.30 am drunk and threatened me with the knife. Then he suddenly apologized and left to sit below a mango tree adjacent to the restaurant where he was drinking.
“He returned later at around 8 am and then got into an altercation with Jaikrishna and threatened him with the knife which forced him to react in self-defence,” Rehman said.
Meanwhile, the police, which had conducted a panchanama at the site soon after the case was registered
as a murder, said that they had fully checked the premises and had not located the knife.
They also said that they were surprised with the sudden appearance of the knife, which has been found just half a metre from the spot Kelly had fallen after he was pushed by the waiter and security guard.
October 12, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Bangalore techie Meghna Subedar found alive in Pune
Bangalore techie Meghna found alive in Pune
Andrew Pereira, Preetu Nair & Yogesh Naik | TNN
Panaji/Mumbai: Meghna Subhedar, the 28-year-old Bangalore-based software engineer who went missing in April from CST railway station and had been thought to be dead till recently was found alive six months later on Friday. The CST railway police received a call from her father on Friday saying that Meghna had turned up at her grandfather’s house at Paud Road, Pune.
Investigating officer Anil Mane of the CST police told TOI, “We got a call from her grandparents that she was in Pune. We reached Pune and found that the girl was at their residence. She looked mentally disturbed and was talking irrelevant things. She did not answer our questions too.”
ACP Bapu Thombre said that Meghna told the police that this morning a crowd of people threw stones at her, which led to her getting a head injury. Police said a doctor who examined her suspected that the blow may have led to her remembering that she had relatives in Pune. Sources said that at around 5.30 pm on Friday, Meghna called up her uncle in Kothrud, Pune from a PCO. She said that she was scared and was being chased by goons. Her uncle picked her up from the PCO. LOST AND FOUND
‘Meghna said she was scared, chased by goons’
Panaji/Mumbai: The Bangalore-based software engineer Meghna Subhedar, 28, who went missing in April from CST railway station and was thought to be dead was found alive on Friday.
Meghna called up her uncle in Kothrud,Pune from a PCO on Friday and said she was scared and being chased by goons.
She was reportedly in a bad state and had injuries all over her body. Her uncle who picked her up from the PCO said that she had just Rs 3 in her pocket. The CST railway police left for Pune after being informed.
Investigating officer Anil Mane of the CST police said that Meghna told the CST police that she had been been several cities which she visited by train. “She has told us that she went to Kolhapur and some south Indian towns. She came to Pune from Hyderabad in a train. She used to beg and eat,'' Mane said.
Since Meghna is mentally stressed, her relatives told the CST police to make inquiries later. “We will soon call her for an interrogation and ask her a few questions,” said Mane. The police feel that she requires immediate counselling and told her relatives to summon a psychiatrist. Mane said that Meghna looks much weaker and stressed. Her parents are reportedly on their way to Pune from their home in Chhatisgarh.
Meghna’s mother Dr Anjali Subedar said, “Meghna called us around 3.30 pm on Friday and said that she was in Pune. She said that she was not feeling well and had suffered a lot. She sounded worried and tense.”
“As she sounded upset we didn’t ask her any questions and advised her to go to Pune to a relative’s place. Now she is with our relative and my husband has left for Pune,” said the mother.
Though the mother suspects that her daughter may have been tortured, she said that she doesn’t have the details and will only be able to tell where her daughter was for seven months and why she didn’t call when they meet.
“At the moment our only concern is that our daughter is fine. She sounded traumatised and we just want to ensure that she is okay.
“Finally our prayers have paid off,” said Dr Subedar, who had been praying and even fasting for her daughter’s wellbeing and safety.
Meghna was employed with an IT firm at Bangalore and went missing from Mumbai while on her way to her hometown Korba in Chhattisgarh. She had come from Bangalore to Mumbai at 4.50 am on April 10. She last called her father on April 10 saying she was at CST, Mumbai and would board the Geetanjali Express. However, when Meghna failed to reach home the next day, her mother, a gynaecologist, made enquiries with relatives and friends. On April 14, she asked her husband, Dr Mohan Subhedar, to lodge a missing person’s complaint with the CST police.
During a police probe it was disclosed that Meghna had two credit cards of ICICI Bank and SBI Bank. She had withdrawn Rs 5,000 from an ICICI ATM in Andheri. The credit card was used the next day to withdraw money from an ATM in Goa.
Meghna’s parents initially suspected that she had been kidnapped in Mumbai and the abductors were using her credit card. So they went to Goa, but were surprised to see CCTV clippings from ATMs showing that Meghna herself had withdrawn money in Goa. From the ATM video footage, her parents said Meghna seemed extremely frightened. Her parents thought she had been either blackmailed or kidnapped. However, investigations drew a blank.
In July, Goa police found a decomposed body on the Candolim beach, North Goa. While her parents initially believed it to be that of their daughter, DNA tests proved otherwise.
Meghna had divorced her husband in 2004. She had reportedly quit her job and was on her way back home when she went missing.
October 11, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Andrew Pereira, Preetu Nair & Yogesh Naik | TNN
Panaji/Mumbai: Meghna Subhedar, the 28-year-old Bangalore-based software engineer who went missing in April from CST railway station and had been thought to be dead till recently was found alive six months later on Friday. The CST railway police received a call from her father on Friday saying that Meghna had turned up at her grandfather’s house at Paud Road, Pune.
Investigating officer Anil Mane of the CST police told TOI, “We got a call from her grandparents that she was in Pune. We reached Pune and found that the girl was at their residence. She looked mentally disturbed and was talking irrelevant things. She did not answer our questions too.”
ACP Bapu Thombre said that Meghna told the police that this morning a crowd of people threw stones at her, which led to her getting a head injury. Police said a doctor who examined her suspected that the blow may have led to her remembering that she had relatives in Pune. Sources said that at around 5.30 pm on Friday, Meghna called up her uncle in Kothrud, Pune from a PCO. She said that she was scared and was being chased by goons. Her uncle picked her up from the PCO. LOST AND FOUND
‘Meghna said she was scared, chased by goons’
Panaji/Mumbai: The Bangalore-based software engineer Meghna Subhedar, 28, who went missing in April from CST railway station and was thought to be dead was found alive on Friday.
Meghna called up her uncle in Kothrud,Pune from a PCO on Friday and said she was scared and being chased by goons.
She was reportedly in a bad state and had injuries all over her body. Her uncle who picked her up from the PCO said that she had just Rs 3 in her pocket. The CST railway police left for Pune after being informed.
Investigating officer Anil Mane of the CST police said that Meghna told the CST police that she had been been several cities which she visited by train. “She has told us that she went to Kolhapur and some south Indian towns. She came to Pune from Hyderabad in a train. She used to beg and eat,'' Mane said.
Since Meghna is mentally stressed, her relatives told the CST police to make inquiries later. “We will soon call her for an interrogation and ask her a few questions,” said Mane. The police feel that she requires immediate counselling and told her relatives to summon a psychiatrist. Mane said that Meghna looks much weaker and stressed. Her parents are reportedly on their way to Pune from their home in Chhatisgarh.
Meghna’s mother Dr Anjali Subedar said, “Meghna called us around 3.30 pm on Friday and said that she was in Pune. She said that she was not feeling well and had suffered a lot. She sounded worried and tense.”
“As she sounded upset we didn’t ask her any questions and advised her to go to Pune to a relative’s place. Now she is with our relative and my husband has left for Pune,” said the mother.
Though the mother suspects that her daughter may have been tortured, she said that she doesn’t have the details and will only be able to tell where her daughter was for seven months and why she didn’t call when they meet.
“At the moment our only concern is that our daughter is fine. She sounded traumatised and we just want to ensure that she is okay.
“Finally our prayers have paid off,” said Dr Subedar, who had been praying and even fasting for her daughter’s wellbeing and safety.
Meghna was employed with an IT firm at Bangalore and went missing from Mumbai while on her way to her hometown Korba in Chhattisgarh. She had come from Bangalore to Mumbai at 4.50 am on April 10. She last called her father on April 10 saying she was at CST, Mumbai and would board the Geetanjali Express. However, when Meghna failed to reach home the next day, her mother, a gynaecologist, made enquiries with relatives and friends. On April 14, she asked her husband, Dr Mohan Subhedar, to lodge a missing person’s complaint with the CST police.
During a police probe it was disclosed that Meghna had two credit cards of ICICI Bank and SBI Bank. She had withdrawn Rs 5,000 from an ICICI ATM in Andheri. The credit card was used the next day to withdraw money from an ATM in Goa.
Meghna’s parents initially suspected that she had been kidnapped in Mumbai and the abductors were using her credit card. So they went to Goa, but were surprised to see CCTV clippings from ATMs showing that Meghna herself had withdrawn money in Goa. From the ATM video footage, her parents said Meghna seemed extremely frightened. Her parents thought she had been either blackmailed or kidnapped. However, investigations drew a blank.
In July, Goa police found a decomposed body on the Candolim beach, North Goa. While her parents initially believed it to be that of their daughter, DNA tests proved otherwise.
Meghna had divorced her husband in 2004. She had reportedly quit her job and was on her way back home when she went missing.
October 11, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Friday, October 10, 2008
Goa ;‘Australian put knife to waiter’s neck’
‘Australian put knife to waiter’s neck’
Restaurant Employees Claim Abusive Kelly Started Fight
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The forensic report on the body of John Kelly, the Australian who died on Wednesday after being beaten up by some restaurant waiters in Calangute, says that death was due to internal bleeding due to a blunt and forcible impact.
“After going through the post-mortem report, we believe that the death may have been caused due to a punch, kick or from falling on a hard object or the floor,” said DySP Gundu Naik. The report says the Australian had a lacerated tear to the small intestine. The viscera has been preserved for chemical analysis.
Calangute police have arrested three persons—waiter Jaikrishna Das, 25, from Orissa, security guard Manab Basak, 32, from West Bengal and restaurant shift in-charge Jagat Pradhan, 23, from Assam—on charges of alleged murder of the Australian.
Kelly, 65, had picked up an argument with a restaurant waiter over how and to whom beer should be served. According to sources, Kelly arrived at Club City Restaurant at about 8 am on Wednesday and ordered beer for himself and a few Indian tourists sitting at the restaurant. But as the waiter didn’t listen to him, it led to an altercation.
Waiters at the restaurant say that the three arrested persons were provoked by the foreigner, who threatened them with a knife. “Eight Indian tourists were having alcohol when Kelly walked into the restaurant and offered to buy them drinks. This is the first time he had come to our place. He paid the waiter Jaikrishna Rs 500 and asked him to get the Indian tourists more beer. When the tourists refused to accept Kelly’s beer, the waiter returned the money to the Australian, who was then upset and abused the waiter with foul language and put a knife near his neck,” said Club City Restaurant manager Sachin Karanjkar.
“This scared the waiter, who pushed and punched Kelly on the face, as a result of which Kelly started bleeding from the cheek. Basak then snatched the knife from Kelly and in the tussle Kelly fell down. Jagat tried to pacify the waiter and Kelly, but the Australian left the place hurling abuses,” said Karanjkar. He said the foreigner later returned with a beat constable, but left immediately thereafter.
Incidentally, though Karanjkar talked about a knife being carried by the foreigner, he admitted that he didn’t know where the knife came from. Even the police admit they are clueless about the knife.
Rajesh Khanna, owner of the restaurant, said, “The boys were pushed into a corner and that’s the reason they overreacted. Let the law take its own course.”
Kelly had arrived in Goa on September 29 and was initially staying at Jack’s Place, Candolim Ximer, but had shifted to a rented flat on October 7, belonging to one Camilo Vaz at Candolim.
CALANGUTE MURDER
Aussie visited Goa frequently
Panaji: John Kelly, who died following an attack by a waiter at a Calangute restaurant on Wednesday, had come to Goa in 2003 with wife Bela. Sources said that the couple used to visit Goa frequently. Police said that Kelly’s passport reveals that he was a Scottish national settled in Australia and held a British and Australian citizenship.
People in the belt who knew Kelly said that he was a friendly person, but sometimes turned aggressive under the influence of alcohol. A restaurant owner who knew Kelly said, “He was a nice person, but sometimes when he was drunk, he would get aggressive and abusive. We met on Tuesday afternoon when he came for a drink to my restaurant. After one peg he left, stating he was not feeling well and was suffering from deep vein thrombosis.”
Police sources said that on Wednesday morning, Kelly was to get his ear checked by a doctor and had asked the complainant Monico Menezes, whom he had befriended in 2003 to help him. “When Menezes reached the flat at 10 am, he learnt from the landlord that Kelly had collapsed outside the entrance of his flat and was vomiting blood and
had to be shifted to the hospital in an ambulance,” said police sources.
Vaz told TOI, “I didn’t know Kelly personally as he had come to stay at our flat on Tuesday. He left the flat at 6 am on Wednesday and later in the evening we learned that he had expired.”
DySP Naik said, “Kelly didn’t collapse in the restaurant. He reached home and then collapsed. He was first taken to the CT scan centre and then shifted to GMC. His condition was critical and he was vomiting blood. Later he was put on a ventilator.”
Naik added, “According to the complainant, the doctor at GMC informed him that Kelly had internal bleeding in the abdomen because of which he was vomiting blood and needed to operated immediately.” Though Menezes refused to meet or speak, sources close to him said that during the treatment Kelly did vomit blood.
The post-mortem conducted on Thursday at Goa Medical College states that the death was due to, “haemorrhagic shock as a result of injuries to the small intestine consequent to blunt, forcible impacts which were antemortem, fresh and fatal in ordinary course of nature”.
October 10, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Restaurant Employees Claim Abusive Kelly Started Fight
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The forensic report on the body of John Kelly, the Australian who died on Wednesday after being beaten up by some restaurant waiters in Calangute, says that death was due to internal bleeding due to a blunt and forcible impact.
“After going through the post-mortem report, we believe that the death may have been caused due to a punch, kick or from falling on a hard object or the floor,” said DySP Gundu Naik. The report says the Australian had a lacerated tear to the small intestine. The viscera has been preserved for chemical analysis.
Calangute police have arrested three persons—waiter Jaikrishna Das, 25, from Orissa, security guard Manab Basak, 32, from West Bengal and restaurant shift in-charge Jagat Pradhan, 23, from Assam—on charges of alleged murder of the Australian.
Kelly, 65, had picked up an argument with a restaurant waiter over how and to whom beer should be served. According to sources, Kelly arrived at Club City Restaurant at about 8 am on Wednesday and ordered beer for himself and a few Indian tourists sitting at the restaurant. But as the waiter didn’t listen to him, it led to an altercation.
Waiters at the restaurant say that the three arrested persons were provoked by the foreigner, who threatened them with a knife. “Eight Indian tourists were having alcohol when Kelly walked into the restaurant and offered to buy them drinks. This is the first time he had come to our place. He paid the waiter Jaikrishna Rs 500 and asked him to get the Indian tourists more beer. When the tourists refused to accept Kelly’s beer, the waiter returned the money to the Australian, who was then upset and abused the waiter with foul language and put a knife near his neck,” said Club City Restaurant manager Sachin Karanjkar.
“This scared the waiter, who pushed and punched Kelly on the face, as a result of which Kelly started bleeding from the cheek. Basak then snatched the knife from Kelly and in the tussle Kelly fell down. Jagat tried to pacify the waiter and Kelly, but the Australian left the place hurling abuses,” said Karanjkar. He said the foreigner later returned with a beat constable, but left immediately thereafter.
Incidentally, though Karanjkar talked about a knife being carried by the foreigner, he admitted that he didn’t know where the knife came from. Even the police admit they are clueless about the knife.
Rajesh Khanna, owner of the restaurant, said, “The boys were pushed into a corner and that’s the reason they overreacted. Let the law take its own course.”
Kelly had arrived in Goa on September 29 and was initially staying at Jack’s Place, Candolim Ximer, but had shifted to a rented flat on October 7, belonging to one Camilo Vaz at Candolim.
CALANGUTE MURDER
Aussie visited Goa frequently
Panaji: John Kelly, who died following an attack by a waiter at a Calangute restaurant on Wednesday, had come to Goa in 2003 with wife Bela. Sources said that the couple used to visit Goa frequently. Police said that Kelly’s passport reveals that he was a Scottish national settled in Australia and held a British and Australian citizenship.
People in the belt who knew Kelly said that he was a friendly person, but sometimes turned aggressive under the influence of alcohol. A restaurant owner who knew Kelly said, “He was a nice person, but sometimes when he was drunk, he would get aggressive and abusive. We met on Tuesday afternoon when he came for a drink to my restaurant. After one peg he left, stating he was not feeling well and was suffering from deep vein thrombosis.”
Police sources said that on Wednesday morning, Kelly was to get his ear checked by a doctor and had asked the complainant Monico Menezes, whom he had befriended in 2003 to help him. “When Menezes reached the flat at 10 am, he learnt from the landlord that Kelly had collapsed outside the entrance of his flat and was vomiting blood and
had to be shifted to the hospital in an ambulance,” said police sources.
Vaz told TOI, “I didn’t know Kelly personally as he had come to stay at our flat on Tuesday. He left the flat at 6 am on Wednesday and later in the evening we learned that he had expired.”
DySP Naik said, “Kelly didn’t collapse in the restaurant. He reached home and then collapsed. He was first taken to the CT scan centre and then shifted to GMC. His condition was critical and he was vomiting blood. Later he was put on a ventilator.”
Naik added, “According to the complainant, the doctor at GMC informed him that Kelly had internal bleeding in the abdomen because of which he was vomiting blood and needed to operated immediately.” Though Menezes refused to meet or speak, sources close to him said that during the treatment Kelly did vomit blood.
The post-mortem conducted on Thursday at Goa Medical College states that the death was due to, “haemorrhagic shock as a result of injuries to the small intestine consequent to blunt, forcible impacts which were antemortem, fresh and fatal in ordinary course of nature”.
October 10, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Goa;Waiters kill Australian at Calangute
Waiters kill Australian at Calangute
Tourist Picked Up Fight Over Serving Beer
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: An Australian tourist had to pay with his life in Goa on Wednesday after he picked up an argument with a restaurant waiter over how a beer should be served. John Kelly, 65, had gone to Calangute’s Club City Restaurant around 8 am and ordered a beer. However, he was not happy with the waiter’s service and scolded him.
“This resulted in an argument between the two. A group of waiters then beat up the Australian and tore up his clothes,” said a police official. Pushed around, the tourist fell to the floor, he said. Kelly was immediately rushed to Goa Medical College and Hospital, where he breathed his last at 5 pm. He had arrived in Goa on September 29.
“From what we have gathered, the foreigner suffered internal injuries to which he succumbed. We have detained two persons—a waiter and a security guard of the restaurant,” said superintendent of police (North) Bosco George.
