24x7 ‘operation centre’ set up to counter terror
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: With the lack of co-ordination between the police and state machinery exposed during the terror attacks in Mumbai, the Goa police has set up a 24x7 ‘operation room’ or ‘operation centre’ during the peak tourist season to coordinate and disseminate information in the event of any terror attack.
The operation room, which was set up a day before the Union minister of state for home Sriprakash Jaiswal arrived in the state on December 24 to take stock of the security arrangements in the state, will be manned by a young PI and in several ways replicates a control room. However, it would be a centre to receive and disseminate intelligence, information pertaining to terrorism and other forms of organised violence police sources said.
The room was set up in the police headquarters, Panaji amidst reports that Goa’s beaches were on top of the terrorist attack list due to which security has been strengthened till January 5. There are 2 companies of CISF, 2 of CRPF and 1 of RAF patrolling in the state. While 3 are posted in the South, the rest are in North Goa.
The operation room is linked by internet, telephone, mobile telephone and fax to the offices of the collector and superintendent of police at the two district headquarters.
“Four PIs have been given charge of the operation room and they will be in-charge of the room in shifts. At any given time, there will be one PI at the room to take stock of the situation,” confirmed SP (intelligence) Atmaram Deshpande.
Sources reveal that the centre was set up after Union home minister P Chidambaram suggested, in a letter to chief ministers of all states and union territories, to immediately establish 24x7 control rooms to be manned by a young and energetic officer.
Meanwhile, the police control room which was so far run by police sub-inspectors will now be manned by 4 deputy superintendents of police in shifts.
Besides this, a three-member analysis group has been formed and the group will receive, collate, analyze and link up with previous inputs and disseminate intelligence inputs to the Central agencies and central government. This group is headed by SSP (security) V V Chaudhary, SP Deshpande and SP Omprakash Kurtarkar.
December 31, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Monday, January 05, 2009
One in 100 women attempted suicide this year in Goa: Study
One in 100 women attempted suicide this year in Goa: Study
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: A study has found that nearly one in every 100 women, aged between 18 and 50 years, attempted suicide in the last 12 months in Goa. The frequency of suicide attempts is higher in young adults aged between 16 and 24 years.
The study on suicidal behaviour in the state was conducted by Sangath, an NGO working in health care. It was recently published in leading international medical journals.
“There are more suicide deaths every year in Goa than due to injuries or health-related problems,” said Dr Vikram Patel, professor of International Mental Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who led the Goan study.
The study found that almost one in 150 young people in Goa attempted suicide during a three month period. If these rates were applied to the state’s population, this would mean that between 1500 and 4000 women aged between 18 and 50 years will attempt suicide over a year’s period, while about 1000 to 2600 young adults will attempt it during any given three month period.
The findings also confirmed those of the National Crime Records Bureau’s latest figures of suicides in the country that reveal that Goa has a reported suicide rate of 16.9, much above the n at i o n a l average of 10.8.
Official f i g u re s available with the Goa police too show that in 2007 about 250 people committed suicide, but the number of people attempting suicide in the state is much higher, said police sources.
“Suicide is the leading cause of unnatural death in the country. Community studies of the cause of death show that actual suicide rates may be five to 10 times higher than reported by the police,” said Patel.
The study revealed that gender disadvantages experienced by women and interpersonal violence are the major social determinants that drive young people and women to commit suicide in Goa. Apart from these social factors, depressive disorders and chronic physical health conditions or disabilities increase the risk of suicidal beh av i o u r, the study noted.
Divided into two segments, the Stree A ro g ya S h o d h study was a longitudinal study of 2494 women aged 18 to 50 years, randomly selected from the catchment area of Aldona primary health centre, while the Yuva Mitr study was a cross-sectional survey of 3664 young adults aged between 16 and 24 years in rural and urban communities in South Goa.
The two studies researched the health of populations who are disadvantaged or who are the focus of national health programs and they addressed a wide range of suicidal behaviours from thinking about ending one’s life to attempting suicide, besides examining roles of indicators of socio-economic disadvantage such as poverty, minority or migrant status, gender violence, mental illness and physical ill-health.
“Our study points to specific actions that should be taken to reduce suicides,” Patel said. Stating that the best way to prevent suicides would be by effective implementation of policies and programs to counter interpersonal violence, the study added, “Individual level interventions for reducing interpersonal violence and treating depression, especially in high-risk groups such as married women and young adults, delivered through health programs targeting young people and women is essential; in addition, services for depression management and crisis intervention should be made available in all primary health centres and other community based agencies in the state.”
December 31, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: A study has found that nearly one in every 100 women, aged between 18 and 50 years, attempted suicide in the last 12 months in Goa. The frequency of suicide attempts is higher in young adults aged between 16 and 24 years.
The study on suicidal behaviour in the state was conducted by Sangath, an NGO working in health care. It was recently published in leading international medical journals.
“There are more suicide deaths every year in Goa than due to injuries or health-related problems,” said Dr Vikram Patel, professor of International Mental Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who led the Goan study.
The study found that almost one in 150 young people in Goa attempted suicide during a three month period. If these rates were applied to the state’s population, this would mean that between 1500 and 4000 women aged between 18 and 50 years will attempt suicide over a year’s period, while about 1000 to 2600 young adults will attempt it during any given three month period.
The findings also confirmed those of the National Crime Records Bureau’s latest figures of suicides in the country that reveal that Goa has a reported suicide rate of 16.9, much above the n at i o n a l average of 10.8.
Official f i g u re s available with the Goa police too show that in 2007 about 250 people committed suicide, but the number of people attempting suicide in the state is much higher, said police sources.
“Suicide is the leading cause of unnatural death in the country. Community studies of the cause of death show that actual suicide rates may be five to 10 times higher than reported by the police,” said Patel.
The study revealed that gender disadvantages experienced by women and interpersonal violence are the major social determinants that drive young people and women to commit suicide in Goa. Apart from these social factors, depressive disorders and chronic physical health conditions or disabilities increase the risk of suicidal beh av i o u r, the study noted.
Divided into two segments, the Stree A ro g ya S h o d h study was a longitudinal study of 2494 women aged 18 to 50 years, randomly selected from the catchment area of Aldona primary health centre, while the Yuva Mitr study was a cross-sectional survey of 3664 young adults aged between 16 and 24 years in rural and urban communities in South Goa.
The two studies researched the health of populations who are disadvantaged or who are the focus of national health programs and they addressed a wide range of suicidal behaviours from thinking about ending one’s life to attempting suicide, besides examining roles of indicators of socio-economic disadvantage such as poverty, minority or migrant status, gender violence, mental illness and physical ill-health.
“Our study points to specific actions that should be taken to reduce suicides,” Patel said. Stating that the best way to prevent suicides would be by effective implementation of policies and programs to counter interpersonal violence, the study added, “Individual level interventions for reducing interpersonal violence and treating depression, especially in high-risk groups such as married women and young adults, delivered through health programs targeting young people and women is essential; in addition, services for depression management and crisis intervention should be made available in all primary health centres and other community based agencies in the state.”
December 31, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Goa-Tourists will party on beach
Tourists will party on beach
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Sonia Kail (29) has come to Goa from wintry Switzerland keen to soak up the sun on the state’s long, sandy beaches and party hard during the year end beach parties.
“In Switzerland, you don’t get to see the sea. I always wanted to welcome the New Year on a beach with music,” says Sonia.
The Goa government ban on “open beach parties” put a damper on her enthusiasm, but Sonia has found a way out. “Though parties are banned, there is no restriction on me going out with my friends to a beach, having a drink and welcoming the New Year by playing music and dancing on the beach by ourselves,” she says.
She’s not the only one who has hit upon this idea. Richard (40) from England has similar plans. “Some 30 or 40 of us have decided to pour in money for drinks, food and firecrackers. We will go and sit on the beach in Vagator, have fun and burst firecrackers at midnight. If we are caught bursting firecrackers, we will either go to a party at a night club or just go home and sleep,” said Richard.
Some 2.6 million tourists visit Goa annually, including about 4 lakh foreigners. “Why come to Goa if you can’t party on the beach. If there are no beach parties to bring in the New Year I will never come back here,” said Sonia.
Tali Levy from Israel came to Goa for its beach parties, but is now bored and plans to leave the state this week, but not before celebrating New Year in Goa. “I am planning to go to a night club for some music and fun. I had heard a lot about Goa and I expected the party scene to be much better but I am really disappointed,” she said.
With no fun in Goa, Levy visited Gokarna in Karnataka for a beach party that was all “music and fun”. “I really enjoyed it. If given a chance I would love to go to Gokarna for a New Year beach party,” said Tali.
Incidentally, a few foreign tourists have left the state for other destinations. Said a Japanese tourist, “We work hard, earn money to come and enjoy on the beaches but now there is a restriction on parties, music and even smoking. This is not our idea of a holiday in Goa.”
December 31, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Sonia Kail (29) has come to Goa from wintry Switzerland keen to soak up the sun on the state’s long, sandy beaches and party hard during the year end beach parties.
“In Switzerland, you don’t get to see the sea. I always wanted to welcome the New Year on a beach with music,” says Sonia.
The Goa government ban on “open beach parties” put a damper on her enthusiasm, but Sonia has found a way out. “Though parties are banned, there is no restriction on me going out with my friends to a beach, having a drink and welcoming the New Year by playing music and dancing on the beach by ourselves,” she says.
She’s not the only one who has hit upon this idea. Richard (40) from England has similar plans. “Some 30 or 40 of us have decided to pour in money for drinks, food and firecrackers. We will go and sit on the beach in Vagator, have fun and burst firecrackers at midnight. If we are caught bursting firecrackers, we will either go to a party at a night club or just go home and sleep,” said Richard.
Some 2.6 million tourists visit Goa annually, including about 4 lakh foreigners. “Why come to Goa if you can’t party on the beach. If there are no beach parties to bring in the New Year I will never come back here,” said Sonia.
Tali Levy from Israel came to Goa for its beach parties, but is now bored and plans to leave the state this week, but not before celebrating New Year in Goa. “I am planning to go to a night club for some music and fun. I had heard a lot about Goa and I expected the party scene to be much better but I am really disappointed,” she said.
With no fun in Goa, Levy visited Gokarna in Karnataka for a beach party that was all “music and fun”. “I really enjoyed it. If given a chance I would love to go to Gokarna for a New Year beach party,” said Tali.
Incidentally, a few foreign tourists have left the state for other destinations. Said a Japanese tourist, “We work hard, earn money to come and enjoy on the beaches but now there is a restriction on parties, music and even smoking. This is not our idea of a holiday in Goa.”
December 31, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Ban or no ban, they are set to party on the beach
Ban or no ban, they are set to party on the beach
Preetu Nair | TNN
Where there’s a will, there’s always a way for party animals. The government’s ban on “open beach parties” may have come as a dampener, but will not prevent many a foreigner from ushering in the New Year with beach parties. Says Sonia Kail, “Though parties are banned, there is no restriction on me going out with my friends to a beach, having a drink and welcoming the New Year by playing music and dancing there by ourselves.” The 29-year-old from Switzerland says, “In my homeland, you don’t get to see the sea. I had always wanted to welcome the New Year on a beach with music.” And she is not alone in this resolve
December 31, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Where there’s a will, there’s always a way for party animals. The government’s ban on “open beach parties” may have come as a dampener, but will not prevent many a foreigner from ushering in the New Year with beach parties. Says Sonia Kail, “Though parties are banned, there is no restriction on me going out with my friends to a beach, having a drink and welcoming the New Year by playing music and dancing there by ourselves.” The 29-year-old from Switzerland says, “In my homeland, you don’t get to see the sea. I had always wanted to welcome the New Year on a beach with music.” And she is not alone in this resolve
December 31, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sunburn weathers storm, Rs 1 lakh surety paid
Sunburn weathers storm, Rs 1 lakh surety paid
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: Even as the Calangute police lodged a complaint against the organizers of the Sunburn festival at Candolim for playing loud music, the government granted fresh conditional permission to the organizers to carry on with the beach music festival after they paid a surety of Rs 1 lakh.
Chief secretary JP Singh said, “The organizers have made a petition to the collector and they have given a guarantee of Rs 1 lakh and an undertaking that they will not violate the sound levels. As their sound levels on the second day were within the norms, the deputy collector gave them permission to continue the festival. This is conditional. Moreover, the Goa State Pollution Control Board will monitor the sound levels.”
When asked if this is an exception and if others who violate the Noise Pollution Act will be allowed to carry on operations by giving a guarantee amount, Singh said, “This can’t become a trend.”
The 3-day festival which started on Saturday was stopped by the Calangute police on Sunday after Mapusa sub divisional magistrate issued an order cancelling its conditional NOC.
Sources said that due to political pressure from a ruling MLA, the government asked the organizers to apply again for permission. They were then asked to give a surety of Rs 1 lakh and an undertaking that they would strictly abide by the law and if it is violated, penal action would be taken against them, besides them having to forfeit the Rs 1 lakh.
Mapusa SDM Mahesh Khorjuenkar said, “It is a government decision to give fresh permission as the organizers have applied again on Monday. We have given permission with certain conditions.”
Reacting to the conditional permission granted by the government, former additional advocate general Vilas Thali told TOI that the guarantee should not have been accepted at all. “The decision is discriminatory,” he said.
Environmentalist Claude Alvares said the decision of granting permission after taking a guarantee of Rs 1 lakh is “wrong and illegal”. “Goa Foundation will approach the court and see that nobody is allowed to have parties like this in the future,” he said.
Pointing to the amount being “hardly anything” for the organizers to shell out, he said, “Considering the amount, every organizer will be willing to give such a guarantee to organize such parties.”
The police in their complaint said that on December 27, between 12.45pm and 10pm, the organizers of the festival played music ranging from 67.2db to 89.3db. The permitted decibel level is up to 55db. A case had accordingly been registered against the organizer Lyndon Alves from Dona Paula under section 3 and 4 of the Noise Pollution Act.
When contacted, Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes said, “I was fighting to get permissions for Sunburn. Because of this, 48 more shacks have got permission to play music. If you don’t have such parties and music for Christmas, then what is the fun of being in Goa? For the sake of tourism, people need to bear some music that anyway stops by 10pm. Everyone in Calangute and Candolim is happy except people who complain perenially.”
December 30, 2008, The Times of India, Goa Edition
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: Even as the Calangute police lodged a complaint against the organizers of the Sunburn festival at Candolim for playing loud music, the government granted fresh conditional permission to the organizers to carry on with the beach music festival after they paid a surety of Rs 1 lakh.
Chief secretary JP Singh said, “The organizers have made a petition to the collector and they have given a guarantee of Rs 1 lakh and an undertaking that they will not violate the sound levels. As their sound levels on the second day were within the norms, the deputy collector gave them permission to continue the festival. This is conditional. Moreover, the Goa State Pollution Control Board will monitor the sound levels.”
When asked if this is an exception and if others who violate the Noise Pollution Act will be allowed to carry on operations by giving a guarantee amount, Singh said, “This can’t become a trend.”
The 3-day festival which started on Saturday was stopped by the Calangute police on Sunday after Mapusa sub divisional magistrate issued an order cancelling its conditional NOC.
Sources said that due to political pressure from a ruling MLA, the government asked the organizers to apply again for permission. They were then asked to give a surety of Rs 1 lakh and an undertaking that they would strictly abide by the law and if it is violated, penal action would be taken against them, besides them having to forfeit the Rs 1 lakh.
Mapusa SDM Mahesh Khorjuenkar said, “It is a government decision to give fresh permission as the organizers have applied again on Monday. We have given permission with certain conditions.”
Reacting to the conditional permission granted by the government, former additional advocate general Vilas Thali told TOI that the guarantee should not have been accepted at all. “The decision is discriminatory,” he said.
Environmentalist Claude Alvares said the decision of granting permission after taking a guarantee of Rs 1 lakh is “wrong and illegal”. “Goa Foundation will approach the court and see that nobody is allowed to have parties like this in the future,” he said.
Pointing to the amount being “hardly anything” for the organizers to shell out, he said, “Considering the amount, every organizer will be willing to give such a guarantee to organize such parties.”
The police in their complaint said that on December 27, between 12.45pm and 10pm, the organizers of the festival played music ranging from 67.2db to 89.3db. The permitted decibel level is up to 55db. A case had accordingly been registered against the organizer Lyndon Alves from Dona Paula under section 3 and 4 of the Noise Pollution Act.
When contacted, Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes said, “I was fighting to get permissions for Sunburn. Because of this, 48 more shacks have got permission to play music. If you don’t have such parties and music for Christmas, then what is the fun of being in Goa? For the sake of tourism, people need to bear some music that anyway stops by 10pm. Everyone in Calangute and Candolim is happy except people who complain perenially.”
December 30, 2008, The Times of India, Goa Edition
SUNBURN 2008 Sun sets early on fest as organizers goof up
SUNBURN 2008
Sun sets early on fest as organizers goof up
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: The three-day Sunburn 2008 beach festival that had started on Saturday with conditional permission at Candolim, was stopped by the Calangute police after Mapusa sub-divisional magistrate issued an order cancelling the conditional NOC issued to the organizers.
The SDM in his order to the police said that the Goa Pollution Control Board in its report to him had clearly stated that the organizers had violated the sound decibel level and since it was in violation of the conditional NOC, the premission stands cancelled.
