SEZ MESS
SEZ units will quaff much water
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Even as scientific reports assert that the existing water resources are insufficient to meet the potential water demand, the three notified Special Economic Zones would be an additional burden.
Information sought under RTI and available with anti SEZ activists reveals that in their application K Raheja Corp Pvt Ltd had stated that their per day water requirement would be 40 lakh litres per day, while ‘under formation’ Peninsula Research Centre Pvt Ltd’s requirement of water would be 25,000 litres daily. Interestingly, Meditab never filled out the application form, but sent only a letter. Hence no details about their daily water requirement are available.
The summary report on the Study on Augmentation of Water Supply and Sanitation for the Goa state prepared by Japan International Co-operation Agency states that there is a clear need for additional water supply in Goa, especially for cities, industrial estates and tourism resorts in the southern districts of Goa. Two of the SEZs are in South Goa.
According to the report, Goa gets a total of 391 million litres daily (MLD) from the 12 water treatment plants in the state. Mormugao taluka, where these SEZs will be situated, gets water from Selaulim water treatment plant, which also supplies 160 MLD to three other talukas in the South.
Tiswadi and Ponda receive their share of water from Opa which releases 112 MLD of water. The report states, “the PWD is currently facing a number of technical problems across Goa’s water supply schemes, extending from the water source to service connections.”
The report further states, “The current average per capita consumption for urban areas is currently 144 litres per capita per day (lpcd) and for rural areas is 88 lpcd”.
It adds that the current per capita consumption for urban and rural areas in the state already exceeds the standard consumption rate of 135 lpcd in urban areas and 70 lpcd in rural areas.
However, most importat is the following sentence in the report: “The existing supply capacity is not sufficient to meet potential water demand.”
In the application form, it is clearly mentioned by Goa Industrial Development Corporation that the companies should make their own arrangement for water during the construction of factory building.
The lease deal signed with the companies states that GIDC shall not be liable or responsible for the supply of water to the SEZs as the corporation itself is dependent on government authorities for this.
Yet, the Goa SEZ Policy 2006 states, “the SEZ authority shall ensure the provision of adequate water supply within the SEZ zones for SEZ units.”
Interestingly, the report on dynamic ground water resources of Goa prepared by Central Ground Water Board, South Western Region and Goa government’s water resources department, states that the net ground water availability of the state is 26,712.2 hectare metre and the existing gross ground water for domestic and industrial water supply is 3,266.87 hectare metre and irrigation is 3,943.83 hectare metre.
The report adds that the allocation for domestic and industrial water supply for next 25 years is 4,288.39 hectare metre, while for future irrigation development is 18,480.20 hectare metre.
In other words, according to this report prepared in 2005, even without SEZs Goa would be exploiting almost all of the existing ground water resource.
If you are one of those willing to overlook the water problem for potential employment opportunities, then there is some other disturbing news.
In their application Peninsula stated that they would employ 15 M pharms “non-Goans” in managerial positions, while a majority of Goans (about 85) would be employed in the unskilled and other staff.
June 14, The Times of India, Goa edition
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Goa- SEZ units will quaff much water
SEZ units will quaff much water
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Even as scientific reports assert that the existing water resources are insufficient to meet the potential water demand, the three notified Special Economic Zones would be an additional burden.
Information sought under RTI and available with anti SEZ activists reveals that in their application K Raheja Corp Pvt Ltd had stated that their per day water requirement would be 40 lakh litres per day, while ‘under formation’ Peninsula Research Centre Pvt Ltd’s requirement of water would be 25,000 litres daily. Interestingly, Meditab never filled out the application form, but sent only a letter. Hence no details about their daily water requirement are available.
The summary report on the Study on Augmentation of Water Supply and Sanitation for the Goa state prepared by Japan International Co-operation Agency states that there is a clear need for additional water supply in Goa, especially for cities, industrial estates and tourism resorts in the southern districts of Goa. Two of the SEZs are in South Goa.
According to the report, Goa gets a total of 391 million litres daily (MLD) from the 12 water treatment plants in the state. Mormugao taluka, where these SEZs will be situated, gets water from Selaulim water treatment plant, which also supplies 160 MLD to three other talukas in the South.