Calangute police inspector Tushar Vernekar said, “We have registered a case of murder and are investigating the matter.”
Police said Kelly was rushed to hospital in a critical condition and passed away before they could register his statement. Based on information provided by a friend who was with Kelly in hospital, the police rounded up few of the waiters for interrogation and came to know what had happened.
The post-mortem will be conducted on Thursday.
This is not the first time that a foreign tourist to the state has been attacked. Early this year, British teenager Scarlett Keeling was allegedly raped and murdered by two locals. In another incident recently, a Russian woman was beaten up by locals, forcing the Russian consulate to write to the state chief minister alleging “national or racial intolerance”.
A couple of years back, another tourist to Goa from the UK, Stephen Bennett, was found murdered.
October 09,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Tourist Picked Up Fight Over Serving Beer
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: An Australian tourist had to pay with his life in Goa on Wednesday after he picked up an argument with a restaurant waiter over how a beer should be served. John Kelly, 65, had gone to Calangute’s Club City Restaurant around 8 am and ordered a beer. However, he was not happy with the waiter’s service and scolded him.
“This resulted in an argument between the two. A group of waiters then beat up the Australian and tore up his clothes,” said a police official. Pushed around, the tourist fell to the floor, he said. Kelly was immediately rushed to Goa Medical College and Hospital, where he breathed his last at 5 pm. He had arrived in Goa on September 29.
“From what we have gathered, the foreigner suffered internal injuries to which he succumbed. We have detained two persons—a waiter and a security guard of the restaurant,” said superintendent of police (North) Bosco George.
Calangute police inspector Tushar Vernekar said, “We have registered a case of murder and are investigating the matter.”
Police said Kelly was rushed to hospital in a critical condition and passed away before they could register his statement. Based on information provided by a friend who was with Kelly in hospital, the police rounded up few of the waiters for interrogation and came to know what had happened.
The post-mortem will be conducted on Thursday.
This is not the first time that a foreign tourist to the state has been attacked. Early this year, British teenager Scarlett Keeling was allegedly raped and murdered by two locals. In another incident recently, a Russian woman was beaten up by locals, forcing the Russian consulate to write to the state chief minister alleging “national or racial intolerance”.
A couple of years back, another tourist to Goa from the UK, Stephen Bennett, was found murdered.
October 09,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Lure of cell proves tragic for Ponda girl
Lure of cell proves tragic for Ponda girl
Rapists Took Her To Hotel With Promise Of A Phone, Dress
Preetu Nair | TNN
Ponda: It was a picture she may never have visualised—that her desire for a mobile phone with camera would make her pay so heavy a price.
On Saturday morning, the 14-year-old called up Pritesh Nageshkar, 23, a regular visitor to her school, from a PCO at Ponda bus stand. He had promised to take her to Panaji’s Miramar beach.
However, Pritesh told the girl that three of his friends would be accompanying him, and she objected.
“He then promised to gift me a mobile phone and a new churidaar. I always wanted a mobile with camera as no one in my family has a camera,” said the standard VII student.
The minor said that as the boys appeared friendly, she didn’t object when they took her in a car to a hotel. “But once in the room, three of them raped me. When I resisted and struggled, they threatened to kill me if opened my mouth. I cried that it was painful, but they refused to listen,” she said.
According to the girl, she was taken to a hotel at Kundaim on the Ponda-Panaji highway, Ponda PI Manjunath Dessai said. She claims she was raped in the hotel and later dumped outside it.
Apart from Pritesh, the police have arrested Abhinay Naik, 25, and Nikhil Marathe, 24, for alleged rape. Dheep Fernandes, 21, has been arrested for driving the group to the hotel and later picking them up. All the boys are from Ponda. Investigations continue in rape of 14-yr-old
Ponda: Police are investigating what happened between Saturday morning, when a 14-year-old Ponda girl left home for school, and S u n d ay eve n i n g , when she re t u r n e d home, and alleged that she had been raped. They suspect the girl was with the accused all along as she was picked up from Ponda bus stand on Saturday morning.
Police say there might have been a struggle between the victim and the accused as the mirror in a Kundaim hotel room in which she was allegedly raped was found broken. The girl’s father, a watchman, said she had left home at 7.15 am on Saturday in her school uniform. When she didn’t return home from school, which is just 5 km away, till late in the evening, the family lodged a missing complaint.
“After she returned home at about 11.30 pm on Sunday, we were shocked to know what had happened to her and decided to lodge a police complaint,” he said. “My wife is in a state of shock and is refusing to eat. Her blood pressure has dropped,” he added.
Manager of the hotel, Deepak Prabhu, said two rooms were booked at about 5.30 pm on Sunday by a person named Nikhil Marathe from Usgao, Ponda. They initially wanted to book only one room, but as there were four persons we insisted that he take two. We also asked for his photo identity. Initially, he was reluctant but gave us his driving license. We kept this with us till the four checked out at 7 pm.”
October 8,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Rapists Took Her To Hotel With Promise Of A Phone, Dress
Preetu Nair | TNN
Ponda: It was a picture she may never have visualised—that her desire for a mobile phone with camera would make her pay so heavy a price.
On Saturday morning, the 14-year-old called up Pritesh Nageshkar, 23, a regular visitor to her school, from a PCO at Ponda bus stand. He had promised to take her to Panaji’s Miramar beach.
However, Pritesh told the girl that three of his friends would be accompanying him, and she objected.
“He then promised to gift me a mobile phone and a new churidaar. I always wanted a mobile with camera as no one in my family has a camera,” said the standard VII student.
The minor said that as the boys appeared friendly, she didn’t object when they took her in a car to a hotel. “But once in the room, three of them raped me. When I resisted and struggled, they threatened to kill me if opened my mouth. I cried that it was painful, but they refused to listen,” she said.
According to the girl, she was taken to a hotel at Kundaim on the Ponda-Panaji highway, Ponda PI Manjunath Dessai said. She claims she was raped in the hotel and later dumped outside it.
Apart from Pritesh, the police have arrested Abhinay Naik, 25, and Nikhil Marathe, 24, for alleged rape. Dheep Fernandes, 21, has been arrested for driving the group to the hotel and later picking them up. All the boys are from Ponda. Investigations continue in rape of 14-yr-old
Ponda: Police are investigating what happened between Saturday morning, when a 14-year-old Ponda girl left home for school, and S u n d ay eve n i n g , when she re t u r n e d home, and alleged that she had been raped. They suspect the girl was with the accused all along as she was picked up from Ponda bus stand on Saturday morning.
Police say there might have been a struggle between the victim and the accused as the mirror in a Kundaim hotel room in which she was allegedly raped was found broken. The girl’s father, a watchman, said she had left home at 7.15 am on Saturday in her school uniform. When she didn’t return home from school, which is just 5 km away, till late in the evening, the family lodged a missing complaint.
“After she returned home at about 11.30 pm on Sunday, we were shocked to know what had happened to her and decided to lodge a police complaint,” he said. “My wife is in a state of shock and is refusing to eat. Her blood pressure has dropped,” he added.
Manager of the hotel, Deepak Prabhu, said two rooms were booked at about 5.30 pm on Sunday by a person named Nikhil Marathe from Usgao, Ponda. They initially wanted to book only one room, but as there were four persons we insisted that he take two. We also asked for his photo identity. Initially, he was reluctant but gave us his driving license. We kept this with us till the four checked out at 7 pm.”
October 8,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Youtube- Accused, victim, boy suspended
Accused, victim, boy suspended
RMS School Conducting Inquiry Into Youtube Fight
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: Acting on a complaint filed by a standard XII student against her classmate, who beat her up and later uploaded the contents of the fight on Youtube, the school principal of RMS Higher Secondary School has suspended both the victim, the accused, and another boy, pending inquiry.
School principal Vinod Powar in the notice issued on October 3 said that the two teenage girls and another boy, also a student of standard XII, were “found involved in indisciplinary behaviour, physical assault and video filming the fight on his mobile during school hours and uploading the same on Youtube”.
The notice further said, “They have failed to follow the normal procedure in lodging the complaint to the undersigned (the principal) about the incident.” The notice added, “They are suspended from school till the inquiry is completed. However, they may answer the first term examination scheduled for October 2008.”
Instead of complaining to the principal, the victim had lodged a police complaint on September 13 at 3 pm alleging that her classmate abused her and hit her very badly. She further complained that on the next day she learnt that a video clipping of her being beaten up was uploaded on the net and everyone started calling her up, which put her in an embarrassing situation.
Later the girl’s mother wrote to the principal demanding stern action against the girl student who assaulted her daughter and then displayed video clips of the fight with the help of mobile phones and internet sites, which led to her daughter being “distraught and depressed”.“I am really shocked that the principal has suspended me. We are hurt and furious. After all, why should I be suspended for someone else’s mistake?” the victim said.
“What normal procedure is the principal talking about? When we approached him the first time, he didn’t commit to take any action. Then he advised us to write a formal complaint and my mother lodged a written complaint. And the next communication we receive is that I have been suspended along with the two students,” the victim added.
Director of education Celsa Pinto said, “We are looking into the matter.”
October 7,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
RMS School Conducting Inquiry Into Youtube Fight
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: Acting on a complaint filed by a standard XII student against her classmate, who beat her up and later uploaded the contents of the fight on Youtube, the school principal of RMS Higher Secondary School has suspended both the victim, the accused, and another boy, pending inquiry.
School principal Vinod Powar in the notice issued on October 3 said that the two teenage girls and another boy, also a student of standard XII, were “found involved in indisciplinary behaviour, physical assault and video filming the fight on his mobile during school hours and uploading the same on Youtube”.
The notice further said, “They have failed to follow the normal procedure in lodging the complaint to the undersigned (the principal) about the incident.” The notice added, “They are suspended from school till the inquiry is completed. However, they may answer the first term examination scheduled for October 2008.”
Instead of complaining to the principal, the victim had lodged a police complaint on September 13 at 3 pm alleging that her classmate abused her and hit her very badly. She further complained that on the next day she learnt that a video clipping of her being beaten up was uploaded on the net and everyone started calling her up, which put her in an embarrassing situation.
Later the girl’s mother wrote to the principal demanding stern action against the girl student who assaulted her daughter and then displayed video clips of the fight with the help of mobile phones and internet sites, which led to her daughter being “distraught and depressed”.“I am really shocked that the principal has suspended me. We are hurt and furious. After all, why should I be suspended for someone else’s mistake?” the victim said.
“What normal procedure is the principal talking about? When we approached him the first time, he didn’t commit to take any action. Then he advised us to write a formal complaint and my mother lodged a written complaint. And the next communication we receive is that I have been suspended along with the two students,” the victim added.
Director of education Celsa Pinto said, “We are looking into the matter.”
October 7,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Monday, October 06, 2008
‘I’m waiting to give Scarlett a decent burial’
SEEKING JUSTICE
‘I’m waiting to give Scarlett a decent burial’
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Almost eight months after British teenager Scarlett Keeling was found dead on the Anjuna beach, her mother says that she is still waiting to give a decent burial to her daughter. Though sad that her daughter’s body is still lying in a morgue in the UK, she stated that she doesn’t feel guilty about the delay.
“The British coroner has informed us that he can’t release Scarlett’s body until the toxicology tests are performed and they get the results. These tests are taking a long time as many organs were missing from Scarlett’s body,” said Fiona, speaking to TOI from her home in Devon, UK.
She said that she doesn’t feel guilty about not being able to bury Scarlett. “At the moment it is not in my hands. But
I do feel sad that people who loved her haven’t been able to say goodbye to her,” said Fiona.
The semi-naked body of Scarlett, 15, from Devon, was found on February 19 after she had been raped and murdered. After two forensic autopsies in Goa Medical College and hospital, Bambolim, Fiona had taken Scarlett’s body to the UK for a third autopsy, where the doctor of the coroner’s court in Devon, UK, revealed that Scarlett’s kidneys, stomach and uterus were missing. The forensic doctors at GMC had stated that the organs were preserved for tests.
“The coroner has written to the Goa government asking for information about the organs. Even I have written to the CBI requesting them to return Scarlett’s organs so that we can give her a decent burial. I believe that the organs would eventually be returned,” she said.
Incidentally, though Fiona has all the necessary permissions to come to India and help the CBI in its investigations, she is not eager to arrive in Goa. She has been postponing her trips as a case has been filed against her for being a negligent mother by a Utt Goenkara spokesperson.
October 6, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
‘I’m waiting to give Scarlett a decent burial’
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Almost eight months after British teenager Scarlett Keeling was found dead on the Anjuna beach, her mother says that she is still waiting to give a decent burial to her daughter. Though sad that her daughter’s body is still lying in a morgue in the UK, she stated that she doesn’t feel guilty about the delay.
“The British coroner has informed us that he can’t release Scarlett’s body until the toxicology tests are performed and they get the results. These tests are taking a long time as many organs were missing from Scarlett’s body,” said Fiona, speaking to TOI from her home in Devon, UK.
She said that she doesn’t feel guilty about not being able to bury Scarlett. “At the moment it is not in my hands. But
I do feel sad that people who loved her haven’t been able to say goodbye to her,” said Fiona.
The semi-naked body of Scarlett, 15, from Devon, was found on February 19 after she had been raped and murdered. After two forensic autopsies in Goa Medical College and hospital, Bambolim, Fiona had taken Scarlett’s body to the UK for a third autopsy, where the doctor of the coroner’s court in Devon, UK, revealed that Scarlett’s kidneys, stomach and uterus were missing. The forensic doctors at GMC had stated that the organs were preserved for tests.
“The coroner has written to the Goa government asking for information about the organs. Even I have written to the CBI requesting them to return Scarlett’s organs so that we can give her a decent burial. I believe that the organs would eventually be returned,” she said.
Incidentally, though Fiona has all the necessary permissions to come to India and help the CBI in its investigations, she is not eager to arrive in Goa. She has been postponing her trips as a case has been filed against her for being a negligent mother by a Utt Goenkara spokesperson.
October 6, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
4-yr-old Ponda girl braves three open-heart surgeries
4-yr-old Ponda girl braves three open-heart surgeries
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: The Naute family from Ponda had lost their 14-year-old daughter to cancer. Their only hope was their yet -to-be-born child. Born on December 21, 2004 they named the baby Akansha, in memory of their late daughter.
Little did they anticipate that less than a month after their daughter’s birth, the doctors would open her heart to perform a gruelling operation. They still remember doctors telling them, “She is born with a rare and highly complex heart problem as she has a single pumping chamber (ventricle) with complete obstruction to the blood flow in the main blood vessel of the body”. The parents spent panicky moments, oscillating between hope and fear, as doctors informed them that they would have to perform three open-heart surgeries on her and the outcome was likely to be uncertain.
But little Akansha survived three operations and is now fit to join a play school. “It is a miracle. We are happy to see our four-year-old daughter happy and laughing after the final surgery last month,” said the couple.
Dr N S Devananda from Wockhardt hospitals, Bangalore, said that Akansha’s is a rare case. “This is the second case I’ve seen in my career. The child required complex surgeries but her recovery was good,” he said.
The doctor said that the first operation was done when Akansha was one month old as there was an obstruction in the heart. As part of the complex operation, the obstructed tube was cleared.
But it was not the end of her woes. Six months later, an angiogram showed that she had high pressure in the blood circulation to her lungs. Besides, a new obstruction to the flow of blood had been found in her heart. “The restrictive hole was widened, and the blood vessel from the heart to the lung was disconnected in the second surgery,” the doctor explained.
Two years later, a third heart surgery was performed. She developed a rare complication called aneurysm of the ventricle which had grown large. A final open heart surgery was done to repair the aneurysm. “These kinds of complications are very rare, wherein, along with an expected surgery, we had to perform another major surgery,” added Dr Devananda.
October 5,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: The Naute family from Ponda had lost their 14-year-old daughter to cancer. Their only hope was their yet -to-be-born child. Born on December 21, 2004 they named the baby Akansha, in memory of their late daughter.
Little did they anticipate that less than a month after their daughter’s birth, the doctors would open her heart to perform a gruelling operation. They still remember doctors telling them, “She is born with a rare and highly complex heart problem as she has a single pumping chamber (ventricle) with complete obstruction to the blood flow in the main blood vessel of the body”. The parents spent panicky moments, oscillating between hope and fear, as doctors informed them that they would have to perform three open-heart surgeries on her and the outcome was likely to be uncertain.
But little Akansha survived three operations and is now fit to join a play school. “It is a miracle. We are happy to see our four-year-old daughter happy and laughing after the final surgery last month,” said the couple.
Dr N S Devananda from Wockhardt hospitals, Bangalore, said that Akansha’s is a rare case. “This is the second case I’ve seen in my career. The child required complex surgeries but her recovery was good,” he said.
The doctor said that the first operation was done when Akansha was one month old as there was an obstruction in the heart. As part of the complex operation, the obstructed tube was cleared.
But it was not the end of her woes. Six months later, an angiogram showed that she had high pressure in the blood circulation to her lungs. Besides, a new obstruction to the flow of blood had been found in her heart. “The restrictive hole was widened, and the blood vessel from the heart to the lung was disconnected in the second surgery,” the doctor explained.
Two years later, a third heart surgery was performed. She developed a rare complication called aneurysm of the ventricle which had grown large. A final open heart surgery was done to repair the aneurysm. “These kinds of complications are very rare, wherein, along with an expected surgery, we had to perform another major surgery,” added Dr Devananda.
October 5,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Lady constable attempts suicide
Lady constable attempts suicide
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: A lady police constable Abhijita Chari (22) attempted suicide alleging stress and mental harassment at her work place.
Chari, who joined Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) in June 2006, consumed twelve tablets on Saturday at 7 pm in the barracks. On seeing that she was not feeling well, her colleagues rushed her to Goa Medical College, Bambolim.
The doctors at GMC said that she had consumed Crocin, Norflox and Lomotil. She was given a stomach wash and admitted in a ward. Doctors said that her condition was stable.
Speaking to TOI, Chari said that she had attempted suicide as she was stressed after being mentally harassed for the last two years by her seniors. She also said that she had informed the SP Waman Tari, who is also the deputy commandant of IRB, about her situation at an orderly rule on Friday.
Confirming this, SP Tari said that he had heard her on Friday. “The reason why she attempted suicide is not yet known. We will be conducting an inquiry into this to find out what the problem is,” he said.
Meanwhile, her mother, Arjuna Chari alleged that her daughter’s seniors were deliberately trying to defame her by creating an impression that she is of loose character. A medicolegal case has been registered.
October 5, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: A lady police constable Abhijita Chari (22) attempted suicide alleging stress and mental harassment at her work place.