SP (North) Bosco George, confirming that the festival has been stopped said, “Acting on the SDMs order we stopped the festival between 7 and 7.30 pm on Sunday.”
Mapusa SDM Mahesh Khorjuenkar said, “Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) submitted a report on Sunday in which they have stated that the organizers have failed to comply with permissible sound levels and therefore the North Goa collector issued directions to me to ask the police to take action.”
Sources said that GSPCB in its report has said that the organizers were exceeding the music limit and playing at 83 sound decibels on Saturday.
While the permission granted by the SDM was for 55 decibels, the GSPCB maintained that the music could be played upto 65 decibels in Calangute and Candolim as it is a commercial area and this can be extended up to 75 decibels. However, even that was violated.
While in the morning the music remained at 60 decibels, by 3.30 pm the decibel level peaked to 83 near the entrance of the festival which was much above the permissible level.
Meanwhile, highly placed sources said that Central intelligence agencies having examined the arrangements made by the organizers have opined to the Goa police that it is not a secure arrangement, especially from the beach side to prevent any entry of any terror attacks.
While issuing the conditional NOC to the organizers, the SDM and the police had clearly stated that they would have to comply with 22 conditions and if any condition was violated then the order issuing the conditional NOC will be deemed to be revoked.
Meanwhile, villagers said that soon after the cops left, music could be heard.
However, police personnel intervened once again to stop the festival.
December 27, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Sun sets early on fest as organizers goof up
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: The three-day Sunburn 2008 beach festival that had started on Saturday with conditional permission at Candolim, was stopped by the Calangute police after Mapusa sub-divisional magistrate issued an order cancelling the conditional NOC issued to the organizers.
The SDM in his order to the police said that the Goa Pollution Control Board in its report to him had clearly stated that the organizers had violated the sound decibel level and since it was in violation of the conditional NOC, the premission stands cancelled.
SP (North) Bosco George, confirming that the festival has been stopped said, “Acting on the SDMs order we stopped the festival between 7 and 7.30 pm on Sunday.”
Mapusa SDM Mahesh Khorjuenkar said, “Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) submitted a report on Sunday in which they have stated that the organizers have failed to comply with permissible sound levels and therefore the North Goa collector issued directions to me to ask the police to take action.”
Sources said that GSPCB in its report has said that the organizers were exceeding the music limit and playing at 83 sound decibels on Saturday.
While the permission granted by the SDM was for 55 decibels, the GSPCB maintained that the music could be played upto 65 decibels in Calangute and Candolim as it is a commercial area and this can be extended up to 75 decibels. However, even that was violated.
While in the morning the music remained at 60 decibels, by 3.30 pm the decibel level peaked to 83 near the entrance of the festival which was much above the permissible level.
Meanwhile, highly placed sources said that Central intelligence agencies having examined the arrangements made by the organizers have opined to the Goa police that it is not a secure arrangement, especially from the beach side to prevent any entry of any terror attacks.
While issuing the conditional NOC to the organizers, the SDM and the police had clearly stated that they would have to comply with 22 conditions and if any condition was violated then the order issuing the conditional NOC will be deemed to be revoked.
Meanwhile, villagers said that soon after the cops left, music could be heard.
However, police personnel intervened once again to stop the festival.
December 27, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Sunburn 2008 gets green signal
THE PARTY IS ON
Sunburn 2008 gets green signal
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: Despite the government declaring that “open” beach festivals are banned, the organizers of the Sunburn 2008 music beach festival managed to get permission to hold the festival at Candolim beach by enclosing the premises with metal sheets.
“The SP (north) and SP (traffic) have both issued a conditional NOC and if any condition is breached, the NOC will be cancelled,” said SP (intelligence) Atmaram Deshpande.
Highly placed sources said that there was immense pressure on the organizers to issue the NOC, due to which the police issued a conditional NOC after the organizers promised to comply with several directions. Sources revealed that the NOC will hold only if the organizers comply with the condition of having armed private guards in uniform, traffic marshals to man vehicles, security men in plain clothes, hand metal detectors, frame metal detectors, sniffer dogs and the entire area enclosed with metal sheets. It is also said that no minor should be allowed and everyone’s I-cards should be checked. “There are about 22 conditions the organizers have to comply with,” sources said
“The NOC also states that there should be no parking in the lane and a separate parking provision should be made. Penal action will be initiated in case the organizers fail to comply with the undertaking they have given us,” said police sources. The police have also asked the organizers to stop all activity by 10 pm.
Incidentally, even when the police were refusing to grant an NOC, Manuj Agarwal, chief operating officer of Percept D’- Mark had declared that the festival is on. “They have been given permission on the technical ground that the festival is going to be held on private property behind the sand dunes at Candolim and not on the beach,” said sources in the government.
The Sunburn festival, dedicated to the promotion of peace and global harmony, aims to attract more than 3000 people and will be held from December 27 to December 29. More than 35 music artists from around the
world will play across 4 stages on the beach, and will have food stalls, fire jugglers, stilt walkers, a flea market and will also promote environmental awareness and education.
Deputy Collector (Mapusa) MV Khorjuenkar said, “Earlier the report was that the festival was on the beach, but as they said that it is being held on private property, the police verified it and gave a report to us that the music permission should be granted as the organizers have given an undertaking.”
“We discussed the matter with the collector and after examining the case granted permission as the festival doesn’t violate the government order banning open beach parties,” he added.
December 27, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Sunburn 2008 gets green signal
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: Despite the government declaring that “open” beach festivals are banned, the organizers of the Sunburn 2008 music beach festival managed to get permission to hold the festival at Candolim beach by enclosing the premises with metal sheets.
“The SP (north) and SP (traffic) have both issued a conditional NOC and if any condition is breached, the NOC will be cancelled,” said SP (intelligence) Atmaram Deshpande.
Highly placed sources said that there was immense pressure on the organizers to issue the NOC, due to which the police issued a conditional NOC after the organizers promised to comply with several directions. Sources revealed that the NOC will hold only if the organizers comply with the condition of having armed private guards in uniform, traffic marshals to man vehicles, security men in plain clothes, hand metal detectors, frame metal detectors, sniffer dogs and the entire area enclosed with metal sheets. It is also said that no minor should be allowed and everyone’s I-cards should be checked. “There are about 22 conditions the organizers have to comply with,” sources said
“The NOC also states that there should be no parking in the lane and a separate parking provision should be made. Penal action will be initiated in case the organizers fail to comply with the undertaking they have given us,” said police sources. The police have also asked the organizers to stop all activity by 10 pm.
Incidentally, even when the police were refusing to grant an NOC, Manuj Agarwal, chief operating officer of Percept D’- Mark had declared that the festival is on. “They have been given permission on the technical ground that the festival is going to be held on private property behind the sand dunes at Candolim and not on the beach,” said sources in the government.
The Sunburn festival, dedicated to the promotion of peace and global harmony, aims to attract more than 3000 people and will be held from December 27 to December 29. More than 35 music artists from around the
world will play across 4 stages on the beach, and will have food stalls, fire jugglers, stilt walkers, a flea market and will also promote environmental awareness and education.
Deputy Collector (Mapusa) MV Khorjuenkar said, “Earlier the report was that the festival was on the beach, but as they said that it is being held on private property, the police verified it and gave a report to us that the music permission should be granted as the organizers have given an undertaking.”
“We discussed the matter with the collector and after examining the case granted permission as the festival doesn’t violate the government order banning open beach parties,” he added.
December 27, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Goan cops send arms wish list to Centre
Goan cops send arms wish list to Centre
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Goa government has asked the Centre for advanced arms and ammunition to fight terrorists, better infrastructure and equipment for coastal police, modern surveillance tools and advanced communication technology for the Goa police.
The estimated cost of the equipment sought has been pegged at approximately Rs 100 crore, and would strengthen the Goa police force. The proposal was sent after Union minister of state for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal, at a meeting with the Goa chief minister, Home minister and police officials on December 24 had asked for a list of requirements.
The state government has requested the Centre to provide the infrastructure and equipment during the financial year 2009-10.
IGP Kishan Kumar confirmed that a proposal to improve the police infrastructure and equipment was sent to the Central government. “Through the state government we have moved a proposal to the Centre for more arms and ammunition, better facilities for the coastal police, vehicles for beat constables and improved communication systems,” said Kumar.
Sources said that the list of demands includes guns, 200 each of hybrid weapon Insas and AK-56s, besides more AK-47s and 7.62 SLRs. Most of the weapons the Goa police possesses today are vintage quality .303 rifles. The police have also sought more vehicles — jeeps for the coastal and traffic police, as well as for the police control room staff and about 320 motorcycles for the beat constables, so that each beat will have its own vehicle, sources said.
The police have also proposed the introduction of an advanced communication technology system. Currently, most police communication is done through the wireless.
GUNNING FOR MORE
The list of demands includes guns, 200 each of hybrid weapon Insas and AK-56s, besides more AK-47s and 7.62 SLR
The police have also sought more vehicles —jeeps and about 320 motorcycles Goa police propose better radio network
Panaji: The Goa police propose to introduce TETRA communication and Cipa system in all police stations in the state, sources said.
While Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) communication is a combined version of the modern digital private mobile radio (PMR) and public access mobile radio (PAMR) technology, which heightens security over air for police, the Cipa system will enable police stations to access data and information from other police stations in the country.
The proposal also focuses on improving the coastal police stations by making them better equipped with ammunition, communication systems and speed boats.
At the moment there are three coastal police stations,
but the proposal suggests more of these at the one major and five minor ports, besides creating new sea check posts, to keep an eye on vessels entering the state through the sea.
Currently the coastal police have no high-tech speed boats. While the Central government has promised nine speed boats, the police require about fifteen more to man the 125 km long coastline.
While the necessary equipment and infrastructure would be provided by the Centre, the state government would have to provide the manpower for the new coastal police stations, said sources.
At present the coastal police stations located at Siolim, Betul and harbour are functioning either from existing outposts or police station buildings.
December 29, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Goa government has asked the Centre for advanced arms and ammunition to fight terrorists, better infrastructure and equipment for coastal police, modern surveillance tools and advanced communication technology for the Goa police.
The estimated cost of the equipment sought has been pegged at approximately Rs 100 crore, and would strengthen the Goa police force. The proposal was sent after Union minister of state for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal, at a meeting with the Goa chief minister, Home minister and police officials on December 24 had asked for a list of requirements.
The state government has requested the Centre to provide the infrastructure and equipment during the financial year 2009-10.
IGP Kishan Kumar confirmed that a proposal to improve the police infrastructure and equipment was sent to the Central government. “Through the state government we have moved a proposal to the Centre for more arms and ammunition, better facilities for the coastal police, vehicles for beat constables and improved communication systems,” said Kumar.
Sources said that the list of demands includes guns, 200 each of hybrid weapon Insas and AK-56s, besides more AK-47s and 7.62 SLRs. Most of the weapons the Goa police possesses today are vintage quality .303 rifles. The police have also sought more vehicles — jeeps for the coastal and traffic police, as well as for the police control room staff and about 320 motorcycles for the beat constables, so that each beat will have its own vehicle, sources said.
The police have also proposed the introduction of an advanced communication technology system. Currently, most police communication is done through the wireless.
GUNNING FOR MORE
The list of demands includes guns, 200 each of hybrid weapon Insas and AK-56s, besides more AK-47s and 7.62 SLR
The police have also sought more vehicles —jeeps and about 320 motorcycles Goa police propose better radio network
Panaji: The Goa police propose to introduce TETRA communication and Cipa system in all police stations in the state, sources said.
While Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) communication is a combined version of the modern digital private mobile radio (PMR) and public access mobile radio (PAMR) technology, which heightens security over air for police, the Cipa system will enable police stations to access data and information from other police stations in the country.
The proposal also focuses on improving the coastal police stations by making them better equipped with ammunition, communication systems and speed boats.
At the moment there are three coastal police stations,
but the proposal suggests more of these at the one major and five minor ports, besides creating new sea check posts, to keep an eye on vessels entering the state through the sea.
Currently the coastal police have no high-tech speed boats. While the Central government has promised nine speed boats, the police require about fifteen more to man the 125 km long coastline.
While the necessary equipment and infrastructure would be provided by the Centre, the state government would have to provide the manpower for the new coastal police stations, said sources.
At present the coastal police stations located at Siolim, Betul and harbour are functioning either from existing outposts or police station buildings.
December 29, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Police stations double up as homes for cops this Xmas
TERROR EFFECT
Police stations double up as homes for cops this Xmas
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: For probably the first time during their tenure in the police force, Catholic police officers won’t be able to go home for their traditional Christmas lunch. They will have to spend their time either at their respective police station or their area of posting, as the Goa police has decided that its men will work 24x7 from December 23 to January 5 due to a terror threat looming over Goa during Christmas and New Year.
However, despite the tension and high pressures, such as an almost unlimited amount of demand versus a limited amount of resources, a desire to respond quickly and thoroughly to incidents that have already occurred versus a need to prevent such incidents from occurring in the first place, a majority of the police stations have planned a quiet Christmas for their staff to help lift the spirit and spread some cheer.
SP (North) Bosco George said, “No police personnel can go home. They have to either be at the place they are posted or at their respective police station 24x7 from December 23, 2008 to January 5, 2009”.
In fact, for the first time the Panaji police station has put in an extra effort to make Christmas cribs, while Vasco is continuing with their tradition of setting up cribs, though there is only one Catholic PSI at the station. “Christmas and New Year are special to one and all. It means something different to everybody, and whether it’s familyrelated or not, whether you are Catholic or not, it fills you with a lot of emotions and feelings,” said a police officer.
Majority of police stations supervisors have decided to purchase cakes and sweets to be distributed to the staff on Christmas as they are all going to be “together on duty”. Some police staff have decided to burst firecrackers to welcome the New Year, “if things go on peacefully”.
There are about 4000-odd police personnel and the ratio of police to the state’s population is 1:339. Of these, about 15 to 20 % of the staff comprise Catholics. But they will have to sacrifice their personal celebrations to ensure that we celebrate the festival without any fear or uncertainty.
While some Catholic police officials said, “I would have loved to be at home for Christmas but then extraordinary situations call for extraordinary caution. We don’t want to take any chances”, few others said that they have decided not to celebrate this year as a mark of respect for those policemen who lost their lives in Mumbai terror attacks.
Some policemen added, “The police force is one big family and this season also we will celebrate with our family members”.
December 24, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Police stations double up as homes for cops this Xmas
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: For probably the first time during their tenure in the police force, Catholic police officers won’t be able to go home for their traditional Christmas lunch. They will have to spend their time either at their respective police station or their area of posting, as the Goa police has decided that its men will work 24x7 from December 23 to January 5 due to a terror threat looming over Goa during Christmas and New Year.
However, despite the tension and high pressures, such as an almost unlimited amount of demand versus a limited amount of resources, a desire to respond quickly and thoroughly to incidents that have already occurred versus a need to prevent such incidents from occurring in the first place, a majority of the police stations have planned a quiet Christmas for their staff to help lift the spirit and spread some cheer.
SP (North) Bosco George said, “No police personnel can go home. They have to either be at the place they are posted or at their respective police station 24x7 from December 23, 2008 to January 5, 2009”.
In fact, for the first time the Panaji police station has put in an extra effort to make Christmas cribs, while Vasco is continuing with their tradition of setting up cribs, though there is only one Catholic PSI at the station. “Christmas and New Year are special to one and all. It means something different to everybody, and whether it’s familyrelated or not, whether you are Catholic or not, it fills you with a lot of emotions and feelings,” said a police officer.
Majority of police stations supervisors have decided to purchase cakes and sweets to be distributed to the staff on Christmas as they are all going to be “together on duty”. Some police staff have decided to burst firecrackers to welcome the New Year, “if things go on peacefully”.
There are about 4000-odd police personnel and the ratio of police to the state’s population is 1:339. Of these, about 15 to 20 % of the staff comprise Catholics. But they will have to sacrifice their personal celebrations to ensure that we celebrate the festival without any fear or uncertainty.
While some Catholic police officials said, “I would have loved to be at home for Christmas but then extraordinary situations call for extraordinary caution. We don’t want to take any chances”, few others said that they have decided not to celebrate this year as a mark of respect for those policemen who lost their lives in Mumbai terror attacks.
Some policemen added, “The police force is one big family and this season also we will celebrate with our family members”.
December 24, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Medico-legal cases: Docs draft guidelines
Medico-legal cases: Docs draft guidelines
To Be Added To Existing Medical Norms
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: When around three months back, an asthma patient in her late twenties, collapsed, hit her head against the edge of a hospital bed and died soon after she was given an injection at a hospital, there was confusion as to whether the case should be treated as a medico legal case (MLC) or not, before it was finally decided to treat the case as an MLC.
However, such dilemmas will soon become a thing of the past. To avoid confusions or conflicts, doctors at the Goa Medical College (GMC) have drafted medico-legal guidelines that clearly describe the category of cases that should qualify as MLCs.
These guidelines not only deliberate on traditional MLC cases — such as suicides, accidental deaths, murders, cases referred by courts, burn injuries cases, etc — but also review those related to presentday situations.
“As we came across such cases in the GMC, it was discussed with experts and we decided that it is the need of the hour to treat such cases as MLCs. Guidelines have been drafted keeping in mind the present day situation,” said GMC dean Dr VN Jindal.