Tiswadi and Ponda receive their share of water from Opa which releases 112 MLD of water. The report states, “the PWD is currently facing a number of technical problems across Goa’s water supply schemes, extending from the water source to service connections.”
The report further states, “The current average per capita consumption for urban areas is currently 144 litres per capita per day (lpcd) and for rural areas is 88 lpcd”.
It adds that the current per capita consumption for urban and rural areas in the state already exceeds the standard consumption rate of 135 lpcd in urban areas and 70 lpcd in rural areas.
However, most importat is the following sentence in the report: “The existing supply capacity is not sufficient to meet potential water demand.”
In the application form, it is clearly mentioned by Goa Industrial Development Corporation that the companies should make their own arrangement for water during the construction of factory building.
The lease deal signed with the companies states that GIDC shall not be liable or responsible for the supply of water to the SEZs as the corporation itself is dependent on government authorities for this.
Yet, the Goa SEZ Policy 2006 states, “the SEZ authority shall ensure the provision of adequate water supply within the SEZ zones for SEZ units.”
Interestingly, the report on dynamic ground water resources of Goa prepared by Central Ground Water Board, South Western Region and Goa government’s water resources department, states that the net ground water availability of the state is 26,712.2 hectare metre and the existing gross ground water for domestic and industrial water supply is 3,266.87 hectare metre and irrigation is 3,943.83 hectare metre.
The report adds that the allocation for domestic and industrial water supply for next 25 years is 4,288.39 hectare metre, while for future irrigation development is 18,480.20 hectare metre.
In other words, according to this report prepared in 2005, even without SEZs Goa would be exploiting almost all of the existing ground water resource.
If you are one of those willing to overlook the water problem for potential employment opportunities, then there is some other disturbing news.
In their application Peninsula stated that they would employ 15 M pharms “non-Goans” in managerial positions, while a majority of Goans (about 85) would be employed in the unskilled and other staff.
June 14,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Even as scientific reports assert that the existing water resources are insufficient to meet the potential water demand, the three notified Special Economic Zones would be an additional burden.
Information sought under RTI and available with anti SEZ activists reveals that in their application K Raheja Corp Pvt Ltd had stated that their per day water requirement would be 40 lakh litres per day, while ‘under formation’ Peninsula Research Centre Pvt Ltd’s requirement of water would be 25,000 litres daily. Interestingly, Meditab never filled out the application form, but sent only a letter. Hence no details about their daily water requirement are available.
The summary report on the Study on Augmentation of Water Supply and Sanitation for the Goa state prepared by Japan International Co-operation Agency states that there is a clear need for additional water supply in Goa, especially for cities, industrial estates and tourism resorts in the southern districts of Goa. Two of the SEZs are in South Goa.
According to the report, Goa gets a total of 391 million litres daily (MLD) from the 12 water treatment plants in the state. Mormugao taluka, where these SEZs will be situated, gets water from Selaulim water treatment plant, which also supplies 160 MLD to three other talukas in the South.
Tiswadi and Ponda receive their share of water from Opa which releases 112 MLD of water. The report states, “the PWD is currently facing a number of technical problems across Goa’s water supply schemes, extending from the water source to service connections.”
The report further states, “The current average per capita consumption for urban areas is currently 144 litres per capita per day (lpcd) and for rural areas is 88 lpcd”.
It adds that the current per capita consumption for urban and rural areas in the state already exceeds the standard consumption rate of 135 lpcd in urban areas and 70 lpcd in rural areas.
However, most importat is the following sentence in the report: “The existing supply capacity is not sufficient to meet potential water demand.”
In the application form, it is clearly mentioned by Goa Industrial Development Corporation that the companies should make their own arrangement for water during the construction of factory building.
The lease deal signed with the companies states that GIDC shall not be liable or responsible for the supply of water to the SEZs as the corporation itself is dependent on government authorities for this.
Yet, the Goa SEZ Policy 2006 states, “the SEZ authority shall ensure the provision of adequate water supply within the SEZ zones for SEZ units.”
Interestingly, the report on dynamic ground water resources of Goa prepared by Central Ground Water Board, South Western Region and Goa government’s water resources department, states that the net ground water availability of the state is 26,712.2 hectare metre and the existing gross ground water for domestic and industrial water supply is 3,266.87 hectare metre and irrigation is 3,943.83 hectare metre.