Chari, who joined Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) in June 2006, consumed twelve tablets on Saturday at 7 pm in the barracks. On seeing that she was not feeling well, her colleagues rushed her to Goa Medical College, Bambolim.
The doctors at GMC said that she had consumed Crocin, Norflox and Lomotil. She was given a stomach wash and admitted in a ward. Doctors said that her condition was stable.
Speaking to TOI, Chari said that she had attempted suicide as she was stressed after being mentally harassed for the last two years by her seniors. She also said that she had informed the SP Waman Tari, who is also the deputy commandant of IRB, about her situation at an orderly rule on Friday.
Confirming this, SP Tari said that he had heard her on Friday. “The reason why she attempted suicide is not yet known. We will be conducting an inquiry into this to find out what the problem is,” he said.
Meanwhile, her mother, Arjuna Chari alleged that her daughter’s seniors were deliberately trying to defame her by creating an impression that she is of loose character. A medicolegal case has been registered.
October 5, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Goa apartments were overpriced
‘Apartments were overpriced’
Panaji: In the past few years, a large percentage of property investors in Goa had been foreigners. But restrictive interpretation of FEMA has made it difficult for a foreigner to invest in India, affecting the market.
Says Chandrakant Kundaikar, legal advisor on property issues, “In 2000, 50% of the investors were foreigners, 30% NRIs, 20% people from other states and 10% Goans. By 2008, foreigners were down to 5% and Indians, especially Delhiites, had increased to 55%, followed by NRIs at 30%,” he said. The percentage of Goans has remained constant at 10% for the last eight years.
At the height of the construction boom, prices in Goa had shot through the roof. Said Michael Lobo, director of a trade magazine, “Apartment prices had been overvalued by almost 30-50%.”
The present value of apartments varies from Rs 8,000 to Rs 45,000 per sq m, according to government registered property valuer and architect S N Bhobe. The prices at their highest, range between Rs 20,000 and Rs 45,000 per sq m in Panaji, Calangute, Baga and Candolim, followed by Rs 15,000 to Rs 40,000 at Anjuna, Vagator, Arpora, Parra, Dona Paula, Miramar and Old Goa. The prices are at their lowest, between Rs 8,000 and Rs 15,000 per sq m are at Pernem, Quepem and Canacona. “Prices may come down as sales have reduced considerably,” he said.
Developers believe there are a number of reasons for the impending slump: buying power of people has reduced with the crash in the markets, interest rates have increased, and increased opposition to mega projects has created a feeling of uncertainty amongst investors.
“The construction market will feel the heat as the overall buying power of the people has reduced,” said Nitin Kunkolienkar president of Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The EMI on a 20-year loan of Rs 20 lakh works out to about Rs 20,000 plus a month.
“Builders have little choice and will either have to scale down on amenities, sell the apartments at lower rates or sell the entire project to a bigger builder,” says Lobo.
October 3, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Panaji: In the past few years, a large percentage of property investors in Goa had been foreigners. But restrictive interpretation of FEMA has made it difficult for a foreigner to invest in India, affecting the market.
Says Chandrakant Kundaikar, legal advisor on property issues, “In 2000, 50% of the investors were foreigners, 30% NRIs, 20% people from other states and 10% Goans. By 2008, foreigners were down to 5% and Indians, especially Delhiites, had increased to 55%, followed by NRIs at 30%,” he said. The percentage of Goans has remained constant at 10% for the last eight years.
At the height of the construction boom, prices in Goa had shot through the roof. Said Michael Lobo, director of a trade magazine, “Apartment prices had been overvalued by almost 30-50%.”
The present value of apartments varies from Rs 8,000 to Rs 45,000 per sq m, according to government registered property valuer and architect S N Bhobe. The prices at their highest, range between Rs 20,000 and Rs 45,000 per sq m in Panaji, Calangute, Baga and Candolim, followed by Rs 15,000 to Rs 40,000 at Anjuna, Vagator, Arpora, Parra, Dona Paula, Miramar and Old Goa. The prices are at their lowest, between Rs 8,000 and Rs 15,000 per sq m are at Pernem, Quepem and Canacona. “Prices may come down as sales have reduced considerably,” he said.
Developers believe there are a number of reasons for the impending slump: buying power of people has reduced with the crash in the markets, interest rates have increased, and increased opposition to mega projects has created a feeling of uncertainty amongst investors.
“The construction market will feel the heat as the overall buying power of the people has reduced,” said Nitin Kunkolienkar president of Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The EMI on a 20-year loan of Rs 20 lakh works out to about Rs 20,000 plus a month.
“Builders have little choice and will either have to scale down on amenities, sell the apartments at lower rates or sell the entire project to a bigger builder,” says Lobo.
October 3, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Rhythm Divine - Gujaratis in Goa
Rhythm Divine
Gujaratis in Goa, combine religion and devotion with dance, fun and a riot of colours during Navratri, find Preetu Nair & Govind Kamat Maad
Janvi Shah is determined to keep her title of ‘Garba Queen’ intact. The 19-year-old, aspiring chartered accountant, who’s been winning on the dance floor since she was 9, has spent a fortune on her dazzling chanya cholis (flowing skirt, blouse and long stole) and oxidized jewellery.
“The competition is judged on dress and dance, so all my outfits come from Gujarat and my mother has helped me combine the trendy new designs with the traditional look,” says Shah.
For the Gujarati community in Goa, Navratri celebrations start at least six months in advance. “We get 80-100 orders each year, for chaniya cholis from Gujarat and Mumbai,” says homemaker Devyani Shah, who turns home-based entrepreneur during the period. Outfits range from Rs 3,000 to Rs 30,000, she adds.
Learning the latest dance moves is also big. “We’ve been practicing since a month, every year there’s something new,” says homemaker Sangeeta Parekh.
At Margao’s Gujarati Samaj hall, the “experienced elders” teach the new generation the traditional steps of garba (ritual dance) and dandiya (stick dance). The big night for the “trainees” will be October 11 when the Samaj celebrates Dandiya Rajani at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda. “There’s no age or gender bar for learning these dances,” says Needhi Macarawala, whose 12-yearold daughter Noopur has been learning the dandiya since a fortnight.
Panaji-based businessman Harish Hirani points to the 200 dandiyas picked up from Mumbai and Pune and says, “Since its a long holiday weekend this time, we’re expecting huge crowds at the Gasper Dias club, Panaji.” Panaji Gujarati Yuvak Mandal president Kapil Shah adds, “No drinking and drunks will be allowed though.”
Elaborating on the significance of the celebrations, Lalit Shah of Panaji says, it’s “family-bonding time”. “The age barrier is broken. It is fun to learn new steps from your children and the time spent together is precious,” says the chartered accountant. Terming the celebrations in Goa an as yet, “traditional affair”, Kapil Shah says the ritual puja of the Goddess Amba is still the “most important aspect of Navratri”. “It’s also, a purely family affair where anyone can come and play. This is our way of keeping our tradition alive here as people from 5 to 80 dance to the latest recorded garba tunes.”
While in garba, women worship through dance, an akhand diya (lamp) placed within an earthern pot which has holes in a certain order; dandiya sees men and women dance with small polished sticks. TNN
October 3, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Gujaratis in Goa, combine religion and devotion with dance, fun and a riot of colours during Navratri, find Preetu Nair & Govind Kamat Maad
Janvi Shah is determined to keep her title of ‘Garba Queen’ intact. The 19-year-old, aspiring chartered accountant, who’s been winning on the dance floor since she was 9, has spent a fortune on her dazzling chanya cholis (flowing skirt, blouse and long stole) and oxidized jewellery.
“The competition is judged on dress and dance, so all my outfits come from Gujarat and my mother has helped me combine the trendy new designs with the traditional look,” says Shah.
For the Gujarati community in Goa, Navratri celebrations start at least six months in advance. “We get 80-100 orders each year, for chaniya cholis from Gujarat and Mumbai,” says homemaker Devyani Shah, who turns home-based entrepreneur during the period. Outfits range from Rs 3,000 to Rs 30,000, she adds.
Learning the latest dance moves is also big. “We’ve been practicing since a month, every year there’s something new,” says homemaker Sangeeta Parekh.
At Margao’s Gujarati Samaj hall, the “experienced elders” teach the new generation the traditional steps of garba (ritual dance) and dandiya (stick dance). The big night for the “trainees” will be October 11 when the Samaj celebrates Dandiya Rajani at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda. “There’s no age or gender bar for learning these dances,” says Needhi Macarawala, whose 12-yearold daughter Noopur has been learning the dandiya since a fortnight.
Panaji-based businessman Harish Hirani points to the 200 dandiyas picked up from Mumbai and Pune and says, “Since its a long holiday weekend this time, we’re expecting huge crowds at the Gasper Dias club, Panaji.” Panaji Gujarati Yuvak Mandal president Kapil Shah adds, “No drinking and drunks will be allowed though.”
Elaborating on the significance of the celebrations, Lalit Shah of Panaji says, it’s “family-bonding time”. “The age barrier is broken. It is fun to learn new steps from your children and the time spent together is precious,” says the chartered accountant. Terming the celebrations in Goa an as yet, “traditional affair”, Kapil Shah says the ritual puja of the Goddess Amba is still the “most important aspect of Navratri”. “It’s also, a purely family affair where anyone can come and play. This is our way of keeping our tradition alive here as people from 5 to 80 dance to the latest recorded garba tunes.”
While in garba, women worship through dance, an akhand diya (lamp) placed within an earthern pot which has holes in a certain order; dandiya sees men and women dance with small polished sticks. TNN
October 3, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Property prices in Goa realtors in deep trouble
REAL ESTATE TURBULENCE AT HOME AND ABROAD
Goa realtors in deep trouble
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Property prices in Goa are expected to crash by 20% to 25%, even as markets elsewhere have taken a dive. Real estate developers in the state forecast a slump after a phenomenal rise in rates over the past three years.
Michael Lobo, director of Goa’s property and building trade magazine, Homes and Estates, said, “Apartment rates are on the decline as there are no buyers.”
“The market has been stagnant for the last three months. Goa has seen an increase in construction and now the supply far exceeds the demand,” said Robin Alexander from Goa Property Consultancy, Panaji.
“Small time builders are already facing the heat with investors and speculators doing the vanishing act. They are trying to sell their projects to big builders,” said Victor Albuquerque, chairman of Alcon Victor Group.
Sources said a few banks have turned down loans to builders. “Safety is paramount for any financial investment, but with the agitational atmosphere everyone is concerned. A builder who has borrowings or one reaching the completion stage will find it difficult as there is a fund squeeze. The interest rate is increasing and lenders are looking at quality borrowers and real estate is not a priority,” said Dinar Tarcar managing director of Groupé Landscape and executive member Confederation of Real Estate Development Association of India.
October 3, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition (FP)
Goa realtors in deep trouble
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Property prices in Goa are expected to crash by 20% to 25%, even as markets elsewhere have taken a dive. Real estate developers in the state forecast a slump after a phenomenal rise in rates over the past three years.
Michael Lobo, director of Goa’s property and building trade magazine, Homes and Estates, said, “Apartment rates are on the decline as there are no buyers.”
“The market has been stagnant for the last three months. Goa has seen an increase in construction and now the supply far exceeds the demand,” said Robin Alexander from Goa Property Consultancy, Panaji.
“Small time builders are already facing the heat with investors and speculators doing the vanishing act. They are trying to sell their projects to big builders,” said Victor Albuquerque, chairman of Alcon Victor Group.
Sources said a few banks have turned down loans to builders. “Safety is paramount for any financial investment, but with the agitational atmosphere everyone is concerned. A builder who has borrowings or one reaching the completion stage will find it difficult as there is a fund squeeze. The interest rate is increasing and lenders are looking at quality borrowers and real estate is not a priority,” said Dinar Tarcar managing director of Groupé Landscape and executive member Confederation of Real Estate Development Association of India.
October 3, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition (FP)
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Crime luring middle class youth: Police
BITTER REALITY
Crime luring middle class youth: Police
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: With the arrest of three middle class youth, the Goa police not only unraveled the mystery behind thefts, where parked cars were broken into and valuables stolen, but also opened the society’s eyes to a bitter truth. Cases of middle class youth getting drawn to a life of crime are on the rise.
Calangute police arrested three young boys — Gaurish Kerkar alias Gawde, Venkatesh Shintal and Nitin Anande — in the age group of 20-23, from Porvorim, for their alleged involvement in thefts from vehicles at Candolim and Panaji late Monday night. The parents of two of the boys are government employees, while one boy’s father is a businessman. All the accused are school drop-outs.
Calangute PI Tushar Vernekar, explaining the modus operandi of the youth, said that they would keep a watch on vehicles outside night clubs and casinos. “Once the place was empty, they would strike and escape with the booty. The motive was to earn fast money,” said Vernekar.
Last week, two youth were arrested by the Ponda police for their alleged role in robberies in Panaji, Porvorim and Pernem.
According to the police, cases of middle class youth committing crime are on the rise. “Children from middle class families are taking to crime not because of any compulsion, but by choice as they want to make easy money,” said SP (north) Bosco George. Psychiatrists and psychologists feel that this is a result of decreasing moral values imparted by parents to their children and the increasing tendency among the youth to be lured by money and short term gains.
“Movies also glorify criminals. Moreover, once a person commits a crime, it becomes a way of life for him/her. They stop worrying about getting caught or punished. The argument often put forth by such persons is that ‘everyone is looting the people and so are we. When the society is corrupt, why should we deprive ourselves of all the goodies’,” said Dr Ajoy Estibeiro, a psychiatrist.
Fr Socorro Mendes of the family counselling centre said , “Today’s youth want to become affluent and often imitate movies and take every action in life as a challenge.”
October 1,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Crime luring middle class youth: Police
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: With the arrest of three middle class youth, the Goa police not only unraveled the mystery behind thefts, where parked cars were broken into and valuables stolen, but also opened the society’s eyes to a bitter truth. Cases of middle class youth getting drawn to a life of crime are on the rise.
Calangute police arrested three young boys — Gaurish Kerkar alias Gawde, Venkatesh Shintal and Nitin Anande — in the age group of 20-23, from Porvorim, for their alleged involvement in thefts from vehicles at Candolim and Panaji late Monday night. The parents of two of the boys are government employees, while one boy’s father is a businessman. All the accused are school drop-outs.
Calangute PI Tushar Vernekar, explaining the modus operandi of the youth, said that they would keep a watch on vehicles outside night clubs and casinos. “Once the place was empty, they would strike and escape with the booty. The motive was to earn fast money,” said Vernekar.
Last week, two youth were arrested by the Ponda police for their alleged role in robberies in Panaji, Porvorim and Pernem.
According to the police, cases of middle class youth committing crime are on the rise. “Children from middle class families are taking to crime not because of any compulsion, but by choice as they want to make easy money,” said SP (north) Bosco George. Psychiatrists and psychologists feel that this is a result of decreasing moral values imparted by parents to their children and the increasing tendency among the youth to be lured by money and short term gains.
“Movies also glorify criminals. Moreover, once a person commits a crime, it becomes a way of life for him/her. They stop worrying about getting caught or punished. The argument often put forth by such persons is that ‘everyone is looting the people and so are we. When the society is corrupt, why should we deprive ourselves of all the goodies’,” said Dr Ajoy Estibeiro, a psychiatrist.
Fr Socorro Mendes of the family counselling centre said , “Today’s youth want to become affluent and often imitate movies and take every action in life as a challenge.”
October 1,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
TERROR THREATENS PRIVACY - Eye in the sky for Goa beaches?
TERROR THREATENS PRIVACY
Eye in the sky for Goa beaches?
Sanjay Banerjee & Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji/Margao: Privacy on Goa’s beaches could take a hit because of the terror threat. Closed circuit television cameras could soon be monitoring that romantic walk on the beach or moonlight picnic should a Goa police proposal come through.
The police proposal, sent to the two district collectors, came after the two district SPs conducted a security survey of some tourist hotspots in their jurisdiction.
The tourism minister’s office said “there are funds for a beach management policy and we can always consider the proposal”. Tourism minister, Francisco Xavier Pacheco, currently in Moscow participating in a tourism mart, is expected to take a decision following the South Goa collector, G P Naik, forwarding the SP’s letter to his department.
While the North Goa police surveyed night clubs, entertainment areas and the flea market in Calangute, Baga and Anjuna, the South Goa police visited Bogmalo, Palolem and Colva beaches.
The SP (South) has proposed installing 30 CCTVs—10 each at Colva, Bogmalo and Palolem beaches that attract lakhs of domestic and foreign tourists every year. The SP has also asked for CCTVs at parking areas. The plan proposes two CCTVs for the parking areas at Bogmalo and Palolem and four at Colva to keep watch on vehicles as these are often used to plant bombs.
The SP (North) has made similar proposals, besides emphasising that “all discotheques should close by 12 am and licences shouldn’t be recommended to entertainment areas that don’t have adequate parking, illumination, CCTV coverage and proper security cover”. Parking areas to be illuminated
Panaji/Margao: Most of the beaches in the state could soon have closed circuit television cameras to monitor the movement of visitors.
The two district SPs did a security survey of some tourist hot spots in their areas and submitted reports to the district collectors. The SP (North) brought to the notice of the authorities that parking areas should be fully illuminated and have CCTV coverage.
Elaborate proposals have also been worked out for parking vehicles on New Year’s Eve, when the holiday crowd is huge. Despite Colva having ample parking space, on December 31, parking will be allowed in an open field and the electricity department will be asked to illuminate the area in consultation with Margao traffic cell.
For Bogmalo on December 31, the police have worked out different plans for the day and night. The movement of traffic on the Bogmalo road will continue as usual during the day, but after 8.00 pm vehicles will be stopped and parking allowed in an open ground where 800 to 1000 four wheelers and about 2000 two wheelers can be accommodated.
A shuttle service operated by Kadamba Transport Corporation will ferry tourists over the 2km stretch from the parking area to the beach.
“Village panchayats concerned may be asked to install traffic signs and to level the place in consultation with Vasco traffic cell,” the plan has proposed.
October 1, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Eye in the sky for Goa beaches?
Sanjay Banerjee & Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji/Margao: Privacy on Goa’s beaches could take a hit because of the terror threat. Closed circuit television cameras could soon be monitoring that romantic walk on the beach or moonlight picnic should a Goa police proposal come through.
The police proposal, sent to the two district collectors, came after the two district SPs conducted a security survey of some tourist hotspots in their jurisdiction.
The tourism minister’s office said “there are funds for a beach management policy and we can always consider the proposal”. Tourism minister, Francisco Xavier Pacheco, currently in Moscow participating in a tourism mart, is expected to take a decision following the South Goa collector, G P Naik, forwarding the SP’s letter to his department.