According to the new guidelines, if a patient is brought unconscious to the hospital and dies immediately thereafter, the case would turn into a medico legal case even without the family members demanding it. This will be done especially if the patient’s past medical reports are not available.
Furthermore, even if a patient passes away suddenly after parenteral administration of a drug or medication, or if the patient falls or if there is
any mishap in the hospital due to which the patient sustains injuries and passes away, then it would be treated as a MLC.
The guidelines also suggests that if the relatives of the patient assault the treating doctor or other staff of the hospital, or if the patient’s relatives create a law and order problem in the hospital, then the case should be treated as a medico legal case.
Incidentally, these new guidelines are in addition to the existing norms which are being practised by doctors all over the country.
“So far, only burn injury cases, accident cases and those related to homicide, suicide, sexual assault, death in operation theatre or after surgery or in the intensive care unit (ICU) were considered as medico-legal.
“But it was now the need of the hour to include new categories in the new guidelines as it not only helps the doctors but also removes any doubt in the mind of the patient’s relatives,” said Dr Wiseman Pinto, who has been in the forefront of drafting these guidelines. The guidelines were then sent across for circulation and discussion to all the clinical departments along with the forensic department and the anaesthesia department, before it was decided to implement them in the GMC.
Dr Pinto added, “These guidelines on medico-legal cases would also serve to reduce the conflict between hospital authorities and patient’s relatives who generally allege suspicious deaths. Besides this, it will also help the law enforcement agencies”.
A copy of the guidelines will also be sent to all government-run hospitals and even private nursing homes and hospitals across the state.
December 23, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
To Be Added To Existing Medical Norms
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: When around three months back, an asthma patient in her late twenties, collapsed, hit her head against the edge of a hospital bed and died soon after she was given an injection at a hospital, there was confusion as to whether the case should be treated as a medico legal case (MLC) or not, before it was finally decided to treat the case as an MLC.
However, such dilemmas will soon become a thing of the past. To avoid confusions or conflicts, doctors at the Goa Medical College (GMC) have drafted medico-legal guidelines that clearly describe the category of cases that should qualify as MLCs.
These guidelines not only deliberate on traditional MLC cases — such as suicides, accidental deaths, murders, cases referred by courts, burn injuries cases, etc — but also review those related to presentday situations.
“As we came across such cases in the GMC, it was discussed with experts and we decided that it is the need of the hour to treat such cases as MLCs. Guidelines have been drafted keeping in mind the present day situation,” said GMC dean Dr VN Jindal.
According to the new guidelines, if a patient is brought unconscious to the hospital and dies immediately thereafter, the case would turn into a medico legal case even without the family members demanding it. This will be done especially if the patient’s past medical reports are not available.
Furthermore, even if a patient passes away suddenly after parenteral administration of a drug or medication, or if the patient falls or if there is
any mishap in the hospital due to which the patient sustains injuries and passes away, then it would be treated as a MLC.
The guidelines also suggests that if the relatives of the patient assault the treating doctor or other staff of the hospital, or if the patient’s relatives create a law and order problem in the hospital, then the case should be treated as a medico legal case.
Incidentally, these new guidelines are in addition to the existing norms which are being practised by doctors all over the country.
“So far, only burn injury cases, accident cases and those related to homicide, suicide, sexual assault, death in operation theatre or after surgery or in the intensive care unit (ICU) were considered as medico-legal.
“But it was now the need of the hour to include new categories in the new guidelines as it not only helps the doctors but also removes any doubt in the mind of the patient’s relatives,” said Dr Wiseman Pinto, who has been in the forefront of drafting these guidelines. The guidelines were then sent across for circulation and discussion to all the clinical departments along with the forensic department and the anaesthesia department, before it was decided to implement them in the GMC.
Dr Pinto added, “These guidelines on medico-legal cases would also serve to reduce the conflict between hospital authorities and patient’s relatives who generally allege suspicious deaths. Besides this, it will also help the law enforcement agencies”.
A copy of the guidelines will also be sent to all government-run hospitals and even private nursing homes and hospitals across the state.
December 23, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Sunday, December 14, 2008
IN TERROR SHADOW?
Port faces security threat, MPT tells govt
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Citing a security threat, Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) has written to the state government asking that the Khariwada fishing jetty situated alongside the port be moved out of Vasco bay.
Sources in the state government said MPT chairman Praveen Agarwal has written to the chief minister explaining why the fishing jetty needs to be moved out. “MPT continues to operate in an insecure regime which is likely to lead to disastrous consequences... It has become unacceptable to the central government to continue port operations with the looming security threat of the fishing jetty at arm’s length to the operational berths of MPT,” the government sources said.
When contacted, Agarwal refused to comment on the issue.
The recent terrorist attacks at Mumbai have brought to the fore the immediate necessity of shifting the Khariwada fishing jetty out of Vasco Bay or stopping its operations altogether, the sources quoted Agarwal as saying.
The letter, sent on December 6, also warned of an impact on the trade and commerce of Goa.
Referring to a secret report of
the Central Industrial Security Force dated December 4/5, in which there is information about the unauthorized entry of a fishing vessel into the port’s operational area on December 4, Agarwal said, “That an attempt to test the security of Khariwada jetty could be made soon after the Mumbai attacks shows the brazen approach of the enemies of the nation. It is obvious that attempts are being made by destructive forces to find vulnerable entry points in Goa from the sea side.”
Khariwada jetty is in close proximity to MPT’s berths 11 and 10. ENSURING SAFETY MEASURES
Jetty provides free access to port: MPT
Panaji: Reasoning that there is no way in which control can be exercised over the activities at Khariwada jetty towards ensuring the safety of Mormugao port and quoting various reports, MPT chairman Praveen Agarwal has written to the chief minister saying that “it is, therefore, extremely desirable that as requested by the ministry of shipping, road transport and highways, New Delhi; as mandated by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) repeatedly; as recommended by the home ministry and other agencies from time to time; as directed by the high powered committee on implementing security measures; as directed by the director general, shipping, who are the auditors for ISPS (International Ships facility and Port Security Code) compliance for major ports; as directed by the various other committees and conferences from time to time; and as demanded by masters of merchant ships calling at MPT, the Khariwada jetty has to be shifted out of Vasco Bay”.
Sources in the state government said Agarwal sought the state’s cooperation in identifying an alternative site outside Vasco Bay, so that MPT can start the work of developing a new world class fishing jetty.
“It is also a well-known fact that the Khariwada area has a large number of migrants and people with dubious identities, and others who keep moving from place to place, and who have no proper identification. All these have free access to the Mormugao port through the K h a r i w a d a fishing jetty which abuts berth number 11,” the letter said. The letter added that MPT is facing a threat to the port’s compliance with the ISPS code with the continuance of the Khariwada fishing jetty.
“Failure of MPT to comply with the ISPS Code will ultimately bring shipping activities to a grinding halt in the Mormugao harbour, which again will have a serious detrimental impact on the trade and commerce of Goa,” the letter added.
December 13, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Port faces security threat, MPT tells govt
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Citing a security threat, Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) has written to the state government asking that the Khariwada fishing jetty situated alongside the port be moved out of Vasco bay.
Sources in the state government said MPT chairman Praveen Agarwal has written to the chief minister explaining why the fishing jetty needs to be moved out. “MPT continues to operate in an insecure regime which is likely to lead to disastrous consequences... It has become unacceptable to the central government to continue port operations with the looming security threat of the fishing jetty at arm’s length to the operational berths of MPT,” the government sources said.
When contacted, Agarwal refused to comment on the issue.
The recent terrorist attacks at Mumbai have brought to the fore the immediate necessity of shifting the Khariwada fishing jetty out of Vasco Bay or stopping its operations altogether, the sources quoted Agarwal as saying.
The letter, sent on December 6, also warned of an impact on the trade and commerce of Goa.
Referring to a secret report of
the Central Industrial Security Force dated December 4/5, in which there is information about the unauthorized entry of a fishing vessel into the port’s operational area on December 4, Agarwal said, “That an attempt to test the security of Khariwada jetty could be made soon after the Mumbai attacks shows the brazen approach of the enemies of the nation. It is obvious that attempts are being made by destructive forces to find vulnerable entry points in Goa from the sea side.”
Khariwada jetty is in close proximity to MPT’s berths 11 and 10. ENSURING SAFETY MEASURES
Jetty provides free access to port: MPT
Panaji: Reasoning that there is no way in which control can be exercised over the activities at Khariwada jetty towards ensuring the safety of Mormugao port and quoting various reports, MPT chairman Praveen Agarwal has written to the chief minister saying that “it is, therefore, extremely desirable that as requested by the ministry of shipping, road transport and highways, New Delhi; as mandated by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) repeatedly; as recommended by the home ministry and other agencies from time to time; as directed by the high powered committee on implementing security measures; as directed by the director general, shipping, who are the auditors for ISPS (International Ships facility and Port Security Code) compliance for major ports; as directed by the various other committees and conferences from time to time; and as demanded by masters of merchant ships calling at MPT, the Khariwada jetty has to be shifted out of Vasco Bay”.
Sources in the state government said Agarwal sought the state’s cooperation in identifying an alternative site outside Vasco Bay, so that MPT can start the work of developing a new world class fishing jetty.
“It is also a well-known fact that the Khariwada area has a large number of migrants and people with dubious identities, and others who keep moving from place to place, and who have no proper identification. All these have free access to the Mormugao port through the K h a r i w a d a fishing jetty which abuts berth number 11,” the letter said. The letter added that MPT is facing a threat to the port’s compliance with the ISPS code with the continuance of the Khariwada fishing jetty.
“Failure of MPT to comply with the ISPS Code will ultimately bring shipping activities to a grinding halt in the Mormugao harbour, which again will have a serious detrimental impact on the trade and commerce of Goa,” the letter added.
December 13, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Police ignored attack on me: Russian
Police ignored attack on me: Russian
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: A Russian investor in Goa has alleged that he was beaten up by a group of locals even as the police turned a blind eye.
Dan Sorokin, director of White Raj Resorts Pvt Ltd, which is reportedly an Indian company, said in a press conference on Friday that the company had bought about 1,10,037 sq m of land at Nagarcem village in Palolem in the year 2007, which is “now worth crores of rupees”.
On Sunday, December 7, he alleged that he and his friends were assaulted on the property by a group of around 15 people.
“I am in a position to identify the men, armed with a traditional Indian sword, knives and steel tubes. They hit me on the head and kept on beating me while I was on the ground. My friends saved my life, carrying me out of this ugly scene and also taking some beating. As a result, I sustained as many as 15 wounds from the steel bars. I had to be operated on my head, spending a while in the intensive care unit (ICU). “My friends also got injuries on the head. Some bones were also broken,” alleged Sorokin.
He further alleged that an attacker tried to break the spine of his girlfriend with an iron stick, but “fortunately she screamed, thus making the attacker hesitate and run away”.
“A police car brought us to the government hospital at Chaudi. However, they grabbed one of my innocent friends (also a Russian) and arrested him because he was conscious.
“One of the policemen who was dressed in civil clothes actually participated in this armed assault to our lives. No arrests are made up to now,” he alleged.
Suspecting that the motive for the attack on him is “a clash of economical interests”, Sorokin further alleged, “Before the assault, the chief gangster told me, ‘you are not at home, you are in India.”
“We have informed the Russian Consul General in Mumbai of the incident and it is taking steps. The behaviour of the police is shocking and unacceptable as they have not even bothered to inquire into the matter or take my statement even though a complaint was lodged soon after the incident,” alleged Sorokin.
Stating that they are not mafia, Sorokin added, “To call us Russian mafia is not fair. We don’t live on crime but earn our bread and butter with hard work.”
Police sources, on the other hand, told TOI on Friday that one Suraj Ballikar from Bali, Quepem has claimed that the property purchased by the Russians was sub-leased to him and that he is a claimant.
When on December 7 the Russians tried to construct a tent on the property, he is believed to have objected. Ballikar in his complaint to the police said that he was assaulted by five Russians, including Sorokin and that the police registered a case against the Russians for grievous assault, trespass and intimidation.
“Later the locals attacked the Russians, and one Victor lodged a counter complaint against the locals for forming unlawful assembly and wrongfully assaulting the foreigners,” police sources said.
SP (South) Allan de Sa said, “Cross complaints were registered and we have taken immediate action. Investigations are on. The fight was over a property dispute and we will inquire thoroughly into it.”
December 13, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: A Russian investor in Goa has alleged that he was beaten up by a group of locals even as the police turned a blind eye.
Dan Sorokin, director of White Raj Resorts Pvt Ltd, which is reportedly an Indian company, said in a press conference on Friday that the company had bought about 1,10,037 sq m of land at Nagarcem village in Palolem in the year 2007, which is “now worth crores of rupees”.
On Sunday, December 7, he alleged that he and his friends were assaulted on the property by a group of around 15 people.
“I am in a position to identify the men, armed with a traditional Indian sword, knives and steel tubes. They hit me on the head and kept on beating me while I was on the ground. My friends saved my life, carrying me out of this ugly scene and also taking some beating. As a result, I sustained as many as 15 wounds from the steel bars. I had to be operated on my head, spending a while in the intensive care unit (ICU). “My friends also got injuries on the head. Some bones were also broken,” alleged Sorokin.
He further alleged that an attacker tried to break the spine of his girlfriend with an iron stick, but “fortunately she screamed, thus making the attacker hesitate and run away”.
“A police car brought us to the government hospital at Chaudi. However, they grabbed one of my innocent friends (also a Russian) and arrested him because he was conscious.
“One of the policemen who was dressed in civil clothes actually participated in this armed assault to our lives. No arrests are made up to now,” he alleged.
Suspecting that the motive for the attack on him is “a clash of economical interests”, Sorokin further alleged, “Before the assault, the chief gangster told me, ‘you are not at home, you are in India.”
“We have informed the Russian Consul General in Mumbai of the incident and it is taking steps. The behaviour of the police is shocking and unacceptable as they have not even bothered to inquire into the matter or take my statement even though a complaint was lodged soon after the incident,” alleged Sorokin.
Stating that they are not mafia, Sorokin added, “To call us Russian mafia is not fair. We don’t live on crime but earn our bread and butter with hard work.”
Police sources, on the other hand, told TOI on Friday that one Suraj Ballikar from Bali, Quepem has claimed that the property purchased by the Russians was sub-leased to him and that he is a claimant.
When on December 7 the Russians tried to construct a tent on the property, he is believed to have objected. Ballikar in his complaint to the police said that he was assaulted by five Russians, including Sorokin and that the police registered a case against the Russians for grievous assault, trespass and intimidation.
“Later the locals attacked the Russians, and one Victor lodged a counter complaint against the locals for forming unlawful assembly and wrongfully assaulting the foreigners,” police sources said.
SP (South) Allan de Sa said, “Cross complaints were registered and we have taken immediate action. Investigations are on. The fight was over a property dispute and we will inquire thoroughly into it.”
December 13, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Russia asks its citizens to reconsider Goa trip
RED FLAG
Russia asks its citizens
to reconsider Goa trip
Naik
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: Concerned about the safety of their citizens holidaying in Goa, the Russian consulate has advised them to “reconsider their trips” to the state.
Sources in the government revealed that in a letter to chief minister Digambar Kamat, the Russian consul general in Mumbai, Alexander Mantytsky, said, “Unfortunately, the times seem to have changed. Concerned over the security in Goa that may endanger the safety and health of Russian tourists and the failure of the Goan police to keep the situation under control, the consulate general has advised them to reconsider their trips to this state.”
Though the letter sent on December 1 came after the Mumbai terror attack, government sources said the letter was also prompted by the taxi strike in Goa which inconvenienced many Russian tourists.
“The Russian consulate was concerned as it received complaints about taxi drivers making anti-Russian slogans, not letting Russian tourists go out of their hotels and stopping coaches,” said sources.
Confirming the receipt of the letter, chief secretary J P Singh said, “The Russian consulate has requested us to act as Russian tourists in Goa had complained to the consulate of harassment by taxi drivers. We have assured them all possible help. The CM had a meeting with tour operators and taxi drivers to arrive at a consensus. Now the tourism director is having further meetings to sort out the problem.” ‘Cancellation of trips due to credit crunch’
Panaji: Concerned for the safety of Russians, the Russian consulate in Mumbai has asked its citizens to reconsider their visit to Goa.
The Russian consulate’s advocate in Goa, Vikram Varma said, “The conduct of some taxi drivers during the strike has cast doubts on the safety of Russian tourists. Tourists in all countries are free to choose their mode of transport.” During the taxi strike in November, it was alleged by tourists and tour operators that taxi drivers had behaved in an uncouth manner with foreign tourists and blocked vehicles and roads.
Tour operators had lodged complaints with the police and a few taxi drivers had been held. It was alleged that coaches and vehicles had been stopped by taxi drivers at various places and most of the tourists affected were Russians. President of the Federation of Associations of Tourist Taxi Owners and Drivers (FATTOD) Jeorge Fernandes says their grievance against Russian tourists is that they come on a tourist visa but engage in business, working as tourist guides in coaches.
Russians who do not understand English, prefer travelling in such coaches rather than taxis. However, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) vice-president Ernest Dias said, “The taxi drivers strike did cause inconvenience to our foreign clients and this has affected us. But the reason for cancellation of trips to Goa is due to the credit crunch, followed by the Mumbai blasts.