The report adds that the allocation for domestic and industrial water supply for next 25 years is 4,288.39 hectare metre, while for future irrigation development is 18,480.20 hectare metre.
In other words, according to this report prepared in 2005, even without SEZs Goa would be exploiting almost all of the existing ground water resource.
If you are one of those willing to overlook the water problem for potential employment opportunities, then there is some other disturbing news.
In their application Peninsula stated that they would employ 15 M pharms “non-Goans” in managerial positions, while a majority of Goans (about 85) would be employed in the unskilled and other staff.
June 14,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Goa decides to revoke SEZ land allotment
Goa decides to revoke SEZ land allotment
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Goa Industrial Development Corporation in a board meeting on Friday resolved to cancel and revoke allotments of land and execution of leases in connection with establishment of special economic zones (SEZ) of seven companies.
The decision was prompted by a government directive to the GIDC a week ahead of the government filing a reply before the high court in a petition filed by the SEZ promoters.
The letter, on behalf of the government, was sent by the director of industries, trade and commerce, who is also a GIDC board member, to the GIDC managing director on June 12, 2008. In the last couple of days TOI has been highlighting the irregularities in the entire issue.
The decision was taken when under Section 16 of the GIDC, the government directed the corporation not to allot any land owned by it to any party by way of lease or otherwise for the purpose of establishing SEZs. It also directed the GIDC to take steps in accordance with the law to cancel or revoke the allotments by way of leases made to the developers for the purpose of setting up or establishing SEZs. The government has asked for immediate compliance of these directions. The state government has also directed the GIDC not to allot or lease GIDC owned lands within the industrial area for the purpose of establishing SEZs.
GIDC chairman Chandrakant Kavlekar said, “We have taken legal opinion in the matter and have the powers to withdraw the land allotted to these companies.” Other board members who attended the meeting include Nitin Kunkolienkar, Atul Kane and Prisco Sequeira. Sources in the government said that the government would soon issue a notification withdrawing the land allotted from the seven SEZs. The seven companies include the three notified SEZs — Meditab Specialities Pvt Ltd at Keri, K Raheja Corp Pvt Ltd at Verna and Peninsula Pharma Research Centre Pvt Ltd. The other companies to whom land had been allotted and would now be withdrawn include Paradigm Logistics & Distribution Pvt Ltd, Inox Mercantile Co Pvt Ltd, Planetview Mercantile Co Pvt Ltd and Maxgrow Finlease Pvt Ltd.
June 14,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Goa Industrial Development Corporation in a board meeting on Friday resolved to cancel and revoke allotments of land and execution of leases in connection with establishment of special economic zones (SEZ) of seven companies.
The decision was prompted by a government directive to the GIDC a week ahead of the government filing a reply before the high court in a petition filed by the SEZ promoters.
The letter, on behalf of the government, was sent by the director of industries, trade and commerce, who is also a GIDC board member, to the GIDC managing director on June 12, 2008. In the last couple of days TOI has been highlighting the irregularities in the entire issue.
The decision was taken when under Section 16 of the GIDC, the government directed the corporation not to allot any land owned by it to any party by way of lease or otherwise for the purpose of establishing SEZs. It also directed the GIDC to take steps in accordance with the law to cancel or revoke the allotments by way of leases made to the developers for the purpose of setting up or establishing SEZs. The government has asked for immediate compliance of these directions. The state government has also directed the GIDC not to allot or lease GIDC owned lands within the industrial area for the purpose of establishing SEZs.
GIDC chairman Chandrakant Kavlekar said, “We have taken legal opinion in the matter and have the powers to withdraw the land allotted to these companies.” Other board members who attended the meeting include Nitin Kunkolienkar, Atul Kane and Prisco Sequeira. Sources in the government said that the government would soon issue a notification withdrawing the land allotted from the seven SEZs. The seven companies include the three notified SEZs — Meditab Specialities Pvt Ltd at Keri, K Raheja Corp Pvt Ltd at Verna and Peninsula Pharma Research Centre Pvt Ltd. The other companies to whom land had been allotted and would now be withdrawn include Paradigm Logistics & Distribution Pvt Ltd, Inox Mercantile Co Pvt Ltd, Planetview Mercantile Co Pvt Ltd and Maxgrow Finlease Pvt Ltd.