While the North Goa police surveyed night clubs, entertainment areas and the flea market in Calangute, Baga and Anjuna, the South Goa police visited Bogmalo, Palolem and Colva beaches.
The SP (South) has proposed installing 30 CCTVs—10 each at Colva, Bogmalo and Palolem beaches that attract lakhs of domestic and foreign tourists every year. The SP has also asked for CCTVs at parking areas. The plan proposes two CCTVs for the parking areas at Bogmalo and Palolem and four at Colva to keep watch on vehicles as these are often used to plant bombs.
The SP (North) has made similar proposals, besides emphasising that “all discotheques should close by 12 am and licences shouldn’t be recommended to entertainment areas that don’t have adequate parking, illumination, CCTV coverage and proper security cover”. Parking areas to be illuminated
Panaji/Margao: Most of the beaches in the state could soon have closed circuit television cameras to monitor the movement of visitors.
The two district SPs did a security survey of some tourist hot spots in their areas and submitted reports to the district collectors. The SP (North) brought to the notice of the authorities that parking areas should be fully illuminated and have CCTV coverage.
Elaborate proposals have also been worked out for parking vehicles on New Year’s Eve, when the holiday crowd is huge. Despite Colva having ample parking space, on December 31, parking will be allowed in an open field and the electricity department will be asked to illuminate the area in consultation with Margao traffic cell.
For Bogmalo on December 31, the police have worked out different plans for the day and night. The movement of traffic on the Bogmalo road will continue as usual during the day, but after 8.00 pm vehicles will be stopped and parking allowed in an open ground where 800 to 1000 four wheelers and about 2000 two wheelers can be accommodated.
A shuttle service operated by Kadamba Transport Corporation will ferry tourists over the 2km stretch from the parking area to the beach.
“Village panchayats concerned may be asked to install traffic signs and to level the place in consultation with Vasco traffic cell,” the plan has proposed.
October 1, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
24 bomb hoaxes in Goa in Sept
24 bomb hoaxes in Goa in Sept
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: As the nation struggled to cope with terror strikes, pranksters in Goa made 24 hoax calls to the police control room in September.
In the past two days alone, about six calls were made informing the police about bombs having been planted at various locations. Of these, four were prank calls and two informed the police about unknown objects in the vicinity of the bus stand at Margao and Junta house, Panaji.
“Any call to the police about suspicious objects cannot be ignored and we rush our personnel to the spot. But more than 70% phone calls are prank calls,” said SP (PCR) Atmaram Deshpande.
Every time there is a bomb scare, the bomb disposal squad and sniffer dogs are rushed to the spot, the area cordoned off and an extensive and hectic search carried out. At the end of the operation, if no explosives are detected, the calls are declared hoaxes.
‘Prank calls amount to mischief mongering’
Panaji: Twenty four hoax calls were made in September to the police control room.
The police reveal that the highest number of bomb hoax calls — five — were made within eight hours on September 25, 2008, sending the sleuths rushing in search of non-existent bombs. In August, about 10 hoax calls were made to the PCR. However, not a single person has been arrested for making such a call.
“People should behave responsibly and think twice before making a call. A mischievous or prank call diverts police resources, which can cause irreparable damage in case the police is unable to attend to a real threat due to a hoax call. A prank call amounts to mischief mongering,” said SP (PCR) Atmaram Deshpande.
1 October, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: As the nation struggled to cope with terror strikes, pranksters in Goa made 24 hoax calls to the police control room in September.
In the past two days alone, about six calls were made informing the police about bombs having been planted at various locations. Of these, four were prank calls and two informed the police about unknown objects in the vicinity of the bus stand at Margao and Junta house, Panaji.
“Any call to the police about suspicious objects cannot be ignored and we rush our personnel to the spot. But more than 70% phone calls are prank calls,” said SP (PCR) Atmaram Deshpande.
Every time there is a bomb scare, the bomb disposal squad and sniffer dogs are rushed to the spot, the area cordoned off and an extensive and hectic search carried out. At the end of the operation, if no explosives are detected, the calls are declared hoaxes.
‘Prank calls amount to mischief mongering’
Panaji: Twenty four hoax calls were made in September to the police control room.
The police reveal that the highest number of bomb hoax calls — five — were made within eight hours on September 25, 2008, sending the sleuths rushing in search of non-existent bombs. In August, about 10 hoax calls were made to the PCR. However, not a single person has been arrested for making such a call.
“People should behave responsibly and think twice before making a call. A mischievous or prank call diverts police resources, which can cause irreparable damage in case the police is unable to attend to a real threat due to a hoax call. A prank call amounts to mischief mongering,” said SP (PCR) Atmaram Deshpande.
1 October, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
DOPE ON DRUGS‘Over 250 drug dealers in Goa’
DOPE ON DRUGS
‘Over 250 drug dealers in Goa’
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: David Driham aka Dudu, picked up by the Mumbai cops on September 20 from Anjuna, has revealed that there are more than 250 people dealing in narcotics in the state.
“During interrogations, Dudu revealed that there is a gang of about 250 people dealing in drugs and all of them are operating from Goa. However, he has not revealed from where and how the narcotic
drugs come to Goa,” said investigating officer PI Anil Jadhav from the Mumbai police’s anti-narcotic cell.
PI Jadhav said that they got to know of Dudu’s activities after they arrested an agent from Goa, Nana, in Mumbai while attempting to distribute 500 ecstasy tablets and 400 LSD tablets in Mumbai pubs and discotheques earlier this month. “He revealed that he had got his supply from an Israeli named Dudu from Anjuna. Based on this information, we raided his house and brought him to Mumbai for further investigations.”
Dudu has been booked under section 8 (interstate movement of narcotics), section 22 (possession of drugs) and section 29 (abettment and participation in a criminal conspiracy) under the NPDS Act.
Dudu has been living in Goa for a few years. According to documents submitted by him before the Adhoc Additional District judge, Panaji in a civil suit filed by him against the state government for serving him a deportation order in 2006, Dudu said that he had come to Goa for the first time in November 2003 and set up a company — Dudu Division Import Export Private Limited — along with his Israeli wife Ronit Harel and Goan partner Sagar Adelkar in 2004.
He also informed the court that he had come to Goa on a business visa from Bangkok and was staying in a rented house at Gaonkarwaddo, Anjuna since 2004. His company, formed with the objective of buying, selling, importing, exporting, general trading in textiles and garments, was registered as a private limited company on April 23, 2004, with its office at Gaonkarwaddo.
Dudu had been under police scrutiny in Goa and the state government had made two attempts to deport him. “We had strong suspicions that he was dealing in drugs. We had raided his house twice, but it didn’t yield any results,” said SP (ANC) Omprakash Kudtarkar.
In an attempt in 2006, the home department on February 15, 2006 had issued a deportation order asking him to leave the country within 15 days. However, Dudu challenged the order in the Adhoc Additional District court, Panaji, stating that the visa granted by the Indian embassy in Bangkok, extended up to October 26, 2006 and had not yet expired.
Dudu continued to stay in the country even after his visa expired and on October 28, 2006, the Anjuna police booked him for overstaying. The state government issued a “Leave India Notice” to him on November 2, 2006, soon after Dudu wrote to the Home department requesting an extension of stay in India for him and his wife, which was denied. “As the matter is still pending in court, he continues to stay in Goa,” added SP Fernandes.
September 30.2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
‘Over 250 drug dealers in Goa’
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: David Driham aka Dudu, picked up by the Mumbai cops on September 20 from Anjuna, has revealed that there are more than 250 people dealing in narcotics in the state.
“During interrogations, Dudu revealed that there is a gang of about 250 people dealing in drugs and all of them are operating from Goa. However, he has not revealed from where and how the narcotic
drugs come to Goa,” said investigating officer PI Anil Jadhav from the Mumbai police’s anti-narcotic cell.
PI Jadhav said that they got to know of Dudu’s activities after they arrested an agent from Goa, Nana, in Mumbai while attempting to distribute 500 ecstasy tablets and 400 LSD tablets in Mumbai pubs and discotheques earlier this month. “He revealed that he had got his supply from an Israeli named Dudu from Anjuna. Based on this information, we raided his house and brought him to Mumbai for further investigations.”
Dudu has been booked under section 8 (interstate movement of narcotics), section 22 (possession of drugs) and section 29 (abettment and participation in a criminal conspiracy) under the NPDS Act.
Dudu has been living in Goa for a few years. According to documents submitted by him before the Adhoc Additional District judge, Panaji in a civil suit filed by him against the state government for serving him a deportation order in 2006, Dudu said that he had come to Goa for the first time in November 2003 and set up a company — Dudu Division Import Export Private Limited — along with his Israeli wife Ronit Harel and Goan partner Sagar Adelkar in 2004.
He also informed the court that he had come to Goa on a business visa from Bangkok and was staying in a rented house at Gaonkarwaddo, Anjuna since 2004. His company, formed with the objective of buying, selling, importing, exporting, general trading in textiles and garments, was registered as a private limited company on April 23, 2004, with its office at Gaonkarwaddo.
Dudu had been under police scrutiny in Goa and the state government had made two attempts to deport him. “We had strong suspicions that he was dealing in drugs. We had raided his house twice, but it didn’t yield any results,” said SP (ANC) Omprakash Kudtarkar.
In an attempt in 2006, the home department on February 15, 2006 had issued a deportation order asking him to leave the country within 15 days. However, Dudu challenged the order in the Adhoc Additional District court, Panaji, stating that the visa granted by the Indian embassy in Bangkok, extended up to October 26, 2006 and had not yet expired.
Dudu continued to stay in the country even after his visa expired and on October 28, 2006, the Anjuna police booked him for overstaying. The state government issued a “Leave India Notice” to him on November 2, 2006, soon after Dudu wrote to the Home department requesting an extension of stay in India for him and his wife, which was denied. “As the matter is still pending in court, he continues to stay in Goa,” added SP Fernandes.
September 30.2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
AC at Goa Medical College ICU not working for one month
ACs at GMC ICU not working for one month
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The air conditioner at GMC’s intensive care unit has not been working for the last one month. And the ACs at coronary care unit and intermediate intensive care unit have been out for a week.
Doctors say such facilities—they being closed areas and patients being in critical condition—24x7 functioning ACs are essential. “The functioning of ACs is a must to maintain sterility, circulation of air and a comfortable ambient temperature for patients,” said Dr Rufino Monteiro, who also works with the ICU at Vintage Hospital, Panaji.
“If the AC doesn’t function 24x7, the room temperature will rise, causing discomfort to patients, disturb their metabolism and deteriorate their condition, besides increasing the risk of infection,” he said.
GMC’s medical superintendent, Rajan Kunkolienkar, said, “For the last two-three weeks there has been trouble as the main transformer has some snag. We have informed Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation and they are in the process of getting replacements. Though the AC is functioning periodically, the effect is not perfect.”
Doctors fear this could increase the risk of infections among patients and also lead to the damage of expensive equipment, like the machine monitoring cardiovascular parameters, respiratory, renal and nervous system functioning.
GSIDC electrical manager N R Vhaval said, “There is a problem with the transformer, but the AC plant works either with the help of the transformer or generator. We don’t know whether the AC is in operation in the rooms as the operating contract is not with us. Even if the AC plant is working but the air handling unit maintained by GMC is not started in the respective rooms, there won’t be any cooling.” Kunkolienkar also said GMC had purchased a new transformer, which arrived on Saturday and would be installed soon. GSIDC confirmed this.
While patients affected by life threatening conditions like acute respiratory failure, cardiac failure, deep coma or major trauma patients are admitted to the ICU, patients with cardiac arrest and blood pressure problems are admitted at the CCU. GMC’s ICU has eight beds, CCU has seven beds and the ICCU has 18 beds.
September 30, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The air conditioner at GMC’s intensive care unit has not been working for the last one month. And the ACs at coronary care unit and intermediate intensive care unit have been out for a week.
Doctors say such facilities—they being closed areas and patients being in critical condition—24x7 functioning ACs are essential. “The functioning of ACs is a must to maintain sterility, circulation of air and a comfortable ambient temperature for patients,” said Dr Rufino Monteiro, who also works with the ICU at Vintage Hospital, Panaji.
“If the AC doesn’t function 24x7, the room temperature will rise, causing discomfort to patients, disturb their metabolism and deteriorate their condition, besides increasing the risk of infection,” he said.
GMC’s medical superintendent, Rajan Kunkolienkar, said, “For the last two-three weeks there has been trouble as the main transformer has some snag. We have informed Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation and they are in the process of getting replacements. Though the AC is functioning periodically, the effect is not perfect.”
Doctors fear this could increase the risk of infections among patients and also lead to the damage of expensive equipment, like the machine monitoring cardiovascular parameters, respiratory, renal and nervous system functioning.
GSIDC electrical manager N R Vhaval said, “There is a problem with the transformer, but the AC plant works either with the help of the transformer or generator. We don’t know whether the AC is in operation in the rooms as the operating contract is not with us. Even if the AC plant is working but the air handling unit maintained by GMC is not started in the respective rooms, there won’t be any cooling.” Kunkolienkar also said GMC had purchased a new transformer, which arrived on Saturday and would be installed soon. GSIDC confirmed this.
While patients affected by life threatening conditions like acute respiratory failure, cardiac failure, deep coma or major trauma patients are admitted to the ICU, patients with cardiac arrest and blood pressure problems are admitted at the CCU. GMC’s ICU has eight beds, CCU has seven beds and the ICCU has 18 beds.
September 30, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Monday, September 29, 2008
BITTER PILL Smoking ban will affect business: Shack owners
BITTER PILL
Smoking ban will affect business: Shack owners
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Even as the government is gearing up to prohibit smoking in public places from October 2, owners of pubs and shacks claim that this move ‘would affect their business and reduce their clientele’.
“More than 90% tourists, especially foreigners, who come to the shacks come to drink, smoke, make merry and enjoy the beauty of the sea. If we ask them not to smoke, then it will reduce our clientele and affect tourism,” said All Goa Shack Owners Welfare Association president, Cruz Cardozo. He said that they would be making a representation to the government to relax the ban for the tourists who visit the shacks, as 90% of the guests smoke. “We can’t stop our guests from smoking, we can only request them not to smoke. We hope the government would grant us permission to place tables and chairs outside the shack so that people who want to smoke, can sit at the beach and smoke,” said shack owner from Betalbatim Inacio Fernandes.
According to Dr Shekhar Salkar, general secretary of an NGO National Organization for Tobacco Eradication (NOTE), “If a shack has sitting capacity of more than 31, they should have smoking
zone. If the number is less than 30, then they should be smoke free. The deck beds belong to the shack owner and it should also be smoke free.”
The government of India has notified revised rules on the Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places on 30 May 2008, which would be enforced by the Goa government in the state from October 2. As per the revised rules, smoking is banned in shopping malls, cinema halls, public/private work places, hotels, banquet halls, discotheques, canteens, coffee houses, pubs, bars, airport lounges and railway stations.
A few shack owners state that there is a need to create awareness amongst tourists about the smoking ban to avoid any confrontations. “If someone comes smoking into the shack, we can’t ask them to leave. It is inhospitable and would affect business. But we will request them to go and sit on the deck beds placed on the beach and smoke,” said a shack owner from Arambol, Suresh Barde.
Meanwhile, some of the night pubs have decided to adhere to the government policy. R Chandrashekar, director of finance, Goa Marriott Resort, said that they will abide by the law in letter and spirit.
“Smoking will be prohibited in the entire hotel premises as prescribed by the Act .We have always been cooperative towards every government policy,” he added.
September 29, 2008,The Times of India, Goa edition
Smoking ban will affect business: Shack owners
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Even as the government is gearing up to prohibit smoking in public places from October 2, owners of pubs and shacks claim that this move ‘would affect their business and reduce their clientele’.
“More than 90% tourists, especially foreigners, who come to the shacks come to drink, smoke, make merry and enjoy the beauty of the sea. If we ask them not to smoke, then it will reduce our clientele and affect tourism,” said All Goa Shack Owners Welfare Association president, Cruz Cardozo. He said that they would be making a representation to the government to relax the ban for the tourists who visit the shacks, as 90% of the guests smoke. “We can’t stop our guests from smoking, we can only request them not to smoke. We hope the government would grant us permission to place tables and chairs outside the shack so that people who want to smoke, can sit at the beach and smoke,” said shack owner from Betalbatim Inacio Fernandes.
According to Dr Shekhar Salkar, general secretary of an NGO National Organization for Tobacco Eradication (NOTE), “If a shack has sitting capacity of more than 31, they should have smoking
zone. If the number is less than 30, then they should be smoke free. The deck beds belong to the shack owner and it should also be smoke free.”
The government of India has notified revised rules on the Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places on 30 May 2008, which would be enforced by the Goa government in the state from October 2. As per the revised rules, smoking is banned in shopping malls, cinema halls, public/private work places, hotels, banquet halls, discotheques, canteens, coffee houses, pubs, bars, airport lounges and railway stations.
A few shack owners state that there is a need to create awareness amongst tourists about the smoking ban to avoid any confrontations. “If someone comes smoking into the shack, we can’t ask them to leave. It is inhospitable and would affect business. But we will request them to go and sit on the deck beds placed on the beach and smoke,” said a shack owner from Arambol, Suresh Barde.
Meanwhile, some of the night pubs have decided to adhere to the government policy. R Chandrashekar, director of finance, Goa Marriott Resort, said that they will abide by the law in letter and spirit.
“Smoking will be prohibited in the entire hotel premises as prescribed by the Act .We have always been cooperative towards every government policy,” he added.
September 29, 2008,The Times of India, Goa edition
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Cops: Goa nightclubs sitting ducks for terrorists
Cops: Goa nightclubs sitting ducks for terrorists
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Nightclubs in the state will continue to rock, but under the glare of security. Calling discotheques and other entertainment venues, “sitting ducks for terrorists”, the police have issued notices asking them to strengthen security or face consequences, which could lead to imprisonment.
Pointing out that several entertainment and nightclubs premises were unsafe, director general of police B S Brar said, “Goa is a tourist state and we have to ensure that all premises are reasonably safe. If it is not so, and the owners permit entry of people with this knowledge, legal action would be taken against them under section 304 and 304 (a) of IPC.”
While section 304 of IPC deals with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, section 304A deals with causing death by negligence not amounting to culpable homicide.
“Goa being a tourist destination can be the potential target for terrorist attacks. To ensure security we are taking these steps as a majority of discotheques and entertainment zones in the coastal areas are sitting ducks for terrorists,” said SP (north) Bosco George.