December 13, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Russia asks its citizens
to reconsider Goa trip
Naik
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: Concerned about the safety of their citizens holidaying in Goa, the Russian consulate has advised them to “reconsider their trips” to the state.
Sources in the government revealed that in a letter to chief minister Digambar Kamat, the Russian consul general in Mumbai, Alexander Mantytsky, said, “Unfortunately, the times seem to have changed. Concerned over the security in Goa that may endanger the safety and health of Russian tourists and the failure of the Goan police to keep the situation under control, the consulate general has advised them to reconsider their trips to this state.”
Though the letter sent on December 1 came after the Mumbai terror attack, government sources said the letter was also prompted by the taxi strike in Goa which inconvenienced many Russian tourists.
“The Russian consulate was concerned as it received complaints about taxi drivers making anti-Russian slogans, not letting Russian tourists go out of their hotels and stopping coaches,” said sources.
Confirming the receipt of the letter, chief secretary J P Singh said, “The Russian consulate has requested us to act as Russian tourists in Goa had complained to the consulate of harassment by taxi drivers. We have assured them all possible help. The CM had a meeting with tour operators and taxi drivers to arrive at a consensus. Now the tourism director is having further meetings to sort out the problem.” ‘Cancellation of trips due to credit crunch’
Panaji: Concerned for the safety of Russians, the Russian consulate in Mumbai has asked its citizens to reconsider their visit to Goa.
The Russian consulate’s advocate in Goa, Vikram Varma said, “The conduct of some taxi drivers during the strike has cast doubts on the safety of Russian tourists. Tourists in all countries are free to choose their mode of transport.” During the taxi strike in November, it was alleged by tourists and tour operators that taxi drivers had behaved in an uncouth manner with foreign tourists and blocked vehicles and roads.
Tour operators had lodged complaints with the police and a few taxi drivers had been held. It was alleged that coaches and vehicles had been stopped by taxi drivers at various places and most of the tourists affected were Russians. President of the Federation of Associations of Tourist Taxi Owners and Drivers (FATTOD) Jeorge Fernandes says their grievance against Russian tourists is that they come on a tourist visa but engage in business, working as tourist guides in coaches.
Russians who do not understand English, prefer travelling in such coaches rather than taxis. However, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) vice-president Ernest Dias said, “The taxi drivers strike did cause inconvenience to our foreign clients and this has affected us. But the reason for cancellation of trips to Goa is due to the credit crunch, followed by the Mumbai blasts.
December 13, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Goa//No need for CBI probe in German girl case: Cops
No need for CBI probe in German girl case: Cops
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: In an affidavit filed in the high court of Bombay at Goa, the Goa police submitted that “there has been no laxity in the investigation” and that it was “on account of non-cooperation of the complainant and the victim girl” that investigations were hampered in the alleged rape case of a minor German girl.
The police said that there was no case for handing over investigation to the CBI as it had been carried out in a proper manner and in accordance with the law.
SP (North) Bosco George in the affidavit submitted that “the response to the show cause notice is without prejudice to the submission that this court, in exercise of powers under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, cannot direct handing over investigation to the CBI unless the state has granted its consent”. No laxity in German girl probe: Cops
Panaji: The Goa police told the high court of Bombay in Goa that there has been no laxity on their part in investigations into the alleged rape of a minor German girl.
Chief Justice Swatanter Kumar had taken suo motu cognizance of the case in which a German woman had alleged that her minor daughter had been raped by Education minister Atanasio Monserrate’s son Rohit and sexually exploited by PWD minister Churchill Alemao’s nephew Warren. The division bench in its order on November 21 had asked the state to reply as to why investigations shouldn’t be transferred to the CBI.
The police categorically stated that within 24 hours of the medical report and statement of the minor being recorded and received by the police, Rohit had been taken into custody.
The affidavit states that investigations were, “in accordance with law and without any fear or favour”. It also says though steps were taken to take Rohit into custody, he could not be apprehended. “Subsequently the victim refused to cooperate with the investigating agency and was not even prepared to make a statement or subject herself to a medical examination. The very factum of the incident of rape therefore could not be ascertained and under these circumstances, no further steps were taken to arrest Rohit,” the SP submitted in his affidavit.
“In the complaint there was no direct allegation of rape, but it was stated that Rohit had ‘apparently’ raped her. Further, in the report of the NGO, it is recorded from conversation with the victim that the victim had not informed her mother of any such incident of rape,” the affidavit also states.
It was further submitted that in view of the statement of the victim and medical report which disclosed that there was an old healed hymenal tear, Rohit had been taken into custody. “As soon as the commission of the crime was ascertained the police have taken Rohit into custody for further investigation.”
Further, the police also submitted that they have recorded a further statement from the girl in the presence of two representatives of an NGO, in which she was unable to provided details of the alleged rape. “She has further stated that she has not received any threat, either verbal or written, from any person. She also stated that she has no complaint against anybody and that she has repeatedly been stating the same,” it was submitted.
As regards the complaint against Warren, the police submitted that there was no “material available to proceed against Warren Alemao and on the contrary the victim had categorically stated that she does not know any person by the name of Warren Alemao.”
The police in its affidavit also gave a clean chit to the Education minister and said that there was no material to proceed against him as an abettor to the crime.
When the matter came up for hearing before the division bench of Justice A P Deshpande and Justice N A Britto on Wednesday, advocate general Subodh Kantak informed the court that he had filed an application seeking to correct two paragraphs in the order passed on November 21, in which statements were attributed to the state, stating that Rohit was absconding till November 4. Kantak submitted that Rohit had deposed before the police on November 1 prior to recording the girl’s statement by Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Mapusa.
Senior counsel Atmaram Nadkarni appearing for Rohit was granted a week’s time to file an affidavit as to why Rohit’s bail shouldn’t be cancelled.
December 11, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: In an affidavit filed in the high court of Bombay at Goa, the Goa police submitted that “there has been no laxity in the investigation” and that it was “on account of non-cooperation of the complainant and the victim girl” that investigations were hampered in the alleged rape case of a minor German girl.
The police said that there was no case for handing over investigation to the CBI as it had been carried out in a proper manner and in accordance with the law.
SP (North) Bosco George in the affidavit submitted that “the response to the show cause notice is without prejudice to the submission that this court, in exercise of powers under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, cannot direct handing over investigation to the CBI unless the state has granted its consent”. No laxity in German girl probe: Cops
Panaji: The Goa police told the high court of Bombay in Goa that there has been no laxity on their part in investigations into the alleged rape of a minor German girl.
Chief Justice Swatanter Kumar had taken suo motu cognizance of the case in which a German woman had alleged that her minor daughter had been raped by Education minister Atanasio Monserrate’s son Rohit and sexually exploited by PWD minister Churchill Alemao’s nephew Warren. The division bench in its order on November 21 had asked the state to reply as to why investigations shouldn’t be transferred to the CBI.
The police categorically stated that within 24 hours of the medical report and statement of the minor being recorded and received by the police, Rohit had been taken into custody.
The affidavit states that investigations were, “in accordance with law and without any fear or favour”. It also says though steps were taken to take Rohit into custody, he could not be apprehended. “Subsequently the victim refused to cooperate with the investigating agency and was not even prepared to make a statement or subject herself to a medical examination. The very factum of the incident of rape therefore could not be ascertained and under these circumstances, no further steps were taken to arrest Rohit,” the SP submitted in his affidavit.
“In the complaint there was no direct allegation of rape, but it was stated that Rohit had ‘apparently’ raped her. Further, in the report of the NGO, it is recorded from conversation with the victim that the victim had not informed her mother of any such incident of rape,” the affidavit also states.
It was further submitted that in view of the statement of the victim and medical report which disclosed that there was an old healed hymenal tear, Rohit had been taken into custody. “As soon as the commission of the crime was ascertained the police have taken Rohit into custody for further investigation.”
Further, the police also submitted that they have recorded a further statement from the girl in the presence of two representatives of an NGO, in which she was unable to provided details of the alleged rape. “She has further stated that she has not received any threat, either verbal or written, from any person. She also stated that she has no complaint against anybody and that she has repeatedly been stating the same,” it was submitted.
As regards the complaint against Warren, the police submitted that there was no “material available to proceed against Warren Alemao and on the contrary the victim had categorically stated that she does not know any person by the name of Warren Alemao.”
The police in its affidavit also gave a clean chit to the Education minister and said that there was no material to proceed against him as an abettor to the crime.
When the matter came up for hearing before the division bench of Justice A P Deshpande and Justice N A Britto on Wednesday, advocate general Subodh Kantak informed the court that he had filed an application seeking to correct two paragraphs in the order passed on November 21, in which statements were attributed to the state, stating that Rohit was absconding till November 4. Kantak submitted that Rohit had deposed before the police on November 1 prior to recording the girl’s statement by Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Mapusa.
Senior counsel Atmaram Nadkarni appearing for Rohit was granted a week’s time to file an affidavit as to why Rohit’s bail shouldn’t be cancelled.
December 11, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Bunkers planned on Goa beaches
Bunkers planned on Goa beaches
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Armed police personnel at key beaches and bunkers from which to keep a watch on suspicious movement from the sea are part of the security measures the Goa police are putting in place.
“Bunkers of over five feet height will be constructed at strategically important beaches and armed policemen will be deployed with wireless and binoculars,” said a senior police official.
From the bunkers police will be able to track movement from the sea and reduce the possibility of terrorists infiltrating through this route. Goa has a 105-km-long coastline, with a major sea port and famous beaches.
“As we have a long coastline, we need to be careful and after the recent terror attacks, we need to tighten security on the beaches,” sources said. The bunkers are planned at Utorda, Majorda, Colva, Benaulim, Varca, Cavelossim and Mobor in South Goa, and Anjuna, Calangute and Dona Paula in north Goa. The North and South district SPs visited the beaches on Tuesday and selected the sites for the bunkers. Besides, the wireless and automatic weapons, once bullet proof jackets and protective head gear have been procured, the cops on duty there would be armoured with the same. At the moment there are about 30 outdated bullet proof jackets and no protective head gear with the police, sources added.
Cops can’t be everywhere, says Kamat
Margao: Chief minister Digambar Kamat, who toured South Goa coastal areas on Tuesday, said he was quite comfortable and satisfied with the security arrangements made. He also discussed security measures with hotels in the area, involving them in making security arrangements. “You cannot expect the police to be deployed everywhere,” the CM said.
Kamat, however, said that the proposed CCTVs on beaches was not feasible, but maintained that the security system in place was quite good. He also allayed fears of possible attacks from al-Qaeda and said precautions were being taken after the Mumbai attack as the government was not leaving anything to chance. TNN P 2 Fishermen alerted along coastal belt
Panaji: Goa police will be putting up bunkers of over five feet height at key beaches in the state to keep a close watch on any suspicious movement.
With hardly any reserve force available in the state, the police plans to post at least two armed policemen at the bunkers. Besides, there would be regular patrolling on the beaches and the Quick Response Teams (QRT) have been deployed to sensitive beaches. The government has brought in the navy, coast guard and coastal police to man the sea coast. While the navy is keeping vigil in the deep seas, the coast guard is checking on activities closer to shore and the coastal police is patrolling waters within five kms of land, with the help of boats borrowed from the customs and fisheries departments.
The police is also meeting fishermen and trawler owners to apprise them of the terror scenario in the country and asking them to be alert along the coast. The police have also asked water sports operators to stop activities by sunset.
December 10, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Armed police personnel at key beaches and bunkers from which to keep a watch on suspicious movement from the sea are part of the security measures the Goa police are putting in place.
“Bunkers of over five feet height will be constructed at strategically important beaches and armed policemen will be deployed with wireless and binoculars,” said a senior police official.
From the bunkers police will be able to track movement from the sea and reduce the possibility of terrorists infiltrating through this route. Goa has a 105-km-long coastline, with a major sea port and famous beaches.
“As we have a long coastline, we need to be careful and after the recent terror attacks, we need to tighten security on the beaches,” sources said. The bunkers are planned at Utorda, Majorda, Colva, Benaulim, Varca, Cavelossim and Mobor in South Goa, and Anjuna, Calangute and Dona Paula in north Goa. The North and South district SPs visited the beaches on Tuesday and selected the sites for the bunkers. Besides, the wireless and automatic weapons, once bullet proof jackets and protective head gear have been procured, the cops on duty there would be armoured with the same. At the moment there are about 30 outdated bullet proof jackets and no protective head gear with the police, sources added.
Cops can’t be everywhere, says Kamat
Margao: Chief minister Digambar Kamat, who toured South Goa coastal areas on Tuesday, said he was quite comfortable and satisfied with the security arrangements made. He also discussed security measures with hotels in the area, involving them in making security arrangements. “You cannot expect the police to be deployed everywhere,” the CM said.
Kamat, however, said that the proposed CCTVs on beaches was not feasible, but maintained that the security system in place was quite good. He also allayed fears of possible attacks from al-Qaeda and said precautions were being taken after the Mumbai attack as the government was not leaving anything to chance. TNN P 2 Fishermen alerted along coastal belt
Panaji: Goa police will be putting up bunkers of over five feet height at key beaches in the state to keep a close watch on any suspicious movement.
With hardly any reserve force available in the state, the police plans to post at least two armed policemen at the bunkers. Besides, there would be regular patrolling on the beaches and the Quick Response Teams (QRT) have been deployed to sensitive beaches. The government has brought in the navy, coast guard and coastal police to man the sea coast. While the navy is keeping vigil in the deep seas, the coast guard is checking on activities closer to shore and the coastal police is patrolling waters within five kms of land, with the help of boats borrowed from the customs and fisheries departments.
The police is also meeting fishermen and trawler owners to apprise them of the terror scenario in the country and asking them to be alert along the coast. The police have also asked water sports operators to stop activities by sunset.
December 10, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Goa-Stop watersport activities by sunset: Police to operators
Stop watersport activities by sunset: Police to operators
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Goa police, in a determined bid to curb the movement of jetskis and speedboats after sunset have issued notices to water sports operators to stop activities by sunset to prevent the infiltration of terrorists through the sea. Notices have been issued under section 149 of the CrPC to prevent cognizable offences.
Besides, a proposal will also be sent to the captain of ports and director of tourism to stop operations of water sports activities during late evening hours in the sea, “which makes it difficult for the police to identify” the user, highly placed police sources said. Water sports activities are a common feature in the popular coastal belt of North Goa. Sometime back, a proposal was sent to captain of ports and director of tourism to allot “a small portion of land to install a surveillance tower” in the Baga, Calangute stretch, where a majority of water sports operators are located on account of the area being popular with both, foreign and Indian tourists.
The police wrote, “Considering the recent terror attacks at Mumbai, its essential to maintain surveillance on the sea front”. The spot for the surveillance tower was identified at Baga beach.
The Goa police, which has intensified patrolling and strengthened security in the state following the terror attacks in Mumbai, during a meeting with the fishermen and trawler owners to appraise them of the present terror scenario in the country, wherein terrorists had infiltrated through the sea route, have realized that it won’t be easy maintaining security along the coastaline on account of the manner in which the water sports operators have been functioning.
“During the meetings held, it was equivocally stated that jetskis and speedboats have been operating during late evening hours in the sea,
which makes it difficult to identify any unknown vessel or boat moving in the sea due to presence of water sports activities,” said police sources.
The police were interacting with fishermen and trawler owners to request their co-operation in the maintenance of security along the coastal line.
Owners of offshore casinos anchored in the river Mandovi have also tightened security in and around their vessels in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks, even as the coastal police is patrolling the river water 24 X7. Nimai Biswas, proprietor of Scansea marine, which ensures that security is maintained as per the international security code, said, “We have trained security officers and a security system is in place to sense a terror strike. We have taken all precautions to keep our guests safe”.
Sources added that the casino owners have heightened security at the entrance of the casinos and even inside the vessels.
“We have installed metal detectors and everyone who enters the casino is frisked. No one is allowed to carry bags on board. Moreover, security guards are keeping a close watch on movements in and outside the casinos,” said an operator.
December 9, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Goa police, in a determined bid to curb the movement of jetskis and speedboats after sunset have issued notices to water sports operators to stop activities by sunset to prevent the infiltration of terrorists through the sea. Notices have been issued under section 149 of the CrPC to prevent cognizable offences.
Besides, a proposal will also be sent to the captain of ports and director of tourism to stop operations of water sports activities during late evening hours in the sea, “which makes it difficult for the police to identify” the user, highly placed police sources said. Water sports activities are a common feature in the popular coastal belt of North Goa. Sometime back, a proposal was sent to captain of ports and director of tourism to allot “a small portion of land to install a surveillance tower” in the Baga, Calangute stretch, where a majority of water sports operators are located on account of the area being popular with both, foreign and Indian tourists.
The police wrote, “Considering the recent terror attacks at Mumbai, its essential to maintain surveillance on the sea front”. The spot for the surveillance tower was identified at Baga beach.
The Goa police, which has intensified patrolling and strengthened security in the state following the terror attacks in Mumbai, during a meeting with the fishermen and trawler owners to appraise them of the present terror scenario in the country, wherein terrorists had infiltrated through the sea route, have realized that it won’t be easy maintaining security along the coastaline on account of the manner in which the water sports operators have been functioning.
“During the meetings held, it was equivocally stated that jetskis and speedboats have been operating during late evening hours in the sea,
which makes it difficult to identify any unknown vessel or boat moving in the sea due to presence of water sports activities,” said police sources.