June 14,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Friday, June 13, 2008
Goa SEZ MESS-Unauthorised meet okayed land
SEZ MESS
Unauthorised meet okayed land
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Not only did the Goa Industrial Development Corporation act in haste to allot plots to the K Raheja Corp Pvt Ltd for an SEZ, but they increased the floor area ratio (FAR) on par with the IT habitat at Dona Paula and even sacrificed plans of setting up a government SEZ to allot 300 acres to Meditab Specialities Pvt Ltd. In addition, though the still ‘under formation’ Peninsula Research & Development Centre, Sancoale, had applied for Export Processing Zone status, SEZ status was conferred. The reason: the ‘government feels it could be an SEZ’.
The list of irregularities goes on. Documents acquired by anti-SEZ activists under RTI reveal that allotment of land to Raheja’s was done at the GIDC board meeting on April 19, 2006, attended by only four members—GIDC chairman Chandrakant Kavlekar, MLA Aleixo Sequeira, Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Nitin Kunkolienkar and Managing director A V Palekar. Other board members, including the director of industries were absent.
A possible explanation for their absence is that they received the notice of the meeting at the time when the meeting was already in progress. Three board members — secretary industries, director industries and chief electrical engineer—acknowledged receipt of the notice with signatures on April 19, 2006 at around 5 pm, an hour after the scheduled start of the meeting.
Going by the industries and labour department regulations this meeting should not have taken place as there was no quorum. The regulations state: ‘four members present will form a quorum provided that at least one of the members nominated under section 4 (1) (d) (in this case industries director) of the Goa, Daman and Diu Industrial Development Act, 1965, other than the chairman is present’. Meditab asked for 250 acres, GIDC offered 300 instead
Panaji: At another BOD meeting on March 9, 2007, it was resolved to approve ‘the proposal to allot for development adjoining open areas and to construct and maintain land under roads to the respective units at the rate of Rs 100 per sq mt’. This was decided as the BOD felt that if the Goa Infrastructure Development Corporation (GIDC) was to develop the open spaces and also construct roads, it would have cost the corporation at least Rs 250 per sq mt.
Therefore to save this Rs 250 per sq mt, they allotted the Rahejas (as per the lease agreement) 1,85,173 sq mts for Rs 100. Had GIDC charged Rs 600 for this area of 7,91,732 sq metres, the same that they had charged for the plot, it would have earned a cool Rs 11 crore and more.
After all approvals were granted to the Rahejas and a lease deal signed on July 25, 2006, in GIDC board meeting held on March 9, 2007, it was decided to increase the FAR to 150, at par with the IT park at Dona Paula. This was subsequently approved by the Town and Country Planning (TCP) department.
If exclusive treatment to Rahejas by GIDC shocks, then there is more.
When Meditab Specialities wrote to the then industries minister Luizinho Faleiro on March 10, 2006 requesting allotment of 250 acres land at Keri, not only did the minister send a note to the GIDC asking it to allot 250 acres to Meditab, but also had a discussion with the industries secretary, wherein it was decided to scrap the GIDCs proposed SEZ, “if the party insists on the larger area then it would be appropriate to consider their request for the entire area of 300 acres instead of 250 acres.”
This is clearly mentioned in the agenda note for GIDC’s March 28, 2006 meeting regarding the Meditab proposal for allotment of land.
And shockingly, though Meditab states that they have sub-leased the plot acquired by them, a letter from the GIDC dated February 19, 2008 states ‘sub-lease by the company of portion of land granted to the company at Keri for SEZ is not available with us’. This despite the fact that if any SEZ developer wants to sub-lease land, they have to inform the GIDC as per the lease agreement.
Further, the third notified SEZ in Goa, the ‘under formation’ Peninsula Research & Development Centre, had applied on March 2, 2006 for the status of an Export Processing Zone. However, it got SEZ status as ‘the government feels it could be a SEZ’. This is recorded in the minutes of the GIDC BOD meeting dated March 28, 2006.