Rushing to meet the demands of the police, a few nightclubs have hired women bouncers as “door security” staff along with male bouncers, while others have banned the parking of vehicles close to the venue, besides illuminating the area, installing CCTVs and metal detectors.
“We have everything in place to ensure safety and security of our guests. We have placed a metal detector at the entrance and have not only employed male bouncers but even female bouncers for the first time,” said David D’Souza of Club Titos and Cafe Mambo at Baga. Besides illuminating the place, Titos have also installed CCTVs on the road leading to the nightclubs as well as inside the club and ensured that no one parks close to the venue. Nightclubs to frisk guests
Panaji: Night clubs in Goa are getting ready to face the terror threat. Steve Fernandes of Hill Top Disco at Anjuna said, “Anyone who enters the discotheque will be frisked by male and female bouncers throughout the season. Besides, no one will be allowed to enter the premise with their handbags.”
With a heightened terror threat perception, police in coastal areas are inspecting “unsafe” premises, especially night clubs, discotheques and dance floors, checking the security system. If the security facilities are found to be poor, a notice under section 149 of CrPC stating that in case of mishap, a case under section 304 of the IPC would be registered against the owner.
While the Calangute police have issued five notices, the Anjuna police have started inspections. Police admit that the notice would be issued to those premises which have few entry and exit points, no emergency exit, a narrow, ill lit access making it difficult for a fire engine or ambulance to come close in case of emergency, premises without a CCTV or metal detector and proper parking place.
September 28, 2008 Front Page Page 1, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Nightclubs in the state will continue to rock, but under the glare of security. Calling discotheques and other entertainment venues, “sitting ducks for terrorists”, the police have issued notices asking them to strengthen security or face consequences, which could lead to imprisonment.
Pointing out that several entertainment and nightclubs premises were unsafe, director general of police B S Brar said, “Goa is a tourist state and we have to ensure that all premises are reasonably safe. If it is not so, and the owners permit entry of people with this knowledge, legal action would be taken against them under section 304 and 304 (a) of IPC.”
While section 304 of IPC deals with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, section 304A deals with causing death by negligence not amounting to culpable homicide.
“Goa being a tourist destination can be the potential target for terrorist attacks. To ensure security we are taking these steps as a majority of discotheques and entertainment zones in the coastal areas are sitting ducks for terrorists,” said SP (north) Bosco George.
Rushing to meet the demands of the police, a few nightclubs have hired women bouncers as “door security” staff along with male bouncers, while others have banned the parking of vehicles close to the venue, besides illuminating the area, installing CCTVs and metal detectors.
“We have everything in place to ensure safety and security of our guests. We have placed a metal detector at the entrance and have not only employed male bouncers but even female bouncers for the first time,” said David D’Souza of Club Titos and Cafe Mambo at Baga. Besides illuminating the place, Titos have also installed CCTVs on the road leading to the nightclubs as well as inside the club and ensured that no one parks close to the venue. Nightclubs to frisk guests
Panaji: Night clubs in Goa are getting ready to face the terror threat. Steve Fernandes of Hill Top Disco at Anjuna said, “Anyone who enters the discotheque will be frisked by male and female bouncers throughout the season. Besides, no one will be allowed to enter the premise with their handbags.”
With a heightened terror threat perception, police in coastal areas are inspecting “unsafe” premises, especially night clubs, discotheques and dance floors, checking the security system. If the security facilities are found to be poor, a notice under section 149 of CrPC stating that in case of mishap, a case under section 304 of the IPC would be registered against the owner.
While the Calangute police have issued five notices, the Anjuna police have started inspections. Police admit that the notice would be issued to those premises which have few entry and exit points, no emergency exit, a narrow, ill lit access making it difficult for a fire engine or ambulance to come close in case of emergency, premises without a CCTV or metal detector and proper parking place.
September 28, 2008 Front Page Page 1, The Times of India, Goa edition
Friday, September 26, 2008
Classmate assaults Margao girl, posts video on Youtube
Classmate assaults Margao girl, posts video on Youtube
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Margao: A video recording of a standard XII student being beaten up by a fellow student in the classroom and uploaded on youtube has left the victim depressed and traumatized.
The victim, a student of RMS higher secondary school Margao, in a complaint to the police said that at 3 pm on September 13, a classmate called her to the classroom stating that she wanted to talk to her. She then began to abuse and hit her. The following day, the victim learnt that a video clipping of her being beaten up had been uploaded on the net.
“I am hurt about the nasty comments on the internet against me. I suspect that the whole incident was planned to defame me,” said the victim, who has not attended class since that day and says she will never again go to the school. “Everybody is laughing at me. I have become a butt of ridicule and I can’t take the taunts and unwarranted comments from my schoolmates,” added the victim.
School principal Vinod Pawar admitted that the incident had occurred in the school. “We have asked for an explanation from both students. Both are adolescents and we are trying to sort the matter
amicably. If a compromise is not arrived at, I would have to take appropriate action.”
Pawar blamed the parents for the situation. “At all parents-teachers meetings, I had requested parents not to provide mobile phones to their children. Yet, more than 50% of the students bring mobiles and some misuse them. Parents are themselves responsible for such irresponsible behaviour of the students,” said Pawar.
Meanwhile, the girl’s mother has demanded action against the girl who assaulted her daughter and forwarded the video clip to mobile phones and posted it on internet sites.
In her complaint to the principal, she said that in the previous few days she had noticed an abrupt change in her daughter’s behaviour, which prompted her to quiz her. The mother claimed that the girl, otherwise “vibrant and vivacious”, had turned “distraught and depressed”, and was reluctantly attending class.
Upon questioning her daughter, the mother learnt that the former had been assaulted by one of her classmates and that a video clipping of the assault was being circulated among the students through mobile phones and the on internet.
The Margao police have registered a complaint and are investigating the matter.
September 26,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Margao: A video recording of a standard XII student being beaten up by a fellow student in the classroom and uploaded on youtube has left the victim depressed and traumatized.
The victim, a student of RMS higher secondary school Margao, in a complaint to the police said that at 3 pm on September 13, a classmate called her to the classroom stating that she wanted to talk to her. She then began to abuse and hit her. The following day, the victim learnt that a video clipping of her being beaten up had been uploaded on the net.
“I am hurt about the nasty comments on the internet against me. I suspect that the whole incident was planned to defame me,” said the victim, who has not attended class since that day and says she will never again go to the school. “Everybody is laughing at me. I have become a butt of ridicule and I can’t take the taunts and unwarranted comments from my schoolmates,” added the victim.
School principal Vinod Pawar admitted that the incident had occurred in the school. “We have asked for an explanation from both students. Both are adolescents and we are trying to sort the matter
amicably. If a compromise is not arrived at, I would have to take appropriate action.”
Pawar blamed the parents for the situation. “At all parents-teachers meetings, I had requested parents not to provide mobile phones to their children. Yet, more than 50% of the students bring mobiles and some misuse them. Parents are themselves responsible for such irresponsible behaviour of the students,” said Pawar.
Meanwhile, the girl’s mother has demanded action against the girl who assaulted her daughter and forwarded the video clip to mobile phones and posted it on internet sites.
In her complaint to the principal, she said that in the previous few days she had noticed an abrupt change in her daughter’s behaviour, which prompted her to quiz her. The mother claimed that the girl, otherwise “vibrant and vivacious”, had turned “distraught and depressed”, and was reluctantly attending class.
Upon questioning her daughter, the mother learnt that the former had been assaulted by one of her classmates and that a video clipping of the assault was being circulated among the students through mobile phones and the on internet.
The Margao police have registered a complaint and are investigating the matter.
September 26,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Panaji cops arrest bird thief
PANAJI: The Panaji police arrested one Pratik Soste (36), wanted by the Pune police for his involvement in the theft of foreign birds worth Rs 12-15 lakh.
The accused was arrested at the Panaji bus stand. Police inspector Francisco Corte said that Soste was in Goa for the last three months and was staying at Old Goa.
"The Pune police had informed us that he was involved in the theft of expensive foreign birds," the PI said. The Goa police have intimated their Pune counterparts about the arrest.
September 26, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
The accused was arrested at the Panaji bus stand. Police inspector Francisco Corte said that Soste was in Goa for the last three months and was staying at Old Goa.
"The Pune police had informed us that he was involved in the theft of expensive foreign birds," the PI said. The Goa police have intimated their Pune counterparts about the arrest.
September 26, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Thursday, September 25, 2008
CHARTERS WARNED:Drunken tourists to be sent back
CHARTERS WARNED
Drunken tourists to be sent back
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: The immigration department of the Goa police has made it clear to charter and tour operators in the state that if any foreign tourist creates nuisance at the airport under the influence of alcohol then it (immigration department) may even issue a ‘request to leave’ (RTL) notice to the concerned airlines.
At a meeting of all charter and tour operators on Wednesday at the police headquarters — to discuss various issues related to charter flights for the season from October to May 2009 — the SP (immigration), Tony Fernandes, said, “During the last charter season it was noted that many passengers, particularly from Russia, arrived under heavy influence of alcohol and created nuisance in the arrival bay. Immigration reserves the right to accept or reject
such passengers and if required issue a RTL notice to the concerned airlines.”
The police have also asked for an advance list of charter flights to be operated by different flight operators with dates and arrival and departure timings.
September 25,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Drunken tourists to be sent back
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: The immigration department of the Goa police has made it clear to charter and tour operators in the state that if any foreign tourist creates nuisance at the airport under the influence of alcohol then it (immigration department) may even issue a ‘request to leave’ (RTL) notice to the concerned airlines.
At a meeting of all charter and tour operators on Wednesday at the police headquarters — to discuss various issues related to charter flights for the season from October to May 2009 — the SP (immigration), Tony Fernandes, said, “During the last charter season it was noted that many passengers, particularly from Russia, arrived under heavy influence of alcohol and created nuisance in the arrival bay. Immigration reserves the right to accept or reject
such passengers and if required issue a RTL notice to the concerned airlines.”
The police have also asked for an advance list of charter flights to be operated by different flight operators with dates and arrival and departure timings.
September 25,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Goa DGP seeks to curb political transfers
DGP seeks to curb political transfers
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Police officers seeking transfers through political pressure may not get them this time. Stymieing transfer moves by police officers before the tourist season, DGP B S Brar in a letter to the chief secretary said that “the Police Establishment Board continues to receive number of requests asking for transfer, but the operation officers have to serve a minimum tenure of two years”.
The letter goes on to say that “the home department may circulate the concerned portion of an SC judgment (in this regard) to all concerned”. Senior police officials admit that Brar’s note would have a dual effect. “It will put an end to the number of police officials approaching politicians to ensure a transfer before the tourist season. This would end the phenomenon of frequent and indiscriminate transfers ordered on political considerations,” said an official. Transfer guidelines for cops as per SC
Panaji: The state DGP B S Brar has written a letter to the chief secretary stating “the Police Establishment Board continues to receive number of requests asking for transfer, but the operation officers have to serve a minimum tenure of two years.”
When contacted, Brar said he was following orders of the Supreme Court in the Prakash Singh and others versus the Union of India case. “As per the Supreme Court guidelines, SP in charge of a district and police inspector incharge of a police station can’t be transferred unless they have completed two years.”
According to the Supreme Court judgement, an IGP, an SP in charge of district and station house officer incharge of a police station, “shall have a prescribed minimum tenure of two year unless it is found necessary to remove them prematurely following disciplinary proceedings against them or their conviction in a criminal offence or in a case of corruption or if the incumbent is otherwise incapacitated from discharging his responsibilities.”
Said DGP Brar, “This two year tenure is essential as the officers have developed a knowledge of the area and the people, and shouldn’t be disturbed, for effective policing and police-community relations.”
Police sources admit that during the month of September there had been an increased interaction of police officers with politicians to ensure plum postings, especially in tourism areas. “There has been increased pressure on the police headquarters from politicians to transfer police officials to hot police stations before the onset of tourist season,” said a senior police official. But Brar is firm that the two year rule shall be strictly enforced.
Meanwhile, IGP Kishan Kumar at an interaction with the beat constables of North Goa on Monday evening said that the success of the beat system would be achieved only if the beat constables are not transferred for at least two years.
September 25,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Police officers seeking transfers through political pressure may not get them this time. Stymieing transfer moves by police officers before the tourist season, DGP B S Brar in a letter to the chief secretary said that “the Police Establishment Board continues to receive number of requests asking for transfer, but the operation officers have to serve a minimum tenure of two years”.
The letter goes on to say that “the home department may circulate the concerned portion of an SC judgment (in this regard) to all concerned”. Senior police officials admit that Brar’s note would have a dual effect. “It will put an end to the number of police officials approaching politicians to ensure a transfer before the tourist season. This would end the phenomenon of frequent and indiscriminate transfers ordered on political considerations,” said an official. Transfer guidelines for cops as per SC
Panaji: The state DGP B S Brar has written a letter to the chief secretary stating “the Police Establishment Board continues to receive number of requests asking for transfer, but the operation officers have to serve a minimum tenure of two years.”
When contacted, Brar said he was following orders of the Supreme Court in the Prakash Singh and others versus the Union of India case. “As per the Supreme Court guidelines, SP in charge of a district and police inspector incharge of a police station can’t be transferred unless they have completed two years.”
According to the Supreme Court judgement, an IGP, an SP in charge of district and station house officer incharge of a police station, “shall have a prescribed minimum tenure of two year unless it is found necessary to remove them prematurely following disciplinary proceedings against them or their conviction in a criminal offence or in a case of corruption or if the incumbent is otherwise incapacitated from discharging his responsibilities.”
Said DGP Brar, “This two year tenure is essential as the officers have developed a knowledge of the area and the people, and shouldn’t be disturbed, for effective policing and police-community relations.”
Police sources admit that during the month of September there had been an increased interaction of police officers with politicians to ensure plum postings, especially in tourism areas. “There has been increased pressure on the police headquarters from politicians to transfer police officials to hot police stations before the onset of tourist season,” said a senior police official. But Brar is firm that the two year rule shall be strictly enforced.
Meanwhile, IGP Kishan Kumar at an interaction with the beat constables of North Goa on Monday evening said that the success of the beat system would be achieved only if the beat constables are not transferred for at least two years.
September 25,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Shrusti makes Thorats smile
Shrusti makes Thorats smile
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Regaining consciousness on Monday, Shrusti Thorat who survived the accident that killed the rest of her family, smiled at doctors and asked for her parents.
“I had no answer and simply told her that they would be coming soon. I don’t know how long I will be able to hide the truth from her,” said Rupesh Thorat, her uncle, consternation writ large on his face.
Four-year-old Shrusti was unconscious at the Goa Medical College ICU since last Monday. In the grief the Thorat family is going through — they have lost their son Sunil, 35, his wife Jyoti, 30, and their six-month-old son Vinayak — Shrusti’s innocent smile on Monday came as a soothing salve.
“She was her father’s darling and very attached to him. She would miss him terribly whenever he went out for long,” said Rupesh.
Doctors said that Shrusti, admitted to GMC in a critical condition with severe head and chest injuries, is better. “Though she is under post-traumatic stress, she is conscious and her condition is improving,” doctors said. She was taken off the ventilator and shifted to the neuro surgery ward on Tuesday afternoon. Doctors said that Shrusti doesn’t seem to remember much about the moments before the deadly collision.
Describing Shrusti as a stubborn and mischievous girl, an emotional Rupesh said, “She is a fighter. Even at home, if she felt she was right, she would argue till she drove her point home.” It is, perhaps, the same fighting spirit that helped little Shrusti fight death. Shrusti was admitted to the GMC after her family, heading home to Mollem met with an accident at Palaskatta, Sukhtolem in Mollem. Thorats yet to get over shock
Panaji: Shrusti Thorat, the little girl who survived the fatal mishap that killed the rest of her family, has been taken off the ventilator and ever since, she’s been crying for her parents.
In the accident that took place last week, Sunil, who was driving the car in which the family was travelling, lost control and crashed into a tipper truck carrying iron ore and proceeding to Usgao, Tisk. Police said that Sunil was over speeding and the impact of the accident damaged the front portion of the car and the tipper.
Recollecting the events of that Monday evening, Rupesh said his family is yet to recover from the shock. “Sunil was the obedient son, who listened to my father and handled all his tasks. My father is yet to recover from the shock and is being treated by a doctor. We hope that news of Shrusti’s recovery will act like a balm for him,” said Rupesh.
Sunil, the younger of the family was living with his parents and ran a grocery shop in Mollem and rented out jeeps to tourists visiting Dudhsagar. His family said that this was not the first time Sunil had met with a collision at the same spot. “He collided with a motorcycle in 2005, but both walked away with minor knee injuries. After that he rarely drove and on Monday, he had driven when the accident occurred,” said Rupesh.
September 24, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Regaining consciousness on Monday, Shrusti Thorat who survived the accident that killed the rest of her family, smiled at doctors and asked for her parents.
“I had no answer and simply told her that they would be coming soon. I don’t know how long I will be able to hide the truth from her,” said Rupesh Thorat, her uncle, consternation writ large on his face.
Four-year-old Shrusti was unconscious at the Goa Medical College ICU since last Monday. In the grief the Thorat family is going through — they have lost their son Sunil, 35, his wife Jyoti, 30, and their six-month-old son Vinayak — Shrusti’s innocent smile on Monday came as a soothing salve.
“She was her father’s darling and very attached to him. She would miss him terribly whenever he went out for long,” said Rupesh.
Doctors said that Shrusti, admitted to GMC in a critical condition with severe head and chest injuries, is better. “Though she is under post-traumatic stress, she is conscious and her condition is improving,” doctors said. She was taken off the ventilator and shifted to the neuro surgery ward on Tuesday afternoon. Doctors said that Shrusti doesn’t seem to remember much about the moments before the deadly collision.
Describing Shrusti as a stubborn and mischievous girl, an emotional Rupesh said, “She is a fighter. Even at home, if she felt she was right, she would argue till she drove her point home.” It is, perhaps, the same fighting spirit that helped little Shrusti fight death. Shrusti was admitted to the GMC after her family, heading home to Mollem met with an accident at Palaskatta, Sukhtolem in Mollem. Thorats yet to get over shock
Panaji: Shrusti Thorat, the little girl who survived the fatal mishap that killed the rest of her family, has been taken off the ventilator and ever since, she’s been crying for her parents.
In the accident that took place last week, Sunil, who was driving the car in which the family was travelling, lost control and crashed into a tipper truck carrying iron ore and proceeding to Usgao, Tisk. Police said that Sunil was over speeding and the impact of the accident damaged the front portion of the car and the tipper.
Recollecting the events of that Monday evening, Rupesh said his family is yet to recover from the shock. “Sunil was the obedient son, who listened to my father and handled all his tasks. My father is yet to recover from the shock and is being treated by a doctor. We hope that news of Shrusti’s recovery will act like a balm for him,” said Rupesh.