The police were interacting with fishermen and trawler owners to request their co-operation in the maintenance of security along the coastal line.
Owners of offshore casinos anchored in the river Mandovi have also tightened security in and around their vessels in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks, even as the coastal police is patrolling the river water 24 X7. Nimai Biswas, proprietor of Scansea marine, which ensures that security is maintained as per the international security code, said, “We have trained security officers and a security system is in place to sense a terror strike. We have taken all precautions to keep our guests safe”.
Sources added that the casino owners have heightened security at the entrance of the casinos and even inside the vessels.
“We have installed metal detectors and everyone who enters the casino is frisked. No one is allowed to carry bags on board. Moreover, security guards are keeping a close watch on movements in and outside the casinos,” said an operator.
December 9, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Al-Qaeda to target installations in Goa
Goa on SIMI, Qaida hitlists
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Al Qaida and SIMI terrorists have been planning to target American, British and Israeli tourists in Goa, intelligence and police sources say.
While arrested SIMI leader Safdar Nagori—who is alleged to be behind the Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Delhi blasts—revealed during narco-analysis their plan to strike Goa, a Qaida module busted in the US provided provided information about the tourist hotspot being in terror crosshairs.
Sources added both these reports have been submitted to the Goa police. When contacted, DGP B S Brar said, “As of today, Goa is not a target. However, interrogation reports of various terrorists arrested by the police have revealed that they had Goa as a target and we are not taking any chances. All these groups were based outside Goa.”
During narco-analysis, Nagori said, “Nasir (a SIMI activist arrested by the Karnataka police in January 2008) had spoken to Adnan (arrested by the Karnataka police from Indore in March) and others about his target and he had targeted the Americans, Britishers and Israelis as his present target at Goa…”
Nagori was arrested by the Madhya Pradesh police from Indore and the narcoanalysis was done at Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Bangalore, in April this year. Three others were also subjected to the test. The report was submitted in June.
Nagori revealed that they had organized a training camp at Karnataka’s Castle Rock—80 km from Goa’s capital Panaji—to ready for the operation. “Nasir had attended the Castle Rock training camp and had also visited Hubli,” he said. ‘No immediate threat to state’
Panaji: Intelligence sources revealed that the al Qaida had plans to attack Goa in 2007 itself. A laptop recovered from an al Qaida module busted in the US contained information about a proposed strike around “Baja (Baga) beach”, sources said. This information was passed on to Indian authorities by US agencies.
Although there is no immediate threat it does not reduce the vulnerability, top police officials said. In fact, IGP Kishan Kumar has been continuously saying that Goa needs to comes out of the “nothing will ever happen here” mindset.
The police have already beefed up its intelligence gathering and are insisting on CCTVs and proper lighting at popular beaches. The police have also instructed all night clubs to down shutters by 12 midnight. Two companies of Central industrial security force have been stationed at tourist spots and two more will arrive during the IFFI in November.
October 12, 2008,The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Al Qaida and SIMI terrorists have been planning to target American, British and Israeli tourists in Goa, intelligence and police sources say.
While arrested SIMI leader Safdar Nagori—who is alleged to be behind the Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Delhi blasts—revealed during narco-analysis their plan to strike Goa, a Qaida module busted in the US provided provided information about the tourist hotspot being in terror crosshairs.
Sources added both these reports have been submitted to the Goa police. When contacted, DGP B S Brar said, “As of today, Goa is not a target. However, interrogation reports of various terrorists arrested by the police have revealed that they had Goa as a target and we are not taking any chances. All these groups were based outside Goa.”
During narco-analysis, Nagori said, “Nasir (a SIMI activist arrested by the Karnataka police in January 2008) had spoken to Adnan (arrested by the Karnataka police from Indore in March) and others about his target and he had targeted the Americans, Britishers and Israelis as his present target at Goa…”
Nagori was arrested by the Madhya Pradesh police from Indore and the narcoanalysis was done at Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Bangalore, in April this year. Three others were also subjected to the test. The report was submitted in June.
Nagori revealed that they had organized a training camp at Karnataka’s Castle Rock—80 km from Goa’s capital Panaji—to ready for the operation. “Nasir had attended the Castle Rock training camp and had also visited Hubli,” he said. ‘No immediate threat to state’
Panaji: Intelligence sources revealed that the al Qaida had plans to attack Goa in 2007 itself. A laptop recovered from an al Qaida module busted in the US contained information about a proposed strike around “Baja (Baga) beach”, sources said. This information was passed on to Indian authorities by US agencies.
Although there is no immediate threat it does not reduce the vulnerability, top police officials said. In fact, IGP Kishan Kumar has been continuously saying that Goa needs to comes out of the “nothing will ever happen here” mindset.
The police have already beefed up its intelligence gathering and are insisting on CCTVs and proper lighting at popular beaches. The police have also instructed all night clubs to down shutters by 12 midnight. Two companies of Central industrial security force have been stationed at tourist spots and two more will arrive during the IFFI in November.
October 12, 2008,The Times of India, Goa edition
Friday, December 05, 2008
In Goa-Foreign students under scanner
Foreign students under scanner
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Goa police have decided to conduct a fresh survey of foreigners studying in the state to verify their antecedents and have sought the state government’s permission to be allowed to conduct surprise raids on institutions where foreign students are enrolled.
The police—who are alarmed by the increasing number of natives from West Asia studying in private institutes in the state—said investigations have revealed that foreigners with student visas to study in institutes in other states have enrolled in private institutes in Goa and do not attend classes regularly. In one case, it was found that at times students disappear for months together from the state on sick leave. The police said licences of the institutes should be cancelled in case of any violations and the students bunking classes should be deported.
The police proposal to the state government also said a weekly attendance sheet of the students should be sent to the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO). The proposal comes on the heels of the alleged revelations by Amir Kasab Azam, arrested during the Mumbai terror attack, that he and eight others had made a reconnaissance trip to Mumbai, posing as Malaysian students.
The police suggested bringing such private institutions under the control of the education department and the forwarding of details of all foreign students to the collector and the FRO. “From the security point of view it is important to have a check on people who arrive on the pretext of studying. It is a grey area and if immediate steps are not taken, it may prove detrimental to national security,” said SP (North) Bosco George. 11 institutes not affiliated to any varsity
Panaji: The Goa police in a proposal to the state government has suggested bringing private education institutions in the state under the control of the education department.
The Goa police are also conducting a survey to verify the credentials of foreigners studying in the state.
Police investigations have revealed 11 institutes not recognized or affiliated to any university. Six of them function from Panaji. The institutes mainly cater to foreign students, with about 150 students from West Asia attending courses in English, business administration, computer science and office management. Yemenese nationals top the list, followed by students from Sudan, Afghanistan and Nigeria.
Most of the institutes have trade licenses from the respective municipal council or corporation.
SP (Intelligence) A V Deshpande said, “After conducting a survey of private institutions enrolling foreign students, we learnt that foreign students were using loopholes in the system to be in Goa. Things need to be in place to ensure that subversive elements dont enter the state posing as students.”
December 4, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Goa police have decided to conduct a fresh survey of foreigners studying in the state to verify their antecedents and have sought the state government’s permission to be allowed to conduct surprise raids on institutions where foreign students are enrolled.
The police—who are alarmed by the increasing number of natives from West Asia studying in private institutes in the state—said investigations have revealed that foreigners with student visas to study in institutes in other states have enrolled in private institutes in Goa and do not attend classes regularly. In one case, it was found that at times students disappear for months together from the state on sick leave. The police said licences of the institutes should be cancelled in case of any violations and the students bunking classes should be deported.
The police proposal to the state government also said a weekly attendance sheet of the students should be sent to the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO). The proposal comes on the heels of the alleged revelations by Amir Kasab Azam, arrested during the Mumbai terror attack, that he and eight others had made a reconnaissance trip to Mumbai, posing as Malaysian students.
The police suggested bringing such private institutions under the control of the education department and the forwarding of details of all foreign students to the collector and the FRO. “From the security point of view it is important to have a check on people who arrive on the pretext of studying. It is a grey area and if immediate steps are not taken, it may prove detrimental to national security,” said SP (North) Bosco George. 11 institutes not affiliated to any varsity
Panaji: The Goa police in a proposal to the state government has suggested bringing private education institutions in the state under the control of the education department.
The Goa police are also conducting a survey to verify the credentials of foreigners studying in the state.
Police investigations have revealed 11 institutes not recognized or affiliated to any university. Six of them function from Panaji. The institutes mainly cater to foreign students, with about 150 students from West Asia attending courses in English, business administration, computer science and office management. Yemenese nationals top the list, followed by students from Sudan, Afghanistan and Nigeria.
Most of the institutes have trade licenses from the respective municipal council or corporation.
SP (Intelligence) A V Deshpande said, “After conducting a survey of private institutions enrolling foreign students, we learnt that foreign students were using loopholes in the system to be in Goa. Things need to be in place to ensure that subversive elements dont enter the state posing as students.”
December 4, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
8,500 fishermen in Goa but only 474 ID cards
8,500 fishermen in Goa but only 474 ID cards
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: In yet another example of the government’s lackadaisical attitude towards maritime security, the Goa government has issued identity cards to only 474 of the approximately 8,500 fishermen operating in the state. The drive to issue ID cards had started in April 2007.
Acting director of fisheries Nandkishore Verlekar said, “Information is being collected by the coastal police but it’s a difficult task as about 95% of the labour is from outside the state. Though information is collected and sent to the police station of their origin for verification, there is hardly any response. Due to this there has been a delay in issuing ID cards.” However, in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks, the government has decided to act swiftly to secure the coasts.
Over 80 persons held in South Goa
In an intensive drive against job seekers from outside the state, the South Goa police rounded up nine Lamanis along the coastal belt and some 80 persons from different parts of Cuncolim on Wednesday. Police also undertook verification of around 150 Kashmiris engaged in trading activities. In another operation in Calangute on Tuesday night, police arrested 55 persons from the Aradiband slums. Police said that those arrested had no documents and were moving around the area in a suspicious manner. TNN P 3 Govt mulls colour code for trawlers, IDs for crew
Panaji: The Goa government is contemplating a colour code for trawlers besides bar coded identification cards for fishermen to ensure that unwanted elements don’t penetrate into the state via the sea.
“ID cards would make it easier to verify the antecedents of fishermen operating in Goa and a colour code for trawlers would help check on their movement,” said SP (North) Bosco George. There are about 815 trawlers operating in the state, with some 1,657 trawlers registered with the fisheries department.
Responsibility for verification remains with the state police, while the procedure for application and issuing of cards is managed by the fisheries department.
The police claim “lack of cooperation, illiteracy and absence of documents to prove proof of residence and incomplete or incorrect addresses” make verification difficult, leading to a consequent delay in issuing ID cards.
“We have been regularly checking those employed by
the trawlers. But trawler owners need to maintain proper records of their employees and cooperate with the police,” said DySP (coastal police) Naresh Mhamal.
“Police have been collecting details of the people employed with us, but so far we have not been issued a single ID card,” said Elvis Gomes, a trawler owner from Betul.
Added Mandovi Fishermen Marketing Cooperative Society chairman Sitakant Parab, “Hardly 25% of the fishermen have identity cards. Verification takes a long time and by that time many would have shifted to a different job or left the state. It is really difficult to issue identity cards as a majority of the workers are from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Orissa or West Bengal and are here for short periods.”
The cards contain the photograph of the person, identification details, work profile and the association the fisherman is affiliated to. The card was meant to help patrolling agencies keep a check on activities of fishermen and to allow an alert to be raised in case of suspicious activity.
December 4, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: In yet another example of the government’s lackadaisical attitude towards maritime security, the Goa government has issued identity cards to only 474 of the approximately 8,500 fishermen operating in the state. The drive to issue ID cards had started in April 2007.
Acting director of fisheries Nandkishore Verlekar said, “Information is being collected by the coastal police but it’s a difficult task as about 95% of the labour is from outside the state. Though information is collected and sent to the police station of their origin for verification, there is hardly any response. Due to this there has been a delay in issuing ID cards.” However, in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks, the government has decided to act swiftly to secure the coasts.
Over 80 persons held in South Goa
In an intensive drive against job seekers from outside the state, the South Goa police rounded up nine Lamanis along the coastal belt and some 80 persons from different parts of Cuncolim on Wednesday. Police also undertook verification of around 150 Kashmiris engaged in trading activities. In another operation in Calangute on Tuesday night, police arrested 55 persons from the Aradiband slums. Police said that those arrested had no documents and were moving around the area in a suspicious manner. TNN P 3 Govt mulls colour code for trawlers, IDs for crew
Panaji: The Goa government is contemplating a colour code for trawlers besides bar coded identification cards for fishermen to ensure that unwanted elements don’t penetrate into the state via the sea.
“ID cards would make it easier to verify the antecedents of fishermen operating in Goa and a colour code for trawlers would help check on their movement,” said SP (North) Bosco George. There are about 815 trawlers operating in the state, with some 1,657 trawlers registered with the fisheries department.
Responsibility for verification remains with the state police, while the procedure for application and issuing of cards is managed by the fisheries department.
The police claim “lack of cooperation, illiteracy and absence of documents to prove proof of residence and incomplete or incorrect addresses” make verification difficult, leading to a consequent delay in issuing ID cards.
“We have been regularly checking those employed by
the trawlers. But trawler owners need to maintain proper records of their employees and cooperate with the police,” said DySP (coastal police) Naresh Mhamal.
“Police have been collecting details of the people employed with us, but so far we have not been issued a single ID card,” said Elvis Gomes, a trawler owner from Betul.
Added Mandovi Fishermen Marketing Cooperative Society chairman Sitakant Parab, “Hardly 25% of the fishermen have identity cards. Verification takes a long time and by that time many would have shifted to a different job or left the state. It is really difficult to issue identity cards as a majority of the workers are from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Orissa or West Bengal and are here for short periods.”
The cards contain the photograph of the person, identification details, work profile and the association the fisherman is affiliated to. The card was meant to help patrolling agencies keep a check on activities of fishermen and to allow an alert to be raised in case of suspicious activity.
December 4, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
In Goa 38% of HIV hit are women
38% of HIV hit are women
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: A woman, cheated into a marriage with an HIV positive man, filed for divorce as soon as she learned about his HIV status as she didn’t wish to live the rest of her life with the man who kept her in the dark about the same. Women’s liberation has touched a new high in Goa, with few women daring to put the lid on the unhappy marriages.
The latest trend, noticed over the past one year, has seen more than four women apply for either divorce or separation as their partners had hidden their HIV status at the time of marriage. “We have registered number of cases of women who are married to HIV positive men, who either didn’t know their HIV status or didn’t disclose it before marriage. In 4 cases, the women after they knew of their spouse’s HIV status, wanted either divorce or separation. One of them was tested HIV positive,” said Goa State AIDS Control Society chairperson Dr Pramod Salgaocar.
Dr Salgaocar added, “Most of the women are from Goan middle class families, who are in their early twenties. Once they know of their spouse’s HIV status, they feel cheated and betrayed. While some ask for separation, few opt for divorce. But many continue to live with the spouse and try to adjust with what fate has to offer.”
The surveillance data prepared by Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) shows that of the estimated 12000 HIV positive individuals in the state, 38% are women and more than 85% are in the 15 to 29 age group. Besides, the proportion of HIV positive women has alarmingly increased from 12% in 1998 to 38% in 2008. Infact, 1 of every 3 HIV positive case detected in Goa is a woman.
“We have come across cases in which men have hidden their HIV status from their spouses at the time of marriage. Once the wife comes to know of the husband’s HIV status, hell breaks lose. If they are economically independent, then the women either walks out of the marriage or asks for separation.
Even if a woman tries to adjust, it is not easy as the blame game starts,” said Positive Lives Foundation president Jaffar Inamdar.
Sophia from Rishta said, “In majority of cases we have seen that by the time a woman learns about her husband’s HIV status, its too late as by then the woman is also tested HIV positive. So majority of women are left with no option but to support each other, till death parts them.”
“The only option that can help the couples is to make counselling mandatory and testing voluntary before marriage” added Dr Salgaocar.
December 2, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: A woman, cheated into a marriage with an HIV positive man, filed for divorce as soon as she learned about his HIV status as she didn’t wish to live the rest of her life with the man who kept her in the dark about the same. Women’s liberation has touched a new high in Goa, with few women daring to put the lid on the unhappy marriages.
The latest trend, noticed over the past one year, has seen more than four women apply for either divorce or separation as their partners had hidden their HIV status at the time of marriage. “We have registered number of cases of women who are married to HIV positive men, who either didn’t know their HIV status or didn’t disclose it before marriage. In 4 cases, the women after they knew of their spouse’s HIV status, wanted either divorce or separation. One of them was tested HIV positive,” said Goa State AIDS Control Society chairperson Dr Pramod Salgaocar.
Dr Salgaocar added, “Most of the women are from Goan middle class families, who are in their early twenties. Once they know of their spouse’s HIV status, they feel cheated and betrayed. While some ask for separation, few opt for divorce. But many continue to live with the spouse and try to adjust with what fate has to offer.”
The surveillance data prepared by Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) shows that of the estimated 12000 HIV positive individuals in the state, 38% are women and more than 85% are in the 15 to 29 age group. Besides, the proportion of HIV positive women has alarmingly increased from 12% in 1998 to 38% in 2008. Infact, 1 of every 3 HIV positive case detected in Goa is a woman.