June 13, 2008, The Times of India, Goa Edition
Unauthorised meet okayed land
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Not only did the Goa Industrial Development Corporation act in haste to allot plots to the K Raheja Corp Pvt Ltd for an SEZ, but they increased the floor area ratio (FAR) on par with the IT habitat at Dona Paula and even sacrificed plans of setting up a government SEZ to allot 300 acres to Meditab Specialities Pvt Ltd. In addition, though the still ‘under formation’ Peninsula Research & Development Centre, Sancoale, had applied for Export Processing Zone status, SEZ status was conferred. The reason: the ‘government feels it could be an SEZ’.
The list of irregularities goes on. Documents acquired by anti-SEZ activists under RTI reveal that allotment of land to Raheja’s was done at the GIDC board meeting on April 19, 2006, attended by only four members—GIDC chairman Chandrakant Kavlekar, MLA Aleixo Sequeira, Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Nitin Kunkolienkar and Managing director A V Palekar. Other board members, including the director of industries were absent.
A possible explanation for their absence is that they received the notice of the meeting at the time when the meeting was already in progress. Three board members — secretary industries, director industries and chief electrical engineer—acknowledged receipt of the notice with signatures on April 19, 2006 at around 5 pm, an hour after the scheduled start of the meeting.
Going by the industries and labour department regulations this meeting should not have taken place as there was no quorum. The regulations state: ‘four members present will form a quorum provided that at least one of the members nominated under section 4 (1) (d) (in this case industries director) of the Goa, Daman and Diu Industrial Development Act, 1965, other than the chairman is present’. Meditab asked for 250 acres, GIDC offered 300 instead
Panaji: At another BOD meeting on March 9, 2007, it was resolved to approve ‘the proposal to allot for development adjoining open areas and to construct and maintain land under roads to the respective units at the rate of Rs 100 per sq mt’. This was decided as the BOD felt that if the Goa Infrastructure Development Corporation (GIDC) was to develop the open spaces and also construct roads, it would have cost the corporation at least Rs 250 per sq mt.
Therefore to save this Rs 250 per sq mt, they allotted the Rahejas (as per the lease agreement) 1,85,173 sq mts for Rs 100. Had GIDC charged Rs 600 for this area of 7,91,732 sq metres, the same that they had charged for the plot, it would have earned a cool Rs 11 crore and more.
After all approvals were granted to the Rahejas and a lease deal signed on July 25, 2006, in GIDC board meeting held on March 9, 2007, it was decided to increase the FAR to 150, at par with the IT park at Dona Paula. This was subsequently approved by the Town and Country Planning (TCP) department.
If exclusive treatment to Rahejas by GIDC shocks, then there is more.
When Meditab Specialities wrote to the then industries minister Luizinho Faleiro on March 10, 2006 requesting allotment of 250 acres land at Keri, not only did the minister send a note to the GIDC asking it to allot 250 acres to Meditab, but also had a discussion with the industries secretary, wherein it was decided to scrap the GIDCs proposed SEZ, “if the party insists on the larger area then it would be appropriate to consider their request for the entire area of 300 acres instead of 250 acres.”
This is clearly mentioned in the agenda note for GIDC’s March 28, 2006 meeting regarding the Meditab proposal for allotment of land.
And shockingly, though Meditab states that they have sub-leased the plot acquired by them, a letter from the GIDC dated February 19, 2008 states ‘sub-lease by the company of portion of land granted to the company at Keri for SEZ is not available with us’. This despite the fact that if any SEZ developer wants to sub-lease land, they have to inform the GIDC as per the lease agreement.
Further, the third notified SEZ in Goa, the ‘under formation’ Peninsula Research & Development Centre, had applied on March 2, 2006 for the status of an Export Processing Zone. However, it got SEZ status as ‘the government feels it could be a SEZ’. This is recorded in the minutes of the GIDC BOD meeting dated March 28, 2006.
June 13, 2008, The Times of India, Goa Edition
Goa's SEZ mess: How it all started
SPECIAL TREATMENT FOR SPECIAL PEOPLE?
SEZ mess: How it all started
How Pratapsingh And Luizinho Pushed Deals And How Land Went As Cheap As Rs 80 Per Sq Metre
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Special Economic Zone Act was enacted by the Centre in June 2005, but the Goa government was exploring possibilities right from December 2004.