Sunil, the younger of the family was living with his parents and ran a grocery shop in Mollem and rented out jeeps to tourists visiting Dudhsagar. His family said that this was not the first time Sunil had met with a collision at the same spot. “He collided with a motorcycle in 2005, but both walked away with minor knee injuries. After that he rarely drove and on Monday, he had driven when the accident occurred,” said Rupesh.
September 24, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Security exercise triggers panic
IGP Maintains That It Was A Mock Drill While Rumours Fly Thick And Fast
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Each time a red alert is declared, Goa swings into uncertainty. For, besides heavy patrolling activities, rumormongering also tends to trigger panic among people.
Monday afternoon was no different. Within seconds of a red alert being declared, fear and uncertainty only got more pronounced. Policemen intensified patrolling and bandobast duties and began checking vehicles, leaving several people stranded.
Meanwhile, rumours that explosives were transported into the state by road were rife. News that explosives had even been detected in Calangute did the rounds. However, these were found to be false. In fact, a few hours later, the red alert was lifted and the whole exercise was termed “a drill to ensure that the police are alert”.
Explaining the need for such drills, IGP Kishan Kumar said, “It’s not just the police, but even people who have to remain vigilant. Public involvement is necessary to fight any sort of terror. This will be a regular practice to ensure that we don’t lower our guard.”
According to IGP Kumar, it is time that the state snaps out of its complacent attitude. “Goa is considered a soft target because people believe that any criminal can enter and leave the state without getting noticed. But now we have to send a clear message that security is our main concern. People should also know about this and help”, he added.
Incidentally, it has been observed that every time a bomb blast occured anywhere in the country during the last five months, red alerts were issued in Goa followed by intensified patrolling. Police presence throughout the state, especially in the coastal areas, tends to get intensified.
To explain the importance of such drills, the beat constables in each area were asked on Monday to involve the general public and make them understand that “terrorism has spread. None of us are safe. Regular checks and drills, even though they might cause some discomfort, are very important for the safety of the state,” said IGP Kumar.
The Goa police terms a stage of preparation of the police during a contingency or emergency a “red alert”. “We increase police visibility on the road to instill confidence in people, besides intensifying security in crowded places like markets, bus stations, railway stations and airports,” said SSP (security) V V Chaudhary.
SP (special branch) Atmaram Deshpande said that people should neither panic nor get upset. “When in doubt, they need to either call the beat officer, nearest police station or the control room. People also shouldn’t fall prey to any sort of rumors as these create unwanted fear. But when a situation really arises, people will tend to become complacent wherein nobody will react, thus leading the troublemakers to take advantage.”
September 23, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Each time a red alert is declared, Goa swings into uncertainty. For, besides heavy patrolling activities, rumormongering also tends to trigger panic among people.
Monday afternoon was no different. Within seconds of a red alert being declared, fear and uncertainty only got more pronounced. Policemen intensified patrolling and bandobast duties and began checking vehicles, leaving several people stranded.
Meanwhile, rumours that explosives were transported into the state by road were rife. News that explosives had even been detected in Calangute did the rounds. However, these were found to be false. In fact, a few hours later, the red alert was lifted and the whole exercise was termed “a drill to ensure that the police are alert”.
Explaining the need for such drills, IGP Kishan Kumar said, “It’s not just the police, but even people who have to remain vigilant. Public involvement is necessary to fight any sort of terror. This will be a regular practice to ensure that we don’t lower our guard.”
According to IGP Kumar, it is time that the state snaps out of its complacent attitude. “Goa is considered a soft target because people believe that any criminal can enter and leave the state without getting noticed. But now we have to send a clear message that security is our main concern. People should also know about this and help”, he added.
Incidentally, it has been observed that every time a bomb blast occured anywhere in the country during the last five months, red alerts were issued in Goa followed by intensified patrolling. Police presence throughout the state, especially in the coastal areas, tends to get intensified.
To explain the importance of such drills, the beat constables in each area were asked on Monday to involve the general public and make them understand that “terrorism has spread. None of us are safe. Regular checks and drills, even though they might cause some discomfort, are very important for the safety of the state,” said IGP Kumar.
The Goa police terms a stage of preparation of the police during a contingency or emergency a “red alert”. “We increase police visibility on the road to instill confidence in people, besides intensifying security in crowded places like markets, bus stations, railway stations and airports,” said SSP (security) V V Chaudhary.
SP (special branch) Atmaram Deshpande said that people should neither panic nor get upset. “When in doubt, they need to either call the beat officer, nearest police station or the control room. People also shouldn’t fall prey to any sort of rumors as these create unwanted fear. But when a situation really arises, people will tend to become complacent wherein nobody will react, thus leading the troublemakers to take advantage.”
September 23, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Goa cops on Anjuna cleansing drive
Cops on Anjuna cleansing drive
Put Onus On Shackowners To Prevent Drugs, Beach Parties
Preetu Nair | TNN
Anjuna: Wild, drug-powered parties on the beach with loud music blaring through the night in Anjuna, marked on the world tourist map as the hippie haven in the sixties and seventies, may be a thing of the past this season. That is, if the government manages to implement its orders properly.
Rocked by the rape and murder of British teenager Scarlett Keeling in February and because of the increased threat perception in the state, the police say they are not taking any chances this tourist season. Local panchayats have been told by the police to ensure that all those who apply for no objection certificates to erect shacks and other tourist amusement centres on the beaches should prohibit the use of narcotic drugs and strictly follow the closing time of 11 pm.
The onus will be on the owners of these establishments if anything untoward happens in or around their premises, a police note to the panchayats said. “Strict measures need to be taken not just to ensure the safety of tourists but also to ensure security. Security of the state comes before tourism, and it’s the police’s responsibility to warn the agencies concerned,” said SP (North) Bosco George.
Owners of shacks and amusement centres have also been asked to display boards prohibiting the use of narcotic drugs. They will have to provide security not only to guests, but their belongings as well by employing guards verified by the police.
PARTY POOPER
Shacks must close down by 11 pm, order police Shackowners will be held responsible for any untoward incident on their premises or nearby Shackowners say the police diktats will hit the tourism industry Shackowners not keen on crackdown
Anjuna: Cracking down on beach parties and drug peddling, the police have asked the Anjuna panchayat to warn shack owners that they would be held responsible for anything untoward happening in and around their establishments. Hence, they should be prompt to intimate police of any suspicious thing or person in the vicinity of their premises.
A similar letter has also been sent by the Calangute police to the panchayat. “From the security point of view, both Calangute and Anjuna are vulnerable to terror attacks. These precautions are the need of the hour and the community as a whole has to cooperate,” added George.
Goa has been in terror crosshairs because of the large number of foreign tourists it attracts, especially from Russia, the UK, the US and Israel.
However, shackowners are not amused with the police idea. “This will adversely affect tourism. People come here because of the privacy they get and to enjoy the nightlife. We don’t encourage the sale or consumption of drugs in the shacks, but without music and nightlife we won’t have any tourists visiting us,” said All Goa Shack Owners Welfare Society president Cruz Cardozo.
Meanwhile, a request by the Anjuna panchayat to the tourism department to light up Vagator, Anjuna and Ozran beaches with sodium vapour lamps has been turned down.
“We had asked for sanction of 100 sodium vapour lamps and 500 street light fixtures to be provided on existing electricity poles on the beach side. But the tourism department has replied that the government has discontinued with the policy of supplying such material,” said Anjuna sarpanch Sandip Chimulkar.
Panchayat members are now toying with the idea of putting up tubelights and even focus light at strategic locations at the local police's request. “The beach area is absolutely dark. Scarlett’s rape and murder has already given a bad name to the place. This season we want to ensure that the place is safe for tourists. Proper lighting will also act as a deterrent to terrorists who might seek to take advantage of the cover of darkness,” added Chimulkar.
September 21, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Put Onus On Shackowners To Prevent Drugs, Beach Parties
Preetu Nair | TNN
Anjuna: Wild, drug-powered parties on the beach with loud music blaring through the night in Anjuna, marked on the world tourist map as the hippie haven in the sixties and seventies, may be a thing of the past this season. That is, if the government manages to implement its orders properly.
Rocked by the rape and murder of British teenager Scarlett Keeling in February and because of the increased threat perception in the state, the police say they are not taking any chances this tourist season. Local panchayats have been told by the police to ensure that all those who apply for no objection certificates to erect shacks and other tourist amusement centres on the beaches should prohibit the use of narcotic drugs and strictly follow the closing time of 11 pm.
The onus will be on the owners of these establishments if anything untoward happens in or around their premises, a police note to the panchayats said. “Strict measures need to be taken not just to ensure the safety of tourists but also to ensure security. Security of the state comes before tourism, and it’s the police’s responsibility to warn the agencies concerned,” said SP (North) Bosco George.
Owners of shacks and amusement centres have also been asked to display boards prohibiting the use of narcotic drugs. They will have to provide security not only to guests, but their belongings as well by employing guards verified by the police.
PARTY POOPER
Shacks must close down by 11 pm, order police Shackowners will be held responsible for any untoward incident on their premises or nearby Shackowners say the police diktats will hit the tourism industry Shackowners not keen on crackdown
Anjuna: Cracking down on beach parties and drug peddling, the police have asked the Anjuna panchayat to warn shack owners that they would be held responsible for anything untoward happening in and around their establishments. Hence, they should be prompt to intimate police of any suspicious thing or person in the vicinity of their premises.
A similar letter has also been sent by the Calangute police to the panchayat. “From the security point of view, both Calangute and Anjuna are vulnerable to terror attacks. These precautions are the need of the hour and the community as a whole has to cooperate,” added George.
Goa has been in terror crosshairs because of the large number of foreign tourists it attracts, especially from Russia, the UK, the US and Israel.
However, shackowners are not amused with the police idea. “This will adversely affect tourism. People come here because of the privacy they get and to enjoy the nightlife. We don’t encourage the sale or consumption of drugs in the shacks, but without music and nightlife we won’t have any tourists visiting us,” said All Goa Shack Owners Welfare Society president Cruz Cardozo.
Meanwhile, a request by the Anjuna panchayat to the tourism department to light up Vagator, Anjuna and Ozran beaches with sodium vapour lamps has been turned down.
“We had asked for sanction of 100 sodium vapour lamps and 500 street light fixtures to be provided on existing electricity poles on the beach side. But the tourism department has replied that the government has discontinued with the policy of supplying such material,” said Anjuna sarpanch Sandip Chimulkar.
Panchayat members are now toying with the idea of putting up tubelights and even focus light at strategic locations at the local police's request. “The beach area is absolutely dark. Scarlett’s rape and murder has already given a bad name to the place. This season we want to ensure that the place is safe for tourists. Proper lighting will also act as a deterrent to terrorists who might seek to take advantage of the cover of darkness,” added Chimulkar.
September 21, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Medical tourism may take a hit
Medical tourism may take a hit
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Hospitals in Goa engaged in medical tourism forsee a 50% fall in arrival of foreigners this season. Alarmed by initial trends, some hospitals are planning new schemes to attract walk-in foreign tourists.
“We expect a 50% decline among foreign tourists who come for dental, cosmetic or bariatic treatment to Goa. Generally during the tourist season, about 10 rooms are booked by foreigners, but the quantum is expected to be less this season,” said Victor Albuquerque, pioneer in medical tourism in Goa.
There’s been a steep decline in bookings by foreign patients at Albuquerque’s Margao hospital, Apollo Victor. From some 200 bookings by foreigners last year, the number has decreased to 20 this year. “We were expecting a 25% increase in foreign patients and had even tied up with hospitals in UK, but due to the global meltdown and Goa’s image sliding from bad to worse, there has been a drastic decline in the number of patients this season,” said Albuquerque.
Most hospitals in Goa offering cosmetic surgery were expecting an increase of about 25% to 50% of foreign patients this year. “The bookings are low this season even though we were expecting a higher turnout. We just hope there’s no decline in walk-in foreign tourists this season,” said Dr Digambar Naik of Vrundavan hospital, Mapusa.
Interestingly, to attract walk-in foreign tourists, Goan hospitals are now planning new schemes. Said Selvio Fernandes, marketing manager, Campal Clinic, “We are also not far from introducing attractive schemes as it is the need of the hour. However, we have yet to decide on what to offer to our international clients.” LOW COST TREATMENT Schemes to woo medical tourists
Panaji: With hospitals in Goa expecting a decline in foreigners coming for treatment to the state this season, they are thinkin up innovative schemes to woo the medical-tourist.
“We are planning to offer discounts or free health check-ups to walk-in international patients. The whole idea is to make them feel important,” said Edna Noronha, manager (marketing), Apollo Victor hospital.
Some hospitals are planning to send medical teams to examine patients at their hotels rather than have them come to hospital.
Low-cost treatment and better facilities had turned Goa into a hot destination for tourists seeking dental or cosmetic treatment. In 2007, about 250 tourists went under the scapel in a bid to enhance their looks in four hospitals across the state.
A majority of the tourists who came for treatment were
from the United Kingdom and the United States. According to doctors, the most sought after treatments were liposuction (fat removal), facelift, tummy tuck or abdominoplasty, botox treatment and breast enlargement or reduction.
September 19, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Hospitals in Goa engaged in medical tourism forsee a 50% fall in arrival of foreigners this season. Alarmed by initial trends, some hospitals are planning new schemes to attract walk-in foreign tourists.
“We expect a 50% decline among foreign tourists who come for dental, cosmetic or bariatic treatment to Goa. Generally during the tourist season, about 10 rooms are booked by foreigners, but the quantum is expected to be less this season,” said Victor Albuquerque, pioneer in medical tourism in Goa.
There’s been a steep decline in bookings by foreign patients at Albuquerque’s Margao hospital, Apollo Victor. From some 200 bookings by foreigners last year, the number has decreased to 20 this year. “We were expecting a 25% increase in foreign patients and had even tied up with hospitals in UK, but due to the global meltdown and Goa’s image sliding from bad to worse, there has been a drastic decline in the number of patients this season,” said Albuquerque.
Most hospitals in Goa offering cosmetic surgery were expecting an increase of about 25% to 50% of foreign patients this year. “The bookings are low this season even though we were expecting a higher turnout. We just hope there’s no decline in walk-in foreign tourists this season,” said Dr Digambar Naik of Vrundavan hospital, Mapusa.
Interestingly, to attract walk-in foreign tourists, Goan hospitals are now planning new schemes. Said Selvio Fernandes, marketing manager, Campal Clinic, “We are also not far from introducing attractive schemes as it is the need of the hour. However, we have yet to decide on what to offer to our international clients.” LOW COST TREATMENT Schemes to woo medical tourists
Panaji: With hospitals in Goa expecting a decline in foreigners coming for treatment to the state this season, they are thinkin up innovative schemes to woo the medical-tourist.
“We are planning to offer discounts or free health check-ups to walk-in international patients. The whole idea is to make them feel important,” said Edna Noronha, manager (marketing), Apollo Victor hospital.
Some hospitals are planning to send medical teams to examine patients at their hotels rather than have them come to hospital.
Low-cost treatment and better facilities had turned Goa into a hot destination for tourists seeking dental or cosmetic treatment. In 2007, about 250 tourists went under the scapel in a bid to enhance their looks in four hospitals across the state.
A majority of the tourists who came for treatment were
from the United Kingdom and the United States. According to doctors, the most sought after treatments were liposuction (fat removal), facelift, tummy tuck or abdominoplasty, botox treatment and breast enlargement or reduction.
September 19, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Goa cops get cycle allowance: Rs 20
Goa cops get cycle allowance: Rs 20
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Terrorists have gone hitech, but the Goa government still expects its constables and hawaldars to go patrolling on bicycles.
How else can one explain the Rs 20 policemen below the rank of assistant sub-inspector get as cycle allowance? ASIs and inspectors are paid Rs 60 a month as conveyance allowance.
This, at a time when the cost of a litre of petrol is around Rs 50 and a beat constable has to cover about 35 km a day. A constable’s basic salary is about Rs 3,050, while that of a hawaldar is Rs 4,050.
“In certain police stations, constables get Rs 100 and head constables are paid Rs 150 as permanent travel allowance, which depends on the area they have to cover. Not every police station has the benefit,” said SP (headquarters) Omprakash Kudchadkar.
The police department also provides Rs 1,500 as interest free loan to constables and hawaldars to purchase cycles. And a police officer completing 12 years in service is entitled to an interestfree loan of Rs 30,000 to purchase a motorbike.
SP (North) Bosco George said, “Rather than a conveyance allowance, the government should provide vehicles to beat constables. The onus would then be on the beat constable to perform.” WOEFULLY ILL-EQUIPPED
Ensuring peace with junk bikes, paltry allowances
Panaji: Policemen also complain that though police stations have been allotted vehicles, most of them are eight to nine years old and in urgent need of repair.
In North Goa, there are 15 jeeps allotted to 12 police stations. Of these, Panaji, Ponda and Mapusa have been allotted two jeeps each, but one each in Panaji and Ponda have been under repairs for almost a month now.
Besides, say police officials, there are 15 PCR vans in North, of which five have been sent for repairs and of the 70 motorcycles, 16 are fit for condemnation.
In South, all 38 motorcycles and 10 of the 26 jeeps have been recommended for condemnation.
“The government doesn’t understand the practical difficulties faced by a policeman. Basic facilities are not provided, yet the police are expected to work 24x7.
“Till the time a policeman is expected to pay from his pocket for patrolling, no beat system will be successful,” said retired IGP PV Sinari.
Policemen in Goa, which is currently on red alert following blasts in other parts of the country, are doing their job without adequate government vehicles.
It is little consolation that constables and hawaldars are paid a cycle allowance of Rs 20 every month. It is a different matter altogether that officials who go out of their jurisdiction on duty are given a travel allowance.
Advocating vehicles for the police, superintendent of police (SP) (South) Shekhar Prabhudessai said, “Once beat constables are given vehicles, they will have a sense of responsibility as it would be convenient for them to cover the beat area.”
September 18, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Terrorists have gone hitech, but the Goa government still expects its constables and hawaldars to go patrolling on bicycles.
How else can one explain the Rs 20 policemen below the rank of assistant sub-inspector get as cycle allowance? ASIs and inspectors are paid Rs 60 a month as conveyance allowance.
This, at a time when the cost of a litre of petrol is around Rs 50 and a beat constable has to cover about 35 km a day. A constable’s basic salary is about Rs 3,050, while that of a hawaldar is Rs 4,050.
“In certain police stations, constables get Rs 100 and head constables are paid Rs 150 as permanent travel allowance, which depends on the area they have to cover. Not every police station has the benefit,” said SP (headquarters) Omprakash Kudchadkar.