“We have come across cases in which men have hidden their HIV status from their spouses at the time of marriage. Once the wife comes to know of the husband’s HIV status, hell breaks lose. If they are economically independent, then the women either walks out of the marriage or asks for separation.
Even if a woman tries to adjust, it is not easy as the blame game starts,” said Positive Lives Foundation president Jaffar Inamdar.
Sophia from Rishta said, “In majority of cases we have seen that by the time a woman learns about her husband’s HIV status, its too late as by then the woman is also tested HIV positive. So majority of women are left with no option but to support each other, till death parts them.”
“The only option that can help the couples is to make counselling mandatory and testing voluntary before marriage” added Dr Salgaocar.
December 2, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Goa-Grim tourism season on further decline
Grim tourism season on further decline
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Hardly two months into the tourism season and reports reveal that cancellation of charter flights has touched 20% and the number of charter tourists visiting Goa is down 40%.
The September estimates had foreseen the arrival of about 40 charter flights a week to Goa for the current season, but revised estimates have reduced this to 32 flights a week.
“About 20% of the 656 charter flights estimated to arrive in Goa have been cancelled. The trend shows a definite decline in tourist arrivals as most flights are landing with 20 to 30% of their seats empty even in the last week of November. This has led to about 18% cancellation of flights and if the trend continues, we might see about 50% of the flights called off by February 2009,” said Subhash Phegade, station manager of Aircon Air Spares and Services.
Landing slots had been allotted to 656 charters at the Dabolim airport for the current season, down from the 747 flights that arrived last season. The estimated number of tourists on these flights is also down from 2,30,000 last season to about 1,65,000. The slide has taken place despite discounts by operators and hoteliers. Condor station manager Bush Miranda said, “Economic slowdown has hit us badly. Prices in the beginning of the season were high. Now, though reduced there are no takers as people are more concerned about their jobs. However, we hope that the 40% of repeat foreign tourists will return this season and we will have a steady flow of at least 40% foreign tourists.”
However, Ralph de Souza, president of Travel and Tourism Association of Goa says, “The number of charter tourists coming directly to Goa has reduced as many tourists are arriving via Mumbai. Certain tour operators like TuiNodic from Finland has cancelled its operations to Goa, but Scandinavian tourists are coming via charters to Mumbai and then onto Goa.”
Industry sources admit that a majority of foreign tourists arriving are those who have booked non-refundable charter tickets. “If they cancel the tickets, they tend to lose money, so they come and prefer to stay and eat in their hotel, rather travel or spend. Due to this, auxiliary sectors like taxi operators, shack and restaurant owners are badly hit,” a source said.
Accepting the downward trend, the industry has started an intensive promotion campaign in UK and Moscow. “Along with routine packages, we are offering an extra supplement of tours to the hinterland, heritage sits, spice plantations, rivers or ghat areas and even promoting trekking in the ghat areas. The idea to expose the 40% repeat clientele to more attractions in Goa, rather than just the beaches and parties,” said de Souza.
Details available with tour operators reveal that charter operators from England have reduced Goa operations this season. While 412 charters arrived from England in 2007-2008, this year the number has dropped to 290. Similarly charter operators from Sweden reduced flights from 68 last season to 52, and those from Finland have brought down operations to 22, half the number of flights operated last year.
There will be no flights from Italy this season, though those from Belgium and Germany would remain steady at 25 and 50. There is, however, a rise in flights from Russia, from 208 last season to about 337. But Vim Airlines, hoping to operate 100 charters from Russia brought in just one and cancelled the other 99.
Tourists skip Goa, head home
Panaji: The continuing global meltdown coupled with Wednesday night’s terror attack in Mumbai has commenced the first tremors in the Goan economy.
Hours after gun shots shattered the peace of the night in Mumbai, foreign tourists cut short their Indian holiday, giving even Goa a miss and left the country from Mumbai.
“Two of our clients from France were on a north India tour and were to arrive in Goa shortly from Mumbai. They left the country from Mumbai itself, after last night’s terror attacks,” Ernest Dias, vice president, TTAG.
Industry insiders, however, say it is too early to predict the impact of the terror attack on Goa’s tourism economy. And if there’s going to be cancellations, it going to be in the Free-of-Itinery Traveller (FITs), and the Group Independant Traveller (GITs) . “There have been four cancellations of GITs in Delhi. Of these, one group was to come to Goa after a north India tour. As of now, there have been no direct cancellations for Goa, but we’ll have to wait for a few days and see,” says Alu Gomes Pereira of TCI. Industry players say the global meltdown itself has seen a 25% drop in British tourists, and a 10% drop in Scandinavian tourists as of November, although Russian arrivals have not really been affected.
“However, Russians are facing a credit crunch now. And coupled with the terror attack in Mumbai, we might see a 10-15% drop in Russian tourists,” says Dias. TNN
28 November,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Hardly two months into the tourism season and reports reveal that cancellation of charter flights has touched 20% and the number of charter tourists visiting Goa is down 40%.
The September estimates had foreseen the arrival of about 40 charter flights a week to Goa for the current season, but revised estimates have reduced this to 32 flights a week.
“About 20% of the 656 charter flights estimated to arrive in Goa have been cancelled. The trend shows a definite decline in tourist arrivals as most flights are landing with 20 to 30% of their seats empty even in the last week of November. This has led to about 18% cancellation of flights and if the trend continues, we might see about 50% of the flights called off by February 2009,” said Subhash Phegade, station manager of Aircon Air Spares and Services.
Landing slots had been allotted to 656 charters at the Dabolim airport for the current season, down from the 747 flights that arrived last season. The estimated number of tourists on these flights is also down from 2,30,000 last season to about 1,65,000. The slide has taken place despite discounts by operators and hoteliers. Condor station manager Bush Miranda said, “Economic slowdown has hit us badly. Prices in the beginning of the season were high. Now, though reduced there are no takers as people are more concerned about their jobs. However, we hope that the 40% of repeat foreign tourists will return this season and we will have a steady flow of at least 40% foreign tourists.”
However, Ralph de Souza, president of Travel and Tourism Association of Goa says, “The number of charter tourists coming directly to Goa has reduced as many tourists are arriving via Mumbai. Certain tour operators like TuiNodic from Finland has cancelled its operations to Goa, but Scandinavian tourists are coming via charters to Mumbai and then onto Goa.”
Industry sources admit that a majority of foreign tourists arriving are those who have booked non-refundable charter tickets. “If they cancel the tickets, they tend to lose money, so they come and prefer to stay and eat in their hotel, rather travel or spend. Due to this, auxiliary sectors like taxi operators, shack and restaurant owners are badly hit,” a source said.
Accepting the downward trend, the industry has started an intensive promotion campaign in UK and Moscow. “Along with routine packages, we are offering an extra supplement of tours to the hinterland, heritage sits, spice plantations, rivers or ghat areas and even promoting trekking in the ghat areas. The idea to expose the 40% repeat clientele to more attractions in Goa, rather than just the beaches and parties,” said de Souza.
Details available with tour operators reveal that charter operators from England have reduced Goa operations this season. While 412 charters arrived from England in 2007-2008, this year the number has dropped to 290. Similarly charter operators from Sweden reduced flights from 68 last season to 52, and those from Finland have brought down operations to 22, half the number of flights operated last year.
There will be no flights from Italy this season, though those from Belgium and Germany would remain steady at 25 and 50. There is, however, a rise in flights from Russia, from 208 last season to about 337. But Vim Airlines, hoping to operate 100 charters from Russia brought in just one and cancelled the other 99.
Tourists skip Goa, head home
Panaji: The continuing global meltdown coupled with Wednesday night’s terror attack in Mumbai has commenced the first tremors in the Goan economy.
Hours after gun shots shattered the peace of the night in Mumbai, foreign tourists cut short their Indian holiday, giving even Goa a miss and left the country from Mumbai.
“Two of our clients from France were on a north India tour and were to arrive in Goa shortly from Mumbai. They left the country from Mumbai itself, after last night’s terror attacks,” Ernest Dias, vice president, TTAG.
Industry insiders, however, say it is too early to predict the impact of the terror attack on Goa’s tourism economy. And if there’s going to be cancellations, it going to be in the Free-of-Itinery Traveller (FITs), and the Group Independant Traveller (GITs) . “There have been four cancellations of GITs in Delhi. Of these, one group was to come to Goa after a north India tour. As of now, there have been no direct cancellations for Goa, but we’ll have to wait for a few days and see,” says Alu Gomes Pereira of TCI. Industry players say the global meltdown itself has seen a 25% drop in British tourists, and a 10% drop in Scandinavian tourists as of November, although Russian arrivals have not really been affected.
“However, Russians are facing a credit crunch now. And coupled with the terror attack in Mumbai, we might see a 10-15% drop in Russian tourists,” says Dias. TNN
28 November,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
‘Dada’, was chef Rego’s son’s last word
‘Dada’, was chef Rego’s son’s last word
The 23-Yr-Old Junior Chef Was Shot Dead At Taj, Mumbai
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Urbano do Rego, who is popularly known in Goa as chef Rego, heard the desperate dying words of his 23-yearold son early on Thursday morning and then the call ended abruptly.
In the evening, the family learnt that Boris do Rego, a junior sous chef at the Taj, Mumbai had been shot dead by terrorists that morning.
Recollecting that last harrowing call, chef Rego said that about 4.30 am on Thursday he received a call from his son Boris. “My elder son picked up the phone. After talking to Boris he looked tense and suddenly collapsed. I rushed and picked up the mobile suspecting something fishy and I heard my son cry out ‘dada’ and then the phone went dead,” said chef Rego.
“After that we tried calling him several times. But he didn’t pick the phone,” Urbano said. At 3.30 pm, the family received news that their son had been killed by terrorists. The body will arrive in Goa on Friday. Along with Boris, four other chefs were shot dead.
Chef Rego, who is corporate chef (Goan cuisine, all India operations) said his son went through several desperate and anxious moments. “When we made the first call at 9.30 pm on Thursday, he said, ‘Dada don’t worry, everything will be okay.’ But by the time we made the second call, he sounded tense as he said, “I saw a few people firing at the Shamiana restaurant and a waiter was killed’,” the father recalled.
“We couldn’t understand what was happening, but we knew he was not safe. Throughout the night we called him, sometimes he picked up, but sounded tense. At 2 am he told us that the terrorists had taken them to the basement and an hour later he said they had been brought back to the kitchen to prepare sandwiches for the guests,” recollected the father.
Proud of Boris’ culinary skills, Urbano had hoped his son would carry on with his legacy. “I wanted him to continue with my legacy and I knew in my heart that he would be better than me,” the father said. He said that though his son was not keen on going to Mumbai, he forced him to go to Mumbai as he had also started his career in Taj, Mumbai in 1970 as an apprentice. Boris had joined Taj, Mumbai in June this year to fulfil his dad’s dream, “to be the best Goan cuisine chef ”. But the dreams are now just memories for the family. “It is all over,” said chef Urbano.
28 November 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Goan chef gunned down at Taj
Goan chef gunned down at Taj
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Boris Rego, a 23-year-old junior sous chef at the Taj, Mumbai, was among those shot dead by terrorists who attacked the hotel.
“Dada don’t worry, everything will be okay,” he told his family in Divar over the phone at 9.30 pm on Wednesday after terrorists took over the hotel. However, his optimism was short-lived, recalls his father Urbano Do Rego, popularly known in Goa as chef Rego, who also works at the Taj here in Goa.
28 November,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Boris Rego, a 23-year-old junior sous chef at the Taj, Mumbai, was among those shot dead by terrorists who attacked the hotel.
“Dada don’t worry, everything will be okay,” he told his family in Divar over the phone at 9.30 pm on Wednesday after terrorists took over the hotel. However, his optimism was short-lived, recalls his father Urbano Do Rego, popularly known in Goa as chef Rego, who also works at the Taj here in Goa.
28 November,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
‘I wanted case to be closed out of desperation’
‘I wanted case to be closed out of desperation’
What The German Mother Told Police In Her Second Letter
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The letter given to the police on November 9 by the German woman who had alleged her daughter had been raped by a minister’s son seeking that the “complaint be treated as closed” was “done out of desperation and in the interest to protect my daughter from further annoyance”.
This was stated in a subsequent letter (a copy of which is in TOI’s possession) she gave to SP (north) Bosco George on November 11. Her first letter to the PI, Calangute, two days earlier had said, “I don’t wish to proceed with the complaint and the said case should be treated as closed.”
The second letter also claims that “for whichever reason”, her counsel Aires Rodrigues “saw it to be the better way”.
Rodrigues had withdrawn from the case a day after she gave the letter.
The second letter was submitted after a closed-door meeting with George and investigating officer PI Tushar Vernekar. George said, “We did receive a letter from the mother two days after she gave a letter withdrawing her complaint. But we wouldn’t like to divulge any information as investigation is in progress.”
“My daughter after giving her statement to the judge broke down...She was nervous and due to this (she was) not able to confront the matter. She needs a little bit time to recover from all this,” the woman wrote.
Admitting that “it is a good sign” that her daughter is opening up to her, the woman wrote to the police that her daughter is gradually telling her what had happened to her. This was something “she was not doing before. I am trying carefully to convince her now so that she will be ready to give more details to the police about the incident, which I know is important to proceed with the investigations. So please allow me more time until I see that my daughter feels more easy to talk about it before the police”, she added.
On November 11, the German woman submitted another letter to the SP (north)
seeking leave to take her daughter to Germany after she gave her additional statement to the police. “I would appreciate it very much as she needs a follow-up treatment by her doctors in Germany,” the mother wrote.
Meanwhile, the Calangute police has attached the hard disk of the computer used by the minor girl to communicate with the minister’s son, and sent it to Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad, for examination.
27 November,2008,The Times of India, Goa edition
What The German Mother Told Police In Her Second Letter
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The letter given to the police on November 9 by the German woman who had alleged her daughter had been raped by a minister’s son seeking that the “complaint be treated as closed” was “done out of desperation and in the interest to protect my daughter from further annoyance”.
This was stated in a subsequent letter (a copy of which is in TOI’s possession) she gave to SP (north) Bosco George on November 11. Her first letter to the PI, Calangute, two days earlier had said, “I don’t wish to proceed with the complaint and the said case should be treated as closed.”
The second letter also claims that “for whichever reason”, her counsel Aires Rodrigues “saw it to be the better way”.
Rodrigues had withdrawn from the case a day after she gave the letter.
The second letter was submitted after a closed-door meeting with George and investigating officer PI Tushar Vernekar. George said, “We did receive a letter from the mother two days after she gave a letter withdrawing her complaint. But we wouldn’t like to divulge any information as investigation is in progress.”
“My daughter after giving her statement to the judge broke down...She was nervous and due to this (she was) not able to confront the matter. She needs a little bit time to recover from all this,” the woman wrote.
Admitting that “it is a good sign” that her daughter is opening up to her, the woman wrote to the police that her daughter is gradually telling her what had happened to her. This was something “she was not doing before. I am trying carefully to convince her now so that she will be ready to give more details to the police about the incident, which I know is important to proceed with the investigations. So please allow me more time until I see that my daughter feels more easy to talk about it before the police”, she added.
On November 11, the German woman submitted another letter to the SP (north)
seeking leave to take her daughter to Germany after she gave her additional statement to the police. “I would appreciate it very much as she needs a follow-up treatment by her doctors in Germany,” the mother wrote.
Meanwhile, the Calangute police has attached the hard disk of the computer used by the minor girl to communicate with the minister’s son, and sent it to Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad, for examination.
27 November,2008,The Times of India, Goa edition
Friday, November 28, 2008
Stolt Valor crew back home
Stolt Valor crew back home
Recounts The Days Of Horror
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: As 25-year-old Allister Fernandes stepped foot into his house in Cuncolim on Monday afternoon, he saw the placard welcoming him home. The heartwarming scene told a story of pain, grief and ultimately, that of relief and elation. It was an emotional reunion—for the family as well as the villagers who stood by them in their moment of grief and pain—celebrated with cakes and songs.
“I am happy to be home and so loved,” said an exuberant Allister, hugging his family and friends. “I realise now how uncertain life is,” he said after reaching Goa along with fellow crew member Isidore Fernandes from Raia.
“On September 15 morning when we had reached the Gulf of Aden, I was pleased at the thought that within five days I would be back home in Cuncolim, attending my cousin’s wedding. Little did I know that by afternoon, we would be captured by pirates.”
Allister worked as a steward in the Japanese-owned chemical tanker MV Stolt Valor, which with 22 crew members, including 18 Indians, was hijacked by a Somali pirates off the Yemen coast while it was bound for Mumbai from the Suez Canal. The ship was released on November 16. Allister along with four other members of the ship arrived from Muscat in Mumbai on Monday. The rest of the Indian crew, including the captain of the ship, are likely to arrive on Tuesday.
‘Guns were trained on us everyday’
Panaji: Allister Fernandes, who was on a nine-month contract on the MV Stolt Valor that was hijacked by Somali pirates, told TOI on Monday, “The pirates were armed with machine guns and we meekly surrendered to them as we had no weapons or experience in tackling pirates. A Somalian interpreter told us that we have been held hostage and would be released only after the ship’s owner paid the ransom. We were scared, but in our hearts we knew that they wouldn’t harm or kill us as their only motive was getting the money.”