The first time that the government considered SEZs was on December 29, 2004, when under the chairmanship of then chief minister Manohar Parrikar a decision was taken at a Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) meeting to earmark land for a food park, a biotech park and an SEZ.
At a subsequent meeting on April 15, 2005 chaired by industries secretary Jayashree Raghuraman (Goa was then under Central rule), it was decided to “explore the possibility of setting up food park and SEZ at Keri and bio-tech park at Verna”.
It was two months later—June 23—that the Centre enacted the SEZ Act 2005 and another 12 months—June 5, 2006—before the Goa government came up with an SEZ policy. In the meantime, in March and April 2006 GIDC had already accepted applications from companies for SEZs.
Information available with TOI reveals that allegations of procedural impropriety and blatant irregularities against the SEZs could well be true. These facts and many more irregularities have come to light following documents made available by the government under the Right To Information Act
The documents reveal that land was allotted to the companies even before the Goa SEZ policy was formulated.
Of the three notified SEZs, two—K Raheja Corp Private Limited and Meditab Specialities Pvt Ltd—had the blessings of then chief minister Pratapsingh Rane and industries minister Luizinho Faleiro.
“The said proposal has been forwarded to us by the industries minister with the approval of the chief minister with the direction to consider their proposal,” said the agenda note for GIDC’s March 28, 2006 board meeting regarding Meditab’s proposal.
Similarly, the agenda note for the April 19,2006 GIDC board meeting said, “The chief minister as well as the industries minister are in support of the above allotments (land for Raheja and others).”
The third SEZ, Peninsula Research & Development Centre, was “under formation” when GIDC reviewed their application and decided to allot land on March 28, 2006. Interestingly, in the April of that year, before the Goa SEZ policy came into existence, GIDC had already accepted applications from the three SEZs.
The irregularities continue. Two of the applications, those of Raheja and Peninsula, don’t have the company seal, nor an inward stamp of GIDC and just one eye witness, instead of two. This raises doubt over the date the applications were received by GIDC and whether the GIDC issued the mandatory seven day notice to call a board meeting.
The industries and labour department regulations clearly state that ‘the secretary shall give seven clear days notice of the ensuing meeting to each member of the corporation’.
Though GIDC in its agenda note for a meeting on February 7, 2006 proposed to revise the premium rate of plots in the industrial estates, it went easy on the three SEZs. This despite the fact that GIDC had decided that all new applications for plots and transfer of plots will be based on revised rates.
While the price of plots for the industrial units at Verna phase I, II and III was hiked to Rs 750, the SEZs in phase IV were charged only Rs 600. Further, while the rate of land at Sancoale industrial estate was hiked from Rs 125 to Rs 400, Peninsula was charged just Rs 250, as the ‘area proposed for allotment is sloppy and without proper access’. Meditab got its land at the cheapest possible price of just Rs 80 per sq m.
The documents also reveal that GIDC relaxed the land rates, reduced the 2% annual lease rent that it had unanimously decided to charge in industrial estates effective from April 1, 2006, to 0.5% for the three SEZs. The lease signed is for 30 years, with a provision to extend it to 95 years.
Further, though in the lease agreement with the three SEZs transfer of land was prohibited without GIDC consent, minutes of the GIDC meeting of April 19, 2006, reveal that the GIDC will not charge transfer fees, sub-lease or assignment charges from them. This would allow the SEZ developers to sub-lease or transfer the land to anyone at a price, without in turn paying the GIDC.
June 12, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
SEZ mess: How it all started
How Pratapsingh And Luizinho Pushed Deals And How Land Went As Cheap As Rs 80 Per Sq Metre
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Special Economic Zone Act was enacted by the Centre in June 2005, but the Goa government was exploring possibilities right from December 2004.
The first time that the government considered SEZs was on December 29, 2004, when under the chairmanship of then chief minister Manohar Parrikar a decision was taken at a Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) meeting to earmark land for a food park, a biotech park and an SEZ.
At a subsequent meeting on April 15, 2005 chaired by industries secretary Jayashree Raghuraman (Goa was then under Central rule), it was decided to “explore the possibility of setting up food park and SEZ at Keri and bio-tech park at Verna”.
It was two months later—June 23—that the Centre enacted the SEZ Act 2005 and another 12 months—June 5, 2006—before the Goa government came up with an SEZ policy. In the meantime, in March and April 2006 GIDC had already accepted applications from companies for SEZs.