The police department also provides Rs 1,500 as interest free loan to constables and hawaldars to purchase cycles. And a police officer completing 12 years in service is entitled to an interestfree loan of Rs 30,000 to purchase a motorbike.
SP (North) Bosco George said, “Rather than a conveyance allowance, the government should provide vehicles to beat constables. The onus would then be on the beat constable to perform.” WOEFULLY ILL-EQUIPPED
Ensuring peace with junk bikes, paltry allowances
Panaji: Policemen also complain that though police stations have been allotted vehicles, most of them are eight to nine years old and in urgent need of repair.
In North Goa, there are 15 jeeps allotted to 12 police stations. Of these, Panaji, Ponda and Mapusa have been allotted two jeeps each, but one each in Panaji and Ponda have been under repairs for almost a month now.
Besides, say police officials, there are 15 PCR vans in North, of which five have been sent for repairs and of the 70 motorcycles, 16 are fit for condemnation.
In South, all 38 motorcycles and 10 of the 26 jeeps have been recommended for condemnation.
“The government doesn’t understand the practical difficulties faced by a policeman. Basic facilities are not provided, yet the police are expected to work 24x7.
“Till the time a policeman is expected to pay from his pocket for patrolling, no beat system will be successful,” said retired IGP PV Sinari.
Policemen in Goa, which is currently on red alert following blasts in other parts of the country, are doing their job without adequate government vehicles.
It is little consolation that constables and hawaldars are paid a cycle allowance of Rs 20 every month. It is a different matter altogether that officials who go out of their jurisdiction on duty are given a travel allowance.
Advocating vehicles for the police, superintendent of police (SP) (South) Shekhar Prabhudessai said, “Once beat constables are given vehicles, they will have a sense of responsibility as it would be convenient for them to cover the beat area.”
September 18, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Goa:Artful Dodgers pose a headache for cops
Artful Dodgers pose a headache for cops
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Criminal gangs employing children to do the dirty deed are rising in Goa. Not only are children often not suspected, but if caught, the real felon escapes. “There are several criminal gangs using children to commit thefts. Such incidents are increasing and their exploitation by criminal elements in shop and house breaking is a matter of grave concern for us,” said SP (South) Shekhar Prabhudessai.
On an average three to four children in conflict with the law are admitted to Apna Ghar every month. “Some of the children are repeat offenders as there is no proper rehabilitation in place for such kids,” says Beethoven Fonseca, member of the Juvenile Justice Board.
Prabhudessai admitted that when children involved in thefts are caught, the police are unable to take them into custody or interrogate them. “In this way, the mastermind in the thefts goes scot free,” says Prabhudessai. “The Juvenile Justice Act gives blanket exemption to a person below 18 years of age, due to which provisions of the Act are misused by criminal elements,” says Carlos Ferreira, assistant solicitor general of India.
On September two, gold jewellery worth Rs 1.80 lakh was stolen from a house metres away from the Margao police station. Police suspect the thieves sent a child into the house by making a small hole in the bathroom window.
Just two days earlier, two boys (both about 10 years old) were caught by the Margao police for attempting to indulge in petty thefts. They were sent to Apna Ghar, home for children in conflict with law, as well as for children in need of care and shelter.
It’s an organized racket in which children are brought from other states and forced into crime in Goa. Once the act is done, they are sent back home, said Ezilda Sapeco, member of the Commission for Protection of Child Rights. These kids usually come from Karnataka, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh or Rajasthan.
Explaining the modus operandi of the criminals, a police official said, “The most commonly adopted pattern is breaking into a home by making a small hole in the window or bending the shutters of a shop from the middle within one foot of the ground, to enable a child to enter.”
The official said that there have also been instances when a mother carrying a baby indulges in chain snatching at crowded places. “The baby is used to ensure that she doesn’t draw people’s attention by her suspicious movement. Sometimes
children are also used for pickpocketing. It is difficult to get anything out of the children as they are tutored and we can’t be harsh with them,” the official added.
Child activist Bernie D’Souza from Jan Ugahi said, “In most cases, youth use younger vulnerable street children, mostly from incapacitated families. But there are a few cases wherein parents, due to poverty have initiated their children into crime.”
Maintaining that catching these kids and sending them to Apna Ghar is not the solution, D’Souza said, “There are no new skills taught to them nor is there any rehabilitation programme in place. Once they come out of the home, they are back on the street, with no help and are further lured into the world of crime.”
NGOs say that rehabilitation of children is most important. “If children are caught, the punishment is minuscule and they are happy to be at the state run home as they get free shelter and food. There is no effort made to rehabilitate them and help them lead a better life,” says activist Auda Viegas.
September 13, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Criminal gangs employing children to do the dirty deed are rising in Goa. Not only are children often not suspected, but if caught, the real felon escapes. “There are several criminal gangs using children to commit thefts. Such incidents are increasing and their exploitation by criminal elements in shop and house breaking is a matter of grave concern for us,” said SP (South) Shekhar Prabhudessai.
On an average three to four children in conflict with the law are admitted to Apna Ghar every month. “Some of the children are repeat offenders as there is no proper rehabilitation in place for such kids,” says Beethoven Fonseca, member of the Juvenile Justice Board.
Prabhudessai admitted that when children involved in thefts are caught, the police are unable to take them into custody or interrogate them. “In this way, the mastermind in the thefts goes scot free,” says Prabhudessai. “The Juvenile Justice Act gives blanket exemption to a person below 18 years of age, due to which provisions of the Act are misused by criminal elements,” says Carlos Ferreira, assistant solicitor general of India.
On September two, gold jewellery worth Rs 1.80 lakh was stolen from a house metres away from the Margao police station. Police suspect the thieves sent a child into the house by making a small hole in the bathroom window.
Just two days earlier, two boys (both about 10 years old) were caught by the Margao police for attempting to indulge in petty thefts. They were sent to Apna Ghar, home for children in conflict with law, as well as for children in need of care and shelter.
It’s an organized racket in which children are brought from other states and forced into crime in Goa. Once the act is done, they are sent back home, said Ezilda Sapeco, member of the Commission for Protection of Child Rights. These kids usually come from Karnataka, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh or Rajasthan.
Explaining the modus operandi of the criminals, a police official said, “The most commonly adopted pattern is breaking into a home by making a small hole in the window or bending the shutters of a shop from the middle within one foot of the ground, to enable a child to enter.”
The official said that there have also been instances when a mother carrying a baby indulges in chain snatching at crowded places. “The baby is used to ensure that she doesn’t draw people’s attention by her suspicious movement. Sometimes
children are also used for pickpocketing. It is difficult to get anything out of the children as they are tutored and we can’t be harsh with them,” the official added.
Child activist Bernie D’Souza from Jan Ugahi said, “In most cases, youth use younger vulnerable street children, mostly from incapacitated families. But there are a few cases wherein parents, due to poverty have initiated their children into crime.”
Maintaining that catching these kids and sending them to Apna Ghar is not the solution, D’Souza said, “There are no new skills taught to them nor is there any rehabilitation programme in place. Once they come out of the home, they are back on the street, with no help and are further lured into the world of crime.”
NGOs say that rehabilitation of children is most important. “If children are caught, the punishment is minuscule and they are happy to be at the state run home as they get free shelter and food. There is no effort made to rehabilitate them and help them lead a better life,” says activist Auda Viegas.
September 13, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
‘Plaint against Fiona has no locus standi’
‘Plaint against Fiona has no locus standi’
Lawyer Turns Heat On Perpetrators Of Crime
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: Fiona MacKeown, mother of British teenager Scarlett Keeling who was raped and murdered at Anjuna beach, has responded to the show cause notice issued by the director of women and child development.
In her reply, MacKeown said that she wouldn’t be able to appear before the director as she is a single mother of seven minor children and that her presence in England with her children was essential for their care and safety.
The women and child department had issued a show cause notice to MacKeown upon a complaint by Utt Goenkara spokesperson Aires Rodrigues and directed her to be present on Friday. The complaint was filed against her for violation of provisions of the Children’s Act.
Fiona further stated through her lawyer, Vikram Varma, that inadequate notice was given to her to make alternative arrangements for the safety and care of her children
and asked for exemption from personal appearance.
“My client is the natural mother of the deceased Scarlett. She has exhibited her concerns and responsibilities as a parent for Scarlett Eden Keeling from her birth, during her life and even after her death far in excess of the complainant. The complainant’s attempt to display a level of concern and responsibility higher than my client for Scarlett is unnatural, unfounded and misguiding,” reads the response to the director’s notice.
It further states that Keeling was a victim of homicide and it would be in the interest of the perpetrators of the crime to use both threat and legal muscle in browbeating Fiona from not returning to India to assist in investigations.
“The case is in appeal in the high court and the matter is being examined for its tenability. The complaint needs to be dismissed as it has no locus standi on the matter and is not substantiated by a single shred of evidence,” added Varma.
Meanwhile, the director has adjourned the matter to Thursday, September 18.
September 13, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Lawyer Turns Heat On Perpetrators Of Crime
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: Fiona MacKeown, mother of British teenager Scarlett Keeling who was raped and murdered at Anjuna beach, has responded to the show cause notice issued by the director of women and child development.
In her reply, MacKeown said that she wouldn’t be able to appear before the director as she is a single mother of seven minor children and that her presence in England with her children was essential for their care and safety.
The women and child department had issued a show cause notice to MacKeown upon a complaint by Utt Goenkara spokesperson Aires Rodrigues and directed her to be present on Friday. The complaint was filed against her for violation of provisions of the Children’s Act.
Fiona further stated through her lawyer, Vikram Varma, that inadequate notice was given to her to make alternative arrangements for the safety and care of her children
and asked for exemption from personal appearance.
“My client is the natural mother of the deceased Scarlett. She has exhibited her concerns and responsibilities as a parent for Scarlett Eden Keeling from her birth, during her life and even after her death far in excess of the complainant. The complainant’s attempt to display a level of concern and responsibility higher than my client for Scarlett is unnatural, unfounded and misguiding,” reads the response to the director’s notice.
It further states that Keeling was a victim of homicide and it would be in the interest of the perpetrators of the crime to use both threat and legal muscle in browbeating Fiona from not returning to India to assist in investigations.
“The case is in appeal in the high court and the matter is being examined for its tenability. The complaint needs to be dismissed as it has no locus standi on the matter and is not substantiated by a single shred of evidence,” added Varma.
Meanwhile, the director has adjourned the matter to Thursday, September 18.
September 13, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Fiona’s counsel to contest plaint in Scarlett case
Fiona’s counsel to contest plaint in Scarlett case
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: The Director of Child and Women D eve l o p - ment, Sanjiv Gadkar, will on Friday hear the complaint filed by Utt G o e n k a r a spokesman Aires Rodrigues against British teenager Scarlett Keeling’s mother, Fiona Mackeown, for violating the provisions of the Children’s Act.
Gadkar has directed Fiona to remain present before him to show cause as to why action should not be taken against her under the Children’s Act.
Rodrigues had in his complaint stated that Scarlett had come to India with her mother Fiona who left the minor girl in the company of one ‘Julio’ with the intention that the said ‘Julio’ would take care of the girl by giving her food, shelter, money, etc, while the mother along with some male companion and her other children were away holidaying in Gokarna in Karnataka.
“We are responding to the complaint. What we find untenable is that despite this complaint being examined and subsequently dismissed by the Children’s Court, the directorate has found grounds to override the court’s order and pursue this case,” said Fiona’s counsel Vikram Varma.
He said that the complainant ‘has no locus standi and neither has he substantiated his allegations with a single shred of evidence’. “We would like to examine the evidence before responding to it. In the absence of evidence, the complaint ought to be treated as frivolous and an abuse of the process of law. To my mind this complaint needs to be dismissed,” he added.
September 12, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: The Director of Child and Women D eve l o p - ment, Sanjiv Gadkar, will on Friday hear the complaint filed by Utt G o e n k a r a spokesman Aires Rodrigues against British teenager Scarlett Keeling’s mother, Fiona Mackeown, for violating the provisions of the Children’s Act.
Gadkar has directed Fiona to remain present before him to show cause as to why action should not be taken against her under the Children’s Act.
Rodrigues had in his complaint stated that Scarlett had come to India with her mother Fiona who left the minor girl in the company of one ‘Julio’ with the intention that the said ‘Julio’ would take care of the girl by giving her food, shelter, money, etc, while the mother along with some male companion and her other children were away holidaying in Gokarna in Karnataka.
“We are responding to the complaint. What we find untenable is that despite this complaint being examined and subsequently dismissed by the Children’s Court, the directorate has found grounds to override the court’s order and pursue this case,” said Fiona’s counsel Vikram Varma.
He said that the complainant ‘has no locus standi and neither has he substantiated his allegations with a single shred of evidence’. “We would like to examine the evidence before responding to it. In the absence of evidence, the complaint ought to be treated as frivolous and an abuse of the process of law. To my mind this complaint needs to be dismissed,” he added.
September 12, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
WCD chief summons Fiona
WCD chief summons Fiona
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: The director of the Wo m e n and Child d e p a r t - ment, Goa has issued a notice to S c a rl e t t Keeling’s m o t h e r. The director has directed Fiona Mackeown to remain present before him on September 12, 2008, and to show cause why action shouldn’t be taken against her for violation of the provisions of the Goa Children’s Act, 2005.
This notice was issued by WCD director Sanjiv Gadkar on September 2, based on a complaint received from Utt Goenkara spokesman Aires Rodrigues alleging that Fiona has “committed certain acts which constitute an offence under section 8 (1) (2) and (12) of the Goa Children’s Act, 2003.
Gadkar added, “I am satisfied that there exists a prima facie case for enquiring into the said instance of violation of the provisions of the Goa Children’s Act, 2003 by Fiona”. Rodrigues had alleged that Fiona was fully aware that her daughter Scarlett was a minor and yet left her in the company of Julio to take care of the girl by giving her food, shelter and money. “The law mandates that all children within the state of Goa be provided a safe environment wherein parents are responsible to ensure that the child is not abused,” alleged Rodrigues.
Confirming that he had received the notice, Fiona’s counsel Vikram Varma said that his client would respond to the notice. “It would be unprecedented for the government to start a parallel hearing in a matter which is already being heard by the high court of Bombay at Goa.”
Varma further added, “Such an action is ultravires and could be interpreted as contempt, unless initiated with leave or orders from the high court. Perhaps the director was not informed that the proceedings in this matter are being heard in the high court. I am examining the matter and my client would respond to the notice.”
September 6, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: The director of the Wo m e n and Child d e p a r t - ment, Goa has issued a notice to S c a rl e t t Keeling’s m o t h e r. The director has directed Fiona Mackeown to remain present before him on September 12, 2008, and to show cause why action shouldn’t be taken against her for violation of the provisions of the Goa Children’s Act, 2005.
This notice was issued by WCD director Sanjiv Gadkar on September 2, based on a complaint received from Utt Goenkara spokesman Aires Rodrigues alleging that Fiona has “committed certain acts which constitute an offence under section 8 (1) (2) and (12) of the Goa Children’s Act, 2003.
Gadkar added, “I am satisfied that there exists a prima facie case for enquiring into the said instance of violation of the provisions of the Goa Children’s Act, 2003 by Fiona”. Rodrigues had alleged that Fiona was fully aware that her daughter Scarlett was a minor and yet left her in the company of Julio to take care of the girl by giving her food, shelter and money. “The law mandates that all children within the state of Goa be provided a safe environment wherein parents are responsible to ensure that the child is not abused,” alleged Rodrigues.
Confirming that he had received the notice, Fiona’s counsel Vikram Varma said that his client would respond to the notice. “It would be unprecedented for the government to start a parallel hearing in a matter which is already being heard by the high court of Bombay at Goa.”
Varma further added, “Such an action is ultravires and could be interpreted as contempt, unless initiated with leave or orders from the high court. Perhaps the director was not informed that the proceedings in this matter are being heard in the high court. I am examining the matter and my client would respond to the notice.”
September 6, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Friday, September 12, 2008
Maharashtra minister’s hotel at Calangute runs into trouble
Maharashtra minister’s hotel at Calangute runs into trouble
Panchayat Moves High Court To Stall Occupancy Papers
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Calangute panchayat has approached the high court of Bombay at Goa seeking to stall the occupancy certificate issued to Maharashtra revenue minister Narayan Rane’s apartment resort in Goa—Neelam’s The Grand. The panchayat’s contention is that the occupancy certificate was issued “by the panchayat secretary by manipulating and fabricating the minutes”.
Neelam Hotels Pvt Ltd had obtained a construction license on October 11, 2006 and the occupancy certificate was issued on March 13, 2008. A fortnight later, on March 27, the panchayat issued a letter revoking the occupancy certificate stating that according to their records it was found that the occupancy certificate had been issued, “without taking (a) resolution and fabricating and manipulating (the) panchayat minutes book”.
The occupancy certificate was revoked after panchas called a special meeting on March 24, 2008 and resolved that there being, “fabrication and fraud played and hence the minutes stand cancelled and with that all the permissions, licenses, NOC and occupancy certificates is-sued on the basis of these minutes shall stand cancelled”.
The letter to the hotel said, “You are directed not to use the permission/certificate issued to you and any act done on the basis of the same shall be illegal.” A similar letter was sent again in April. ‘Papers fudged during chaos’
Panaji: The Calangute panchayat has moved the Bombay high court at Goa to stall the occupancy certificate of Neelam’s The Grand, a resort owned by Maharashtra revenue minister Narayan Rane.
Calangute sarpanch Joseph Sequeira said that there was a “collapse of the panchayat administration” due to the noconfidence motions passed against the sarpanch and deputy sarpanch between October 2007 and March 15, 2008 and the meeting of February 28 being adjourned without any business being transacted.
“On this day when there was chaos and confusion, minority members of the panchayat with the help of the panchayat secretary and administrator manipulated the records and issued an occupancy certificate to the Neelam Hotels,” said Sequeira. This was done two days before the election of a new sarpanch and deputy sarpanch.
However, events took another turn, when on April 2 the additional director of panchayat passed an ex-parte order under section 178 of Goa Panchayat Raj Act and stayed the panchayat letter and restrained them from taking further action. An upset panchayat on May 14 filed a complaint before the director of panchayats “against the illegality and fabrication of minutes of the panchayat by the secretary and administrator holding charge”. As the director of panchayats refrained from taking action, the panchayat has now filed a petition in the high court challenging the order passed by the additional director of panchayats.
Arvinder Chopra, CEO of Neelam Hotels, said, “The matter is sub-judice and is pending with the director of panchayats and, therefore, I am not in a position to comment.”