“It was terrifying. The guns were trained on us every hour of the day. We had to take permission from them for everything and they stole our our stuff—gizmos, money and even clothes,” he said.
Allister admits that he suffers from panic attacks and sleepless nights with the horror of the past 2 months still haunting him.
The horror of his experiences are echoed in 29-year-old Isidore Fernandes’s recollection of the events aboard the ship. “We were forced to sleep on the floor of the narrow bridge. But we couldn’t sleep. The moment we closed our eyes, we would hear gun shots,” says the head cook, who hails from Raia.
“At first they allowed us to speak to our families, but after October 14 we were not allowed to contact them. It all appeared a deliberate attempt to scare us,” said Isidore.
A fun-loving person, Isidore recollected that he sometimes tried to joke with the Somalian cook who worked with him in the kitchen for the pirates. “He was very dirty and unhygienic. I wanted to ask him to clean up the kitchen but was scared to do so. They didn’t like Indian food as they found it spicy,” said Isidore. He admits that provisions were a problem. “The ration was for a month but we were stuck for two months. There was neither enough masalas or vegetables, but we managed and everybody ate to survive without complaining.”
The crew members had their anxious moments too. Like the time when the negotiations wouldn’t work, or when the booty was dropped from a jet in a parachute and the bag filled with money landed in water. “There was a wave of panic when the pirates didn’t leave the ship immediately as promised after they got the ransom money,” recalls Allister. They left 12 hours later after rounds of quarrels over the distribution of the money. “We began feeling safe only after reaching Muscat,” said Allister.
But duo said even in adversity lay some opportunities—the crew members became close friends. “I learnt to speak better Hindi. We used to play cards and talk about our families. It used to make us feel better. From strangers on the ship, we became good friends,” said Isidore.
The duo admits that while they’ll never forget the last 2 months, the experience won’t stop them from venturing into the sea again. “Life will go on,” said Allister.
25 November,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Plans to relocate Merces protective home under way
Plans to relocate Merces protective home under way
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: With the protective home at Merces becoming increasingly unsafe for the housing of women rescued from trafficking, there is a proposal to shift the home from Merces to Asilo hospital premise at Mapusa, as “it is found to be safe and protective”.
With more than 22 inmates rescued by police and NGOs running away from the old, dilapidated home at Merces, panel members elected under section 17 (5) of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act suggested in a meeting last month that the department for women and child development should move a proposal to the government that part of the Asilo building be used as protective home, which is found to be safe and protective.
The meeting, called to tackle the escape of inmates from the state protective home, was called for by the director of women and child development and attended by sub-divisional magistrates of Panaji, Mapusa and Quepem, members of NGOs and the superintendent of the protective home .
Eight women who were rescued from commercial sexual exploitation escaped from the gallery of the rescue and shelter home at Merces, by bending some of the structures grills on August 9. In 2006, seven persons had escaped from the home. Activists working with the rescued women said that the major reason for their actions can be attributed to a lack of commitment by the government to rehabilitate women rescued from commercial sexual exploitation and sheltered at the protective home.
With the present home being in a dilapidated state, authorities face several difficulties in taking corrective measures to ensure that no one escapes from the premises and inmates are protected. Incidentally, the home belongs to the Provedoria.
Further, to curb the problem of inmates escaping from the home, it has been recommended that the staff should be trained. The government has also sanctioned additional staff for the protective home as the current strength was inadequate. The staff at the home comprise a superintendent, matron, three escorts, two security guards and a watchman, in addition to two lady constables.
At the meeting, it was also decided that once the new staff was recruited, arrangements would be made to post at least one matron at night at the protective home.
Besides, it has also been decided that in case of emergency or escape, the staff on duty should not only inform the authorities but immediately dial 100. There is also a proposal submitted to the government to provide mobile phones to the protective home, besides increasing patrolling by the police in the area.
24 November,The Times of India, Goa edition
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: With the protective home at Merces becoming increasingly unsafe for the housing of women rescued from trafficking, there is a proposal to shift the home from Merces to Asilo hospital premise at Mapusa, as “it is found to be safe and protective”.
With more than 22 inmates rescued by police and NGOs running away from the old, dilapidated home at Merces, panel members elected under section 17 (5) of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act suggested in a meeting last month that the department for women and child development should move a proposal to the government that part of the Asilo building be used as protective home, which is found to be safe and protective.
The meeting, called to tackle the escape of inmates from the state protective home, was called for by the director of women and child development and attended by sub-divisional magistrates of Panaji, Mapusa and Quepem, members of NGOs and the superintendent of the protective home .
Eight women who were rescued from commercial sexual exploitation escaped from the gallery of the rescue and shelter home at Merces, by bending some of the structures grills on August 9. In 2006, seven persons had escaped from the home. Activists working with the rescued women said that the major reason for their actions can be attributed to a lack of commitment by the government to rehabilitate women rescued from commercial sexual exploitation and sheltered at the protective home.
With the present home being in a dilapidated state, authorities face several difficulties in taking corrective measures to ensure that no one escapes from the premises and inmates are protected. Incidentally, the home belongs to the Provedoria.
Further, to curb the problem of inmates escaping from the home, it has been recommended that the staff should be trained. The government has also sanctioned additional staff for the protective home as the current strength was inadequate. The staff at the home comprise a superintendent, matron, three escorts, two security guards and a watchman, in addition to two lady constables.
At the meeting, it was also decided that once the new staff was recruited, arrangements would be made to post at least one matron at night at the protective home.
Besides, it has also been decided that in case of emergency or escape, the staff on duty should not only inform the authorities but immediately dial 100. There is also a proposal submitted to the government to provide mobile phones to the protective home, besides increasing patrolling by the police in the area.
24 November,The Times of India, Goa edition
Monday, November 24, 2008
HC slams probe into German minor’s case
HC slams probe into German minor’s case
Says Investigations Were Neither Just Nor Fair
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: The high court of Bombay at Goa on Friday after perusal of police files and investigation reports in the rape of the minor German girl observed that investigations were neither just nor fair.
On a day that exposed chinks in the police probe and brought to light the lacunae in dealing with the alleged crime against the minor girl, the court repeatedly questioned the manner in which the case was handled. The court had taken suo motu cognizance of the case on October 24 after the media had reported on “the apathy of police machinery” while investigating the case.
The court issued a show cause notice to the accused Rohit Monserrate seeking
cause as to why bail granted to him by the children’s court shouldn’t be cancelled. The court also called upon the state to reply as to why the investigation shouldn’t be transferred to the CBI. The matter has been listed for hearing on December 10.
Ruling that, “Criminal jurisprudence is to ensure that just, fair and logical investigation, is done in accordance with criminal procedure code and police manual,” the bench comprising Chief Justice Swatanter Kumar and Justice N A Britto came down heavily on the investigating officer in the case.
They observed, “Investigating officer should take due care and caution in future and ensure that fair and proper investigation is done. There appears to be somewhat strange manner of investigation, not in consonance with normal practice of law.”
The German mother had accused education minister Atanasio Monserrate’s son Rohit of raping her daughter and PWD minister Churchill Alemao’s nephew Warren Alemao of sexually exploiting the 14-year-old girl.
Observing that it is not appropriate for the court to examine various lacunae in the case, the judges said it is the court’s responsibility to ensure proper, just and fair investigation. The court observed, “investigation suffers from infirmity, which could be intentional or otherwise”.
Taking note of the fact that though the FIR was registered on October 14, the accused was not apprehended until he voluntarily appeared before the police on November 4, 2008. The court said that the police’s explanation that this was due to non-cooperation from the complainant is a matter of debate.
The court has called upon the state to reply as to why the investigation shouldn’t be transferred to the CBI and asked the investigating officer to file a separate affidavit on the investigations conducted on the allegations made by the complainant on October 24 wherein she alleged that Warren Alemao had sexually abused her daughter.
Further, the court issued a show cause notice to the accused Rohit, as to why his bail shouldn’t be cancelled and he arrested as they were unable to find any merit in the order from the children’s court granting bail to the accused. The high court found the order unjustifiable in facts.
The court also questioned SP North Bosco George and investigating officer, Tushar Vernekar on the delay in collecting evidence relating to the mobile phone details from the telecom operators. The court sought an explanation as to why they waited two weeks before seeking details of the text messages and phone calls from the telecom operators.
To this the AG replied that a company formed by the family (Monserrate) holds 19 mobile phones and hence it was difficult to trace which mobile was used to send the messages. A complaint filed by the girl’s mother refers to objectionable text messages sent by the accused to the girl.
The court also repeatedly inquired with Vernekar whether he had adopted a similar procedure of investigation in other cases, to which the AG replied that the same procedure is adopted in all cases. Only if the police find some basis in the complaint do they take action, the AG clarified.
22 November 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Says Investigations Were Neither Just Nor Fair
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: The high court of Bombay at Goa on Friday after perusal of police files and investigation reports in the rape of the minor German girl observed that investigations were neither just nor fair.
On a day that exposed chinks in the police probe and brought to light the lacunae in dealing with the alleged crime against the minor girl, the court repeatedly questioned the manner in which the case was handled. The court had taken suo motu cognizance of the case on October 24 after the media had reported on “the apathy of police machinery” while investigating the case.
The court issued a show cause notice to the accused Rohit Monserrate seeking
cause as to why bail granted to him by the children’s court shouldn’t be cancelled. The court also called upon the state to reply as to why the investigation shouldn’t be transferred to the CBI. The matter has been listed for hearing on December 10.
Ruling that, “Criminal jurisprudence is to ensure that just, fair and logical investigation, is done in accordance with criminal procedure code and police manual,” the bench comprising Chief Justice Swatanter Kumar and Justice N A Britto came down heavily on the investigating officer in the case.
They observed, “Investigating officer should take due care and caution in future and ensure that fair and proper investigation is done. There appears to be somewhat strange manner of investigation, not in consonance with normal practice of law.”
The German mother had accused education minister Atanasio Monserrate’s son Rohit of raping her daughter and PWD minister Churchill Alemao’s nephew Warren Alemao of sexually exploiting the 14-year-old girl.
Observing that it is not appropriate for the court to examine various lacunae in the case, the judges said it is the court’s responsibility to ensure proper, just and fair investigation. The court observed, “investigation suffers from infirmity, which could be intentional or otherwise”.
Taking note of the fact that though the FIR was registered on October 14, the accused was not apprehended until he voluntarily appeared before the police on November 4, 2008. The court said that the police’s explanation that this was due to non-cooperation from the complainant is a matter of debate.
The court has called upon the state to reply as to why the investigation shouldn’t be transferred to the CBI and asked the investigating officer to file a separate affidavit on the investigations conducted on the allegations made by the complainant on October 24 wherein she alleged that Warren Alemao had sexually abused her daughter.
Further, the court issued a show cause notice to the accused Rohit, as to why his bail shouldn’t be cancelled and he arrested as they were unable to find any merit in the order from the children’s court granting bail to the accused. The high court found the order unjustifiable in facts.
The court also questioned SP North Bosco George and investigating officer, Tushar Vernekar on the delay in collecting evidence relating to the mobile phone details from the telecom operators. The court sought an explanation as to why they waited two weeks before seeking details of the text messages and phone calls from the telecom operators.
To this the AG replied that a company formed by the family (Monserrate) holds 19 mobile phones and hence it was difficult to trace which mobile was used to send the messages. A complaint filed by the girl’s mother refers to objectionable text messages sent by the accused to the girl.
The court also repeatedly inquired with Vernekar whether he had adopted a similar procedure of investigation in other cases, to which the AG replied that the same procedure is adopted in all cases. Only if the police find some basis in the complaint do they take action, the AG clarified.
22 November 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Plans to relocate Merces protective home under way
Plans to relocate Merces protective home under way
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: With the protective home at Merces becoming increasingly unsafe for the housing of women rescued from trafficking, there is a proposal to shift the home from Merces to Asilo hospital premise at Mapusa, as “it is found to be safe and protective”.
With more than 22 inmates rescued by police and NGOs running away from the old, dilapidated home at Merces, panel members elected under section 17 (5) of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act suggested in a meeting last month that the department for women and child development should move a proposal to the government that part of the Asilo building be used as protective home, which is found to be safe and protective.
The meeting, called to tackle the escape of inmates from the state protective home, was called for by the director of women and child development and attended by sub-divisional magistrates of Panaji, Mapusa and Quepem, members of NGOs and the superintendent of the protective home .
Eight women who were rescued from commercial sexual exploitation escaped from the gallery of the rescue and shelter home at Merces, by bending some of the structures grills on August 9. In 2006, seven persons had escaped from the home. Activists working with the rescued women said that the major reason for their actions can be attributed to a lack of commitment by the government to rehabilitate women rescued from commercial sexual exploitation and sheltered at the protective home.
With the present home being in a dilapidated state, authorities face several difficulties in taking corrective measures to ensure that no one escapes from the premises and inmates are protected. Incidentally, the home belongs to the Provedoria.
Further, to curb the problem of inmates escaping from the home, it has been recommended that the staff should be trained. The government has also sanctioned additional staff for the protective home as the current strength was inadequate. The staff at the home comprise a superintendent, matron, three escorts, two security guards and a watchman, in addition to two lady constables.
At the meeting, it was also decided that once the new staff was recruited, arrangements would be made to post at least one matron at night at the protective home.
Besides, it has also been decided that in case of emergency or escape, the staff on duty should not only inform the authorities but immediately dial 100. There is also a proposal submitted to the government to provide mobile phones to the protective home, besides increasing patrolling by the police in the area.
November 24,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: With the protective home at Merces becoming increasingly unsafe for the housing of women rescued from trafficking, there is a proposal to shift the home from Merces to Asilo hospital premise at Mapusa, as “it is found to be safe and protective”.
With more than 22 inmates rescued by police and NGOs running away from the old, dilapidated home at Merces, panel members elected under section 17 (5) of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act suggested in a meeting last month that the department for women and child development should move a proposal to the government that part of the Asilo building be used as protective home, which is found to be safe and protective.
The meeting, called to tackle the escape of inmates from the state protective home, was called for by the director of women and child development and attended by sub-divisional magistrates of Panaji, Mapusa and Quepem, members of NGOs and the superintendent of the protective home .
Eight women who were rescued from commercial sexual exploitation escaped from the gallery of the rescue and shelter home at Merces, by bending some of the structures grills on August 9. In 2006, seven persons had escaped from the home. Activists working with the rescued women said that the major reason for their actions can be attributed to a lack of commitment by the government to rehabilitate women rescued from commercial sexual exploitation and sheltered at the protective home.
With the present home being in a dilapidated state, authorities face several difficulties in taking corrective measures to ensure that no one escapes from the premises and inmates are protected. Incidentally, the home belongs to the Provedoria.
Further, to curb the problem of inmates escaping from the home, it has been recommended that the staff should be trained. The government has also sanctioned additional staff for the protective home as the current strength was inadequate. The staff at the home comprise a superintendent, matron, three escorts, two security guards and a watchman, in addition to two lady constables.
At the meeting, it was also decided that once the new staff was recruited, arrangements would be made to post at least one matron at night at the protective home.
Besides, it has also been decided that in case of emergency or escape, the staff on duty should not only inform the authorities but immediately dial 100. There is also a proposal submitted to the government to provide mobile phones to the protective home, besides increasing patrolling by the police in the area.
November 24,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Friday, November 21, 2008
In Goa-Police land in hands of pvt developer
Police land in hands of pvt developer
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Police on Thursday registered a complaint of fraud and cheating against a Panaji based builder and employees of the directorate of settlement and land records and the PWD, for fraudulently selling land that had been acquired for the police in 1968.
The land, prime property worth crores of rupees at Dona Paula, had been acquired to construct an office building and quarters for the police, but “private parties encroached or trespassed into the land in connivance with certain officials of the government”, says the complaint.
Crime branch sleuths on Thursday registered an FIR against builder Joao Mathias, one Clotilda Fernandes and certain employees of the directorate of settlement and land records and PWD, under Section 420 (cheating), 427 (mischief causing damage to the amount of Rs 50 or upwards), 447 (criminal trespass), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating), 471 (using as genuine a forged document) and 120 (b) of IPC and Section 13 (1) (d) and 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The police acted after inquiring into a complaint filed by Nelson Cabral, who alleged that Fernandes, Mathias and others had occupied government land at Dona Paula and that Mathias had undertaken construction activities on the land.
On March 28, 1969, the sub-divisional officer, Panaji, had awarded 5,40,784.95 sq m of land at Dona Paula to the police department vide order no LQN/SR-21.
Police investigations show that, “the PWD prepared a survey plan in the year, 1987 without considering the survey plan prepared under section four of the land acquisition act as base. Therefore, it is clear that this document was also prepared to help the accused for taking possession of the land.”
The report further states, “Joe Mathias, one of the partners (Empire Builder Pvt Ltd) directly or indirectly connived with Clotilda Fernandes (who had a house in the land acquired by the government and was compensated) and others and prepared documents to get occupancy of the land acquired by the government for an office building and police quarters as there was an agreement of assignment executed on May 18, 1998 between Empire builders.”
LAND SCAM Builder, govt staff accused of graft
Panaji: A complaint of fraud and cheating was registered against a Panaji-based builder, employees of the directorate of settlement and land records and the PWD for fraudulently selling land that had been acquired for the police in 1968.
Police investigations state that the mutation file in respect of the matter is missing from the mamlatdar’s office and the file for construction of office buildings and police quarters is missing from the concerned offices.