Information available with TOI reveals that allegations of procedural impropriety and blatant irregularities against the SEZs could well be true. These facts and many more irregularities have come to light following documents made available by the government under the Right To Information Act
The documents reveal that land was allotted to the companies even before the Goa SEZ policy was formulated.
Of the three notified SEZs, two—K Raheja Corp Private Limited and Meditab Specialities Pvt Ltd—had the blessings of then chief minister Pratapsingh Rane and industries minister Luizinho Faleiro.
“The said proposal has been forwarded to us by the industries minister with the approval of the chief minister with the direction to consider their proposal,” said the agenda note for GIDC’s March 28, 2006 board meeting regarding Meditab’s proposal.
Similarly, the agenda note for the April 19,2006 GIDC board meeting said, “The chief minister as well as the industries minister are in support of the above allotments (land for Raheja and others).”
The third SEZ, Peninsula Research & Development Centre, was “under formation” when GIDC reviewed their application and decided to allot land on March 28, 2006. Interestingly, in the April of that year, before the Goa SEZ policy came into existence, GIDC had already accepted applications from the three SEZs.
The irregularities continue. Two of the applications, those of Raheja and Peninsula, don’t have the company seal, nor an inward stamp of GIDC and just one eye witness, instead of two. This raises doubt over the date the applications were received by GIDC and whether the GIDC issued the mandatory seven day notice to call a board meeting.
The industries and labour department regulations clearly state that ‘the secretary shall give seven clear days notice of the ensuing meeting to each member of the corporation’.
Though GIDC in its agenda note for a meeting on February 7, 2006 proposed to revise the premium rate of plots in the industrial estates, it went easy on the three SEZs. This despite the fact that GIDC had decided that all new applications for plots and transfer of plots will be based on revised rates.
While the price of plots for the industrial units at Verna phase I, II and III was hiked to Rs 750, the SEZs in phase IV were charged only Rs 600. Further, while the rate of land at Sancoale industrial estate was hiked from Rs 125 to Rs 400, Peninsula was charged just Rs 250, as the ‘area proposed for allotment is sloppy and without proper access’. Meditab got its land at the cheapest possible price of just Rs 80 per sq m.
The documents also reveal that GIDC relaxed the land rates, reduced the 2% annual lease rent that it had unanimously decided to charge in industrial estates effective from April 1, 2006, to 0.5% for the three SEZs. The lease signed is for 30 years, with a provision to extend it to 95 years.
Further, though in the lease agreement with the three SEZs transfer of land was prohibited without GIDC consent, minutes of the GIDC meeting of April 19, 2006, reveal that the GIDC will not charge transfer fees, sub-lease or assignment charges from them. This would allow the SEZ developers to sub-lease or transfer the land to anyone at a price, without in turn paying the GIDC.
June 12, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Desperate acts by Goa’s HIV+ve
Desperate acts by Goa’s HIV+ve
Patients Let Health Falter To Receive Financial Assistance From State
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The tragedy is not that they are dying, but that they want to die so that they can live. Already living desultory lives, shunned by society and suffering terribly, many HIV positive individuals are prepared to get sicker, and all for just a thousand rupees.
Since the state finance minister announced Rs 1,000 a month to those put on antiretroviral treatment (ART), HIV positive persons are looking at this financial bonanza as a way out of their financial straits.
“HIV positive people are increasingly asking to be put on ART without understanding the complications linked with it. This is happening with speculation that the compensation of Rs 1000 will be only given to those on ART,” says Sofia, of the NGO Rishta working with HIV patients in North Goa.
Mahesh Govekar of Zindagi, an NGO which runs a drop-in centre for HIV/AIDS patients in South Goa, said, “Many HIV persons are desperate to get financial help as it fills them with a sense of security to fight social criticism. There
are several doubts in the minds of the HIV positive persons about the scheme. But once we counsel them, they tend to understand.”
Forty-five-yearold Charles, an HIV positive individual, is praying and working to ensure that the next time he goes for a blood test, his CD 4 count shows less than 200 (very low immunity) and that he is immediately put on ART.