Interestingly, in one of the documents filled by Neelam Hotels, they have stated that the use of the property as per ODP/ZP/RP is “settlement” and intended use of the proposed development is “residential”.
September 12, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Panchayat Moves High Court To Stall Occupancy Papers
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Calangute panchayat has approached the high court of Bombay at Goa seeking to stall the occupancy certificate issued to Maharashtra revenue minister Narayan Rane’s apartment resort in Goa—Neelam’s The Grand. The panchayat’s contention is that the occupancy certificate was issued “by the panchayat secretary by manipulating and fabricating the minutes”.
Neelam Hotels Pvt Ltd had obtained a construction license on October 11, 2006 and the occupancy certificate was issued on March 13, 2008. A fortnight later, on March 27, the panchayat issued a letter revoking the occupancy certificate stating that according to their records it was found that the occupancy certificate had been issued, “without taking (a) resolution and fabricating and manipulating (the) panchayat minutes book”.
The occupancy certificate was revoked after panchas called a special meeting on March 24, 2008 and resolved that there being, “fabrication and fraud played and hence the minutes stand cancelled and with that all the permissions, licenses, NOC and occupancy certificates is-sued on the basis of these minutes shall stand cancelled”.
The letter to the hotel said, “You are directed not to use the permission/certificate issued to you and any act done on the basis of the same shall be illegal.” A similar letter was sent again in April. ‘Papers fudged during chaos’
Panaji: The Calangute panchayat has moved the Bombay high court at Goa to stall the occupancy certificate of Neelam’s The Grand, a resort owned by Maharashtra revenue minister Narayan Rane.
Calangute sarpanch Joseph Sequeira said that there was a “collapse of the panchayat administration” due to the noconfidence motions passed against the sarpanch and deputy sarpanch between October 2007 and March 15, 2008 and the meeting of February 28 being adjourned without any business being transacted.
“On this day when there was chaos and confusion, minority members of the panchayat with the help of the panchayat secretary and administrator manipulated the records and issued an occupancy certificate to the Neelam Hotels,” said Sequeira. This was done two days before the election of a new sarpanch and deputy sarpanch.
However, events took another turn, when on April 2 the additional director of panchayat passed an ex-parte order under section 178 of Goa Panchayat Raj Act and stayed the panchayat letter and restrained them from taking further action. An upset panchayat on May 14 filed a complaint before the director of panchayats “against the illegality and fabrication of minutes of the panchayat by the secretary and administrator holding charge”. As the director of panchayats refrained from taking action, the panchayat has now filed a petition in the high court challenging the order passed by the additional director of panchayats.
Arvinder Chopra, CEO of Neelam Hotels, said, “The matter is sub-judice and is pending with the director of panchayats and, therefore, I am not in a position to comment.”
Interestingly, in one of the documents filled by Neelam Hotels, they have stated that the use of the property as per ODP/ZP/RP is “settlement” and intended use of the proposed development is “residential”.
September 12, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
‘3 mines sans permits operate in pvt forests’
‘3 mines sans permits operate in pvt forests’
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Of the five mining leases in the state, whose areas include private forests, three are operating without necessary environmental permissions.
In an affidavit filed last month in the high court of Bombay at Goa, chief conservator of forests Shashi Kumar admitted that the mining leases of Hyder Kassim Khan in Sulcorna, Dr P R Hede in Collem, Kundu Gharse in Tudou, Quexeva Cundo and Hiralal Kholidas in Colamba have private forests within them. He, however, added that, ‘no mining activities are going on in these identified private forest areas’.
However, officials from the forest department say that ‘Kunda Gharse, Quexeva Cundo and Hiralal Kholidas are operating without necessary clearances’. Admitting that the three mines are indeed operating without permission from the ministry of environment and forests, Kumar said, “This will attract the forest conservation Act, as the mine operators have to take necessary permission before starting operations.”
Though the mining lobby claims this has not resulted in any destruction of private forests, environmentalists say that if there is a private forest in any portion of the lease area, no mining operations can be conducted without permission from the ministry of environment and forests under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, (FCA). A fact, which the mining lobby also agrees with, but find ways to circumvent.
Goa Mineral Ore Exporters’ Association (GMOEA) executive director S Sridhar says that often a mine owner is not aware of areas that have been demarcated as private forests.
“As the private forest area is not clearly demarcated, we may start operating in such an area. But once we are intimated about the private forest by the forest department, we then can operate only with permission,” said Sridhar.
What Sridhar means is that if a mine owner obtains a lease to mine in 80 hectares of land, of which 10 hectares have been demarcated as private forest, then they can continue mining without necessary clearances till such time the forest department intimates the lease holder about the demarcated private forest area.
“Mining companies often escape by claiming that they are not working in the forested portion of the lease. However, the law states that whether one is working in the forested part of the lease or on the non-forested part is irrelevant since the lease requires clearance,” said Goa Foundation director Claude Alvares.
The irony is that if the mine owner during this period has destroyed the private forest area due to his alleged ‘ignorance’, there is no penalty other than the lease holder having to stop operations until the required clearance is obtained.
“If the ministry of Environment and Forest wants to grant clearance under FCA 1980, the party must cough up the costs of compensatory afforestation and the Net Present Value of the entire forest on the lease. This can mean a lot of money. The only offence that can be registered against the operators is under the trees Act, which attracts a fine of just Rs 1000. It’s easier to cut and pay,” added Alvares.
Environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar points out that the blame lies not just with the government agencies that fail to act, but also with the people.
“The mines operate with the local people’s support. During public hearings I have filed objections to illegal mines being operated in private forests, but I have been silenced by some villagers, mostly those who operate trucks in the mines,” Kerkar said.
Forest officials also told TOI that while the mining lease of Hyder Kassim Khan in Quepem has FCA clearance and the chief wildlife warden’s NOC, Dr P R Hede in Sanguem has no clearances, but has given an undertaking before the Central Empowered Committee appointed by the Supreme Court that mining operations would not be conducted in the leased area.
Environment minister talks tough
Margao: The minister for environment, Aleixo Sequeira, has expressed his resolve to act tough against all illegal mines operating in the state that are found to be violating pollution control norms and destroying the environment. Addressing reporters at the South Goa collectorate in Margao on Tuesday, Sequeira said that the process of establishing the legality or otherwise of the mines is underway by the department of environment and that action will be initiated against those found guilty. “We are presently scrutinizing the papers of the mining companies against which we have received complaints. We will take appropriate action if illegalities are established,” Sequeira said in reply to a question. Urging the public to bring to his notice any cases of environmental pollution caused by operation of illegal mines, Sequeira assured of prompt action in such matters.
“Though is difficult to monitor operation of mines in rural areas, so far we have taken appropriate action as and when such instances were brought to my notice,” Sequeira added. The environment minister, however, blamed it on the lack of coordination between various regulatory agencies viz ministry for environment, ministry for forest, pollution control board, etc. for violation of laws by the mining companies. “We have instances of forest department giving clearance for operation of mines in its own forest land,” Sequeira observed.
Meanwhile, Sequeira brushed aside all speculations that he will be dropped from the cabinet and appeared quite relaxed when reporters quizzed him over the matter. “The government is stable and so am I,” he quipped in jest. TNN
September 11, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Of the five mining leases in the state, whose areas include private forests, three are operating without necessary environmental permissions.
In an affidavit filed last month in the high court of Bombay at Goa, chief conservator of forests Shashi Kumar admitted that the mining leases of Hyder Kassim Khan in Sulcorna, Dr P R Hede in Collem, Kundu Gharse in Tudou, Quexeva Cundo and Hiralal Kholidas in Colamba have private forests within them. He, however, added that, ‘no mining activities are going on in these identified private forest areas’.
However, officials from the forest department say that ‘Kunda Gharse, Quexeva Cundo and Hiralal Kholidas are operating without necessary clearances’. Admitting that the three mines are indeed operating without permission from the ministry of environment and forests, Kumar said, “This will attract the forest conservation Act, as the mine operators have to take necessary permission before starting operations.”
Though the mining lobby claims this has not resulted in any destruction of private forests, environmentalists say that if there is a private forest in any portion of the lease area, no mining operations can be conducted without permission from the ministry of environment and forests under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, (FCA). A fact, which the mining lobby also agrees with, but find ways to circumvent.
Goa Mineral Ore Exporters’ Association (GMOEA) executive director S Sridhar says that often a mine owner is not aware of areas that have been demarcated as private forests.
“As the private forest area is not clearly demarcated, we may start operating in such an area. But once we are intimated about the private forest by the forest department, we then can operate only with permission,” said Sridhar.
What Sridhar means is that if a mine owner obtains a lease to mine in 80 hectares of land, of which 10 hectares have been demarcated as private forest, then they can continue mining without necessary clearances till such time the forest department intimates the lease holder about the demarcated private forest area.
“Mining companies often escape by claiming that they are not working in the forested portion of the lease. However, the law states that whether one is working in the forested part of the lease or on the non-forested part is irrelevant since the lease requires clearance,” said Goa Foundation director Claude Alvares.
The irony is that if the mine owner during this period has destroyed the private forest area due to his alleged ‘ignorance’, there is no penalty other than the lease holder having to stop operations until the required clearance is obtained.
“If the ministry of Environment and Forest wants to grant clearance under FCA 1980, the party must cough up the costs of compensatory afforestation and the Net Present Value of the entire forest on the lease. This can mean a lot of money. The only offence that can be registered against the operators is under the trees Act, which attracts a fine of just Rs 1000. It’s easier to cut and pay,” added Alvares.
Environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar points out that the blame lies not just with the government agencies that fail to act, but also with the people.
“The mines operate with the local people’s support. During public hearings I have filed objections to illegal mines being operated in private forests, but I have been silenced by some villagers, mostly those who operate trucks in the mines,” Kerkar said.
Forest officials also told TOI that while the mining lease of Hyder Kassim Khan in Quepem has FCA clearance and the chief wildlife warden’s NOC, Dr P R Hede in Sanguem has no clearances, but has given an undertaking before the Central Empowered Committee appointed by the Supreme Court that mining operations would not be conducted in the leased area.
Environment minister talks tough
Margao: The minister for environment, Aleixo Sequeira, has expressed his resolve to act tough against all illegal mines operating in the state that are found to be violating pollution control norms and destroying the environment. Addressing reporters at the South Goa collectorate in Margao on Tuesday, Sequeira said that the process of establishing the legality or otherwise of the mines is underway by the department of environment and that action will be initiated against those found guilty. “We are presently scrutinizing the papers of the mining companies against which we have received complaints. We will take appropriate action if illegalities are established,” Sequeira said in reply to a question. Urging the public to bring to his notice any cases of environmental pollution caused by operation of illegal mines, Sequeira assured of prompt action in such matters.
“Though is difficult to monitor operation of mines in rural areas, so far we have taken appropriate action as and when such instances were brought to my notice,” Sequeira added. The environment minister, however, blamed it on the lack of coordination between various regulatory agencies viz ministry for environment, ministry for forest, pollution control board, etc. for violation of laws by the mining companies. “We have instances of forest department giving clearance for operation of mines in its own forest land,” Sequeira observed.
Meanwhile, Sequeira brushed aside all speculations that he will be dropped from the cabinet and appeared quite relaxed when reporters quizzed him over the matter. “The government is stable and so am I,” he quipped in jest. TNN
September 11, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Onam Away from HOME
Onam Away from HOME
Preetu Nair discovers that Keralites in Goa have adapted the family-centric celebration into a community festival with Goans on the guest list
Change, it is said, is the only constant. And for the Keralite settlement in Goa, the 10-day Onam celebrations, not unlike the zealous festivities down south, are nonetheless with a spot of change.
Take, for instance, the very core of the celebrations — the family. While in Kerala, generations of families celebrate the harvest festival together, often in their ancestral home, those unable to leave Goa, have adapted.
“We always feel like going to Kerala for Onam, but rarely can. So, in Goa, Thiruonam (the most important day) is like any other day: the kids go to school, my husband goes to work. But, we try to make up for what we’re missing back home, by ensuring that we have the onasadya (feast) together and by doing pookalam (flower decorations) at home,” says Margao-based Gita Achary. While in Kerala, the flowers are hand-picked, lack of time has many Goa-based Keralites opting for a floral purchase from the market, she adds.
Ask Dinesh Cheerassery about Onam, and nostalgia fills his voice. “I miss home and the time I would spend with my siblings and mother at our ancestral home during Onam,” says the Bicholim resident. As a child, the 42-year-old remembers waiting “anxiously” for what Onam symbolised — the new dress, lavish meal and “the swing that my uncle would make for us”. Today, his siblings still meet at the ancestral home to celebrate, but Cheerassery is “unable to go”.
KRS Nair has found a way to bridge the physical gap — the idiot box. “We watch the traditional Onam celebrations in Kerala on television. Through the medium of TV, the spirit of Onam is still alive for us, even in Goa,” says the president of the Nair Service Society of Goa, who has completed almost five decades in his adopted state.
Adds Cheerassery, who has been calling Goa home for two decades, “If in Kerala Onam is celebrated with the family alone, here we celebrate it with family, friends and everyone, including Goans.”
Agrees Lalu Abraham, “The best thing about celebrating Onam in Goa is that it’s not just a family affair, but a community affair where everyone gets together, eats together and becomes one big, happy family.” Malayali groups in the state mark the festival by organizing games, flower display competitions, cultural programs, onasadya (vegetarian lunch) prepared by cooks from Kerala and even Malayalam language knowledge competitions.
But for some, the celebrations back home — gala processions, kathakali and other traditional dance performances, the snake boat race and onappottan, the visit on Thiruonam of a person dressed as Mahabali — are too endearing to miss.
Which is why, despite no Onam holiday in Goa, college student Stephy Abraham has decided she will be home for Thiruonam. “I did it last year too and this year it’s on Friday. I’m headed home.” Happy Onam. TNN
Celebrations
A grand feast called Onasadya, prepared on Thiruonam, is the most important among all the fervour and carnival-like celebrations of Onam
A nine course meal, it consists of 11-13 essential dishes, that are served on banana leaves. People consume it while sitting on a mat on the floor
Vallamkali or the snake boat race, is another important aspect of the celebrations. The race sees hundreds of boatmen race on the river Pampa
Most houses display Pookalam — a flower exhibit — in their front courtyards to welcome King Mahabali
Given the rich celebrations during the festival, Onam was made Kerala’s National Festival in 1961
Onam at a glance What is Onam?
A harvest festival, Onam is the biggest, most important celebration in Kerala. It is celebrated by all communities and popular legend has it that it is held to welcome King Mahabali
Legend
The story goes that during the reign of the mighty demon king Mahabali, Kerala witnessed its golden era. Jealous about the king’s growing popularity, the gods used his only weakness — his ego — to end his reign. However, as Mahabali had done a lot of good, the gods granted him a boon: he could visit his people, to whom he was so attached, once a year. This visit is celebrated as Onam
Period
Onam lasts from four to 10 days. Thiruonam, which falls on September 12 this year is the most important of all days
September 11, 2008,The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair discovers that Keralites in Goa have adapted the family-centric celebration into a community festival with Goans on the guest list
Change, it is said, is the only constant. And for the Keralite settlement in Goa, the 10-day Onam celebrations, not unlike the zealous festivities down south, are nonetheless with a spot of change.
Take, for instance, the very core of the celebrations — the family. While in Kerala, generations of families celebrate the harvest festival together, often in their ancestral home, those unable to leave Goa, have adapted.
“We always feel like going to Kerala for Onam, but rarely can. So, in Goa, Thiruonam (the most important day) is like any other day: the kids go to school, my husband goes to work. But, we try to make up for what we’re missing back home, by ensuring that we have the onasadya (feast) together and by doing pookalam (flower decorations) at home,” says Margao-based Gita Achary. While in Kerala, the flowers are hand-picked, lack of time has many Goa-based Keralites opting for a floral purchase from the market, she adds.
Ask Dinesh Cheerassery about Onam, and nostalgia fills his voice. “I miss home and the time I would spend with my siblings and mother at our ancestral home during Onam,” says the Bicholim resident. As a child, the 42-year-old remembers waiting “anxiously” for what Onam symbolised — the new dress, lavish meal and “the swing that my uncle would make for us”. Today, his siblings still meet at the ancestral home to celebrate, but Cheerassery is “unable to go”.
KRS Nair has found a way to bridge the physical gap — the idiot box. “We watch the traditional Onam celebrations in Kerala on television. Through the medium of TV, the spirit of Onam is still alive for us, even in Goa,” says the president of the Nair Service Society of Goa, who has completed almost five decades in his adopted state.
Adds Cheerassery, who has been calling Goa home for two decades, “If in Kerala Onam is celebrated with the family alone, here we celebrate it with family, friends and everyone, including Goans.”
Agrees Lalu Abraham, “The best thing about celebrating Onam in Goa is that it’s not just a family affair, but a community affair where everyone gets together, eats together and becomes one big, happy family.” Malayali groups in the state mark the festival by organizing games, flower display competitions, cultural programs, onasadya (vegetarian lunch) prepared by cooks from Kerala and even Malayalam language knowledge competitions.
But for some, the celebrations back home — gala processions, kathakali and other traditional dance performances, the snake boat race and onappottan, the visit on Thiruonam of a person dressed as Mahabali — are too endearing to miss.
Which is why, despite no Onam holiday in Goa, college student Stephy Abraham has decided she will be home for Thiruonam. “I did it last year too and this year it’s on Friday. I’m headed home.” Happy Onam. TNN
Celebrations
A grand feast called Onasadya, prepared on Thiruonam, is the most important among all the fervour and carnival-like celebrations of Onam
A nine course meal, it consists of 11-13 essential dishes, that are served on banana leaves. People consume it while sitting on a mat on the floor
Vallamkali or the snake boat race, is another important aspect of the celebrations. The race sees hundreds of boatmen race on the river Pampa
Most houses display Pookalam — a flower exhibit — in their front courtyards to welcome King Mahabali
Given the rich celebrations during the festival, Onam was made Kerala’s National Festival in 1961
Onam at a glance What is Onam?
A harvest festival, Onam is the biggest, most important celebration in Kerala. It is celebrated by all communities and popular legend has it that it is held to welcome King Mahabali
Legend
The story goes that during the reign of the mighty demon king Mahabali, Kerala witnessed its golden era. Jealous about the king’s growing popularity, the gods used his only weakness — his ego — to end his reign. However, as Mahabali had done a lot of good, the gods granted him a boon: he could visit his people, to whom he was so attached, once a year. This visit is celebrated as Onam
Period
Onam lasts from four to 10 days. Thiruonam, which falls on September 12 this year is the most important of all days
September 11, 2008,The Times of India, Goa edition
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