Incidentally, investigations have revealed that while builder Joao Mathias took possession of about 89,045.43 sq m of land earmarked for the police, some portion of the land was sold to a private hotel owner and private roads were constructed by private parties without obtaining a “no objection” from the government or the police department.
“There is a possibility that private parties might have encroached on government land and executed sale deeds in
favour of other parties by creating forged documents which has to be probed into,” police investigations reveal.
Besides this, about 75,000 sq m of land were allotted to the National Institute of Oceanography for staff quarters and about two lakh sq m were allotted to the IT Park by the government, the report reveals.
November 21, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Police on Thursday registered a complaint of fraud and cheating against a Panaji based builder and employees of the directorate of settlement and land records and the PWD, for fraudulently selling land that had been acquired for the police in 1968.
The land, prime property worth crores of rupees at Dona Paula, had been acquired to construct an office building and quarters for the police, but “private parties encroached or trespassed into the land in connivance with certain officials of the government”, says the complaint.
Crime branch sleuths on Thursday registered an FIR against builder Joao Mathias, one Clotilda Fernandes and certain employees of the directorate of settlement and land records and PWD, under Section 420 (cheating), 427 (mischief causing damage to the amount of Rs 50 or upwards), 447 (criminal trespass), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating), 471 (using as genuine a forged document) and 120 (b) of IPC and Section 13 (1) (d) and 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The police acted after inquiring into a complaint filed by Nelson Cabral, who alleged that Fernandes, Mathias and others had occupied government land at Dona Paula and that Mathias had undertaken construction activities on the land.
On March 28, 1969, the sub-divisional officer, Panaji, had awarded 5,40,784.95 sq m of land at Dona Paula to the police department vide order no LQN/SR-21.
Police investigations show that, “the PWD prepared a survey plan in the year, 1987 without considering the survey plan prepared under section four of the land acquisition act as base. Therefore, it is clear that this document was also prepared to help the accused for taking possession of the land.”
The report further states, “Joe Mathias, one of the partners (Empire Builder Pvt Ltd) directly or indirectly connived with Clotilda Fernandes (who had a house in the land acquired by the government and was compensated) and others and prepared documents to get occupancy of the land acquired by the government for an office building and police quarters as there was an agreement of assignment executed on May 18, 1998 between Empire builders.”
LAND SCAM Builder, govt staff accused of graft
Panaji: A complaint of fraud and cheating was registered against a Panaji-based builder, employees of the directorate of settlement and land records and the PWD for fraudulently selling land that had been acquired for the police in 1968.
Police investigations state that the mutation file in respect of the matter is missing from the mamlatdar’s office and the file for construction of office buildings and police quarters is missing from the concerned offices.
Incidentally, investigations have revealed that while builder Joao Mathias took possession of about 89,045.43 sq m of land earmarked for the police, some portion of the land was sold to a private hotel owner and private roads were constructed by private parties without obtaining a “no objection” from the government or the police department.
“There is a possibility that private parties might have encroached on government land and executed sale deeds in
favour of other parties by creating forged documents which has to be probed into,” police investigations reveal.
Besides this, about 75,000 sq m of land were allotted to the National Institute of Oceanography for staff quarters and about two lakh sq m were allotted to the IT Park by the government, the report reveals.
November 21, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Deaths in two-wheeler crashes on the rise in Goa
Deaths in two-wheeler crashes on the rise in Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Helmetless riding is taking an enormous toll on the lives of youth in the state. On Sunday, about 10 persons with head injuries were admitted to the neurosurgery ward of the Goa medical college and hospital, Bambolim, with head injuries from head-on collisions. Two of those admitted continue to be critical.
Of the 322 persons who died in road accidents in 2007, over 52% were two-wheeler drivers with head injuries and majority of them were not wearing a helmet at the time of the mishap.
“Statistics tell the truth. Two-wheelers are unsafe and accident prone, yet riders aren’t willing to wear helmets. They wear it only when the police insist. Things won’t change until people realize that it is their responsibility to wear helmets when on road to reduce the risk of their own death,” said SP (traffic) Arvind Gawas.
Data collected by the state’s traffic department on two wheeler riders killed reveals that in 2007, of the 186 persons who died from head injuries, 39 were pillion riders. Many of the accidents had occurred on national and state highways, where wearing a helmet is compulsory. On inner roads, which accounted for about 100 head injury related deaths, the number of two-wheelers involved was 817.
“The rider as well as the pillion are vulnerable when involved in a high velocity headon collision. Wearing a helmet provides protection against the impact and impulse head injuries,” said Dr Ponraj Sundaram, neurosurgeon, GMC. While an impact head injury may lead to a fracture of the skull and direct injury to the brain, an impulse head injury affects the whole brain.
“Any brain tissue damage lasts for life. If the person is young, the area around the tissue may compensate to a certain extent and the person may pull along, but many suffer from hidden handicaps,” said Sundaram. “We found that the working male population within the age group of 20 to 40 is most vulnerable to head injuries. We also found an increase in the number of high velocity head injuries among teenagers riding two-wheelers,” he said.
“If one avoids driving under the influence of alcohol, drives carefully and wears a helmet, the risk of accidents is drastically reduced,” said senior resident at GMC’s neurosurgery department Dr Jorson D’Costa.
Year 2006 saw 37% of the two-wheeler accident victims dying of head injuries. Of the 303 persons killed in 2006, about 102 were helmetless, and 18 were riding pillion. In the year 2005, 270 persons were killed in road accidents and 117 riders and pillion riders, were killed from head injuries. The year 2004 saw 306 deaths — 90 riders and 30 pillion riders — due to head injuries.
November 21, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Helmetless riding is taking an enormous toll on the lives of youth in the state. On Sunday, about 10 persons with head injuries were admitted to the neurosurgery ward of the Goa medical college and hospital, Bambolim, with head injuries from head-on collisions. Two of those admitted continue to be critical.
Of the 322 persons who died in road accidents in 2007, over 52% were two-wheeler drivers with head injuries and majority of them were not wearing a helmet at the time of the mishap.
“Statistics tell the truth. Two-wheelers are unsafe and accident prone, yet riders aren’t willing to wear helmets. They wear it only when the police insist. Things won’t change until people realize that it is their responsibility to wear helmets when on road to reduce the risk of their own death,” said SP (traffic) Arvind Gawas.
Data collected by the state’s traffic department on two wheeler riders killed reveals that in 2007, of the 186 persons who died from head injuries, 39 were pillion riders. Many of the accidents had occurred on national and state highways, where wearing a helmet is compulsory. On inner roads, which accounted for about 100 head injury related deaths, the number of two-wheelers involved was 817.
“The rider as well as the pillion are vulnerable when involved in a high velocity headon collision. Wearing a helmet provides protection against the impact and impulse head injuries,” said Dr Ponraj Sundaram, neurosurgeon, GMC. While an impact head injury may lead to a fracture of the skull and direct injury to the brain, an impulse head injury affects the whole brain.
“Any brain tissue damage lasts for life. If the person is young, the area around the tissue may compensate to a certain extent and the person may pull along, but many suffer from hidden handicaps,” said Sundaram. “We found that the working male population within the age group of 20 to 40 is most vulnerable to head injuries. We also found an increase in the number of high velocity head injuries among teenagers riding two-wheelers,” he said.
“If one avoids driving under the influence of alcohol, drives carefully and wears a helmet, the risk of accidents is drastically reduced,” said senior resident at GMC’s neurosurgery department Dr Jorson D’Costa.
Year 2006 saw 37% of the two-wheeler accident victims dying of head injuries. Of the 303 persons killed in 2006, about 102 were helmetless, and 18 were riding pillion. In the year 2005, 270 persons were killed in road accidents and 117 riders and pillion riders, were killed from head injuries. The year 2004 saw 306 deaths — 90 riders and 30 pillion riders — due to head injuries.
November 21, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
GLOBAL RECESSION Decline in tourist arrivals spells bad news for Goa
GLOBAL RECESSION Decline in tourist arrivals spells bad news for Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Apart from British tourists, there has also been a decline in the number of Russian tourists arriving in the state this year.
Sources at Dabolim airport revealed that Ural airlines, a charter flight operating from Russia, has discontinued its operations to the state.
The first Ural charter landed in Goa on November 9 with just 28 passengers, though it had a seating capacity of about 200 passengers. They were slotted to arrive again on November 23, but have cancelled the flight.
“Global recession and a decrease in people’s spending power has affected the Russian market and led to a drop in 25% to 30% Russian tourists this season,” said Goa advocate for the consul general of the Russian Federation in Mumbai, Vikram Varma.
The trend doesn’t spell good news for the state of Goa, which had seen a steady increase in foreign tourists from 2.5 lakh in 1997 to about 4 lakh in 2007, a majority of who travel to Goa on charter flights.
November 20, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Apart from British tourists, there has also been a decline in the number of Russian tourists arriving in the state this year.
Sources at Dabolim airport revealed that Ural airlines, a charter flight operating from Russia, has discontinued its operations to the state.
The first Ural charter landed in Goa on November 9 with just 28 passengers, though it had a seating capacity of about 200 passengers. They were slotted to arrive again on November 23, but have cancelled the flight.
“Global recession and a decrease in people’s spending power has affected the Russian market and led to a drop in 25% to 30% Russian tourists this season,” said Goa advocate for the consul general of the Russian Federation in Mumbai, Vikram Varma.
The trend doesn’t spell good news for the state of Goa, which had seen a steady increase in foreign tourists from 2.5 lakh in 1997 to about 4 lakh in 2007, a majority of who travel to Goa on charter flights.
November 20, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Whopping 25% cut in charter rates from UK
Whopping 25% cut in charter rates from UK
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: A Delhi-Goa air ticket on November 29 may cost you anything between Rs 5,000 and Rs 12,000. But a charter tourist arriving from Manchester, UK, on the same day with a return ticket and 21 nights stay thrown in will have to shell out only Rs 17,000.
“As there has been a drop in the number of tourists from the UK, we have cut down the charter flight rates by 25%. This discount will start immediately and continue till the end of the season,” said Ernest Dias, vice president, Sita travels.
The discounted rates, which includes a return ticket and stay, being offered by charter operators range between £214 (Rs 15,836) and £400 (Rs 29,600) for travel up to December 20 for flights originating in Manchester, East Midlands and Gatwick. “The rates in 2007 were between £400 (Rs 29,600) and £1,000 (Rs 74,000) for charter flights from the UK,” said Dias.
Rates during the peak season—from December 25, 2008 to January 2009—have been fixed between £556 (Rs 41,144) and £1,700 (Rs 1,25,800). To these a fuel surcharge of £20 (Rs 1,480) is added. The packages are for a stay ranging from a week to three weeks in Goa.
Data available with the foreigner’s registration office reveals that the state receives tourists from nearly 125 nations, with the majority coming from the UK (60%), followed by Russia (20% to 25%), Sweden and Germany. Not more than 500 Israelis visit the state annually. However, till date 27 charter flights from UK to Goa have brought in just 7,680 British tourists.
“Due to the recession people are not spending on travel. There has been a dip, but the market will recover,” said Aloo Gomes Periera, chief operating officer, charters, Thomas Cook India Ltd.
November 20, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: A Delhi-Goa air ticket on November 29 may cost you anything between Rs 5,000 and Rs 12,000. But a charter tourist arriving from Manchester, UK, on the same day with a return ticket and 21 nights stay thrown in will have to shell out only Rs 17,000.
“As there has been a drop in the number of tourists from the UK, we have cut down the charter flight rates by 25%. This discount will start immediately and continue till the end of the season,” said Ernest Dias, vice president, Sita travels.
The discounted rates, which includes a return ticket and stay, being offered by charter operators range between £214 (Rs 15,836) and £400 (Rs 29,600) for travel up to December 20 for flights originating in Manchester, East Midlands and Gatwick. “The rates in 2007 were between £400 (Rs 29,600) and £1,000 (Rs 74,000) for charter flights from the UK,” said Dias.
Rates during the peak season—from December 25, 2008 to January 2009—have been fixed between £556 (Rs 41,144) and £1,700 (Rs 1,25,800). To these a fuel surcharge of £20 (Rs 1,480) is added. The packages are for a stay ranging from a week to three weeks in Goa.
Data available with the foreigner’s registration office reveals that the state receives tourists from nearly 125 nations, with the majority coming from the UK (60%), followed by Russia (20% to 25%), Sweden and Germany. Not more than 500 Israelis visit the state annually. However, till date 27 charter flights from UK to Goa have brought in just 7,680 British tourists.
“Due to the recession people are not spending on travel. There has been a dip, but the market will recover,” said Aloo Gomes Periera, chief operating officer, charters, Thomas Cook India Ltd.
November 20, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Monday, November 17, 2008
Abused boy tests HIV positive
Abused boy tests HIV positive
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Thirteen-year-old Rahul (name changed) could well be one of hundreds of children in Goa, full of dreams and hopes. But, sexual abuse by a neighbour, and testing positive for HIV has clouded the lad’s plans for the future.
Rahul, a shy smile upon his young face, reveals that his abuser was a smooth-talking neighbour, who lured him with bike rides, money and sweets and then abused him. If Rahul complained, he would be threatened. The illicit liaison, that included brutality, lasted from May to early September this year, when Rahul fell ill and tests revealed he was HIV positive.
That was when Rahul’s father lodged a complaint on October 31 with the women and child protection unit alleging that his minor son had been sexually abused by a neighbour.
The accused was arrested and tests at the Goa Medical College and Hospital for STD showed that the accused was HIV positive.
“We are really hurt. Who could have imagined that a known person would actually abuse our child and threaten him. My son’s innocence has been ruined and his life destroyed,” said the boy’s father, who had heard of HIV/AIDS but knew no details about the virus until his son tested positive for it.
“I had heard about HIV but never cared to know much as I never thought that someone in my family could be infected,” the father said.
Even as the family is beginning to cope with this knowledge, they fear their son may be kidnapped by the abuser or even abused further.
“While we suffer and live in fear, the accused is out on bail,” said the boy’s father. The children’s court released the accused on bail, which has been challenged in the high court of Bombay at Goa by the state. The appeal will be heard this week. Discrimination, family’s big fear
Panaji: The family of the 13-year-old boy who was sexually abused by his neighbour now fears discrimination against the lad.
“At present many sympathize, though a few do taunt. We are scared to let Rahul (name changed) play alone, lest he be stigmatized or kidnapped. None of his friends call him to play. He is an excellent cook, but we don’t allow him to cook as we are scared that he may cut his finger. We don’t want to risk his life or anyone else’s,” the father says.
But Rahul doesn’t understand the fuss around him. He admits he feels angry, sad, scared and anxious, but he wants to play, cook and do exactly as he did before. “I want to play like other boys but my family members tell me that I should rest. I like to meet my friends and talk with them. But no one comes to play or talk with me. The only time I meet them is in school,” added Rahul, who goes along with his father and returns with him once classes are over.
For Rahul, life is not all about hope and belief, but about the will to live and live “normally”. “I am fine. I just want to study, play and live,” he added.
November 17,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Thirteen-year-old Rahul (name changed) could well be one of hundreds of children in Goa, full of dreams and hopes. But, sexual abuse by a neighbour, and testing positive for HIV has clouded the lad’s plans for the future.
Rahul, a shy smile upon his young face, reveals that his abuser was a smooth-talking neighbour, who lured him with bike rides, money and sweets and then abused him. If Rahul complained, he would be threatened. The illicit liaison, that included brutality, lasted from May to early September this year, when Rahul fell ill and tests revealed he was HIV positive.
That was when Rahul’s father lodged a complaint on October 31 with the women and child protection unit alleging that his minor son had been sexually abused by a neighbour.
The accused was arrested and tests at the Goa Medical College and Hospital for STD showed that the accused was HIV positive.
“We are really hurt. Who could have imagined that a known person would actually abuse our child and threaten him. My son’s innocence has been ruined and his life destroyed,” said the boy’s father, who had heard of HIV/AIDS but knew no details about the virus until his son tested positive for it.
“I had heard about HIV but never cared to know much as I never thought that someone in my family could be infected,” the father said.
Even as the family is beginning to cope with this knowledge, they fear their son may be kidnapped by the abuser or even abused further.
“While we suffer and live in fear, the accused is out on bail,” said the boy’s father. The children’s court released the accused on bail, which has been challenged in the high court of Bombay at Goa by the state. The appeal will be heard this week. Discrimination, family’s big fear
Panaji: The family of the 13-year-old boy who was sexually abused by his neighbour now fears discrimination against the lad.
“At present many sympathize, though a few do taunt. We are scared to let Rahul (name changed) play alone, lest he be stigmatized or kidnapped. None of his friends call him to play. He is an excellent cook, but we don’t allow him to cook as we are scared that he may cut his finger. We don’t want to risk his life or anyone else’s,” the father says.
But Rahul doesn’t understand the fuss around him. He admits he feels angry, sad, scared and anxious, but he wants to play, cook and do exactly as he did before. “I want to play like other boys but my family members tell me that I should rest. I like to meet my friends and talk with them. But no one comes to play or talk with me. The only time I meet them is in school,” added Rahul, who goes along with his father and returns with him once classes are over.
For Rahul, life is not all about hope and belief, but about the will to live and live “normally”. “I am fine. I just want to study, play and live,” he added.
November 17,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
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