“I need the money to run my home. If being HIV positive and healthy means being denied the Rs 1000 benefit, then it is better to be ill. At least I can be of some help to my family,” said Charles.
“I am happy to be on ART,” said Sheena from Calangute. “This means that I can give a better life to my three children, one of them
suffering from HIV.”
Goa State Aid Control Society deputy director Elmira Pereira said, “Every patient put on ART would be given Rs 1000 at the ART centre.” About 510 patients currently on ART will benefit from the scheme, which has upset some of the 10,000 odd persons living with HIV/AIDS. Under the scheme a person gets financial assistance of Rs 1000 per month in the first year which will increase at the rate of 5% annually.
But what these patients don’t realize is that they are playing with their lives, as a CD count of below 200 can be dangerous. Once a person is started on ART this treatment will have to be continued with always.
Doctors say that an HIV positive individual has to follow a strict diet regime and lead a healthy life to maintain his health. “If their CD 4 count goes below 200, there is destruction of immune cells and the body’s ability to fight infections decreases. Such patients are more susceptible to opportunistic infections and need to be put on ART to improve their immunity,” said Dr N G Dubhashi, head, department of medicine, Goa Medical College.
SCHEME & ASSISTANCE
No clarity in monthly help for HIV victims
Panaji: There is still no clarity on the monthly assistance of Rs 1,000 for HIV positive people promised by the finance minister in his budget speech three months back.
Speculation is rife amongst persons living with HIV, sometimes forcing them
to do the unthinkable.
Even NGOs are ignorant about the scheme. “I have no idea about the scheme. But I hope it extends to all HIV positive persons, to ensure that they lead a healthy life with dignity,” said Jaffar Inamdar of Positive Life Foundation, a drop in centre for HIV positives in North Goa.
Fatima from Chicalim has striven hard to hide her HIV status. Life has been hard for her. Her husband and son died of AIDS five years back and she has a 65-year-old sick mother to take care of. The two of them subsist on about Rs 600 a month. But now she is eager to reveal her status ‘on paper’.
Though the scheme is yet to be introduced, she has already obtained an income certificate from the village panchayat. “When the panchayat asked me to cite reasons for seeking the certificate, I disclosed my HIV status. This is extra financial help,” said Fatima.
(Some names changed to protect identity)
June11,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Patients Let Health Falter To Receive Financial Assistance From State
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The tragedy is not that they are dying, but that they want to die so that they can live. Already living desultory lives, shunned by society and suffering terribly, many HIV positive individuals are prepared to get sicker, and all for just a thousand rupees.
Since the state finance minister announced Rs 1,000 a month to those put on antiretroviral treatment (ART), HIV positive persons are looking at this financial bonanza as a way out of their financial straits.
“HIV positive people are increasingly asking to be put on ART without understanding the complications linked with it. This is happening with speculation that the compensation of Rs 1000 will be only given to those on ART,” says Sofia, of the NGO Rishta working with HIV patients in North Goa.
Mahesh Govekar of Zindagi, an NGO which runs a drop-in centre for HIV/AIDS patients in South Goa, said, “Many HIV persons are desperate to get financial help as it fills them with a sense of security to fight social criticism. There
are several doubts in the minds of the HIV positive persons about the scheme. But once we counsel them, they tend to understand.”
Forty-five-yearold Charles, an HIV positive individual, is praying and working to ensure that the next time he goes for a blood test, his CD 4 count shows less than 200 (very low immunity) and that he is immediately put on ART.
“I need the money to run my home. If being HIV positive and healthy means being denied the Rs 1000 benefit, then it is better to be ill. At least I can be of some help to my family,” said Charles.
“I am happy to be on ART,” said Sheena from Calangute. “This means that I can give a better life to my three children, one of them
suffering from HIV.”
Goa State Aid Control Society deputy director Elmira Pereira said, “Every patient put on ART would be given Rs 1000 at the ART centre.” About 510 patients currently on ART will benefit from the scheme, which has upset some of the 10,000 odd persons living with HIV/AIDS. Under the scheme a person gets financial assistance of Rs 1000 per month in the first year which will increase at the rate of 5% annually.
But what these patients don’t realize is that they are playing with their lives, as a CD count of below 200 can be dangerous. Once a person is started on ART this treatment will have to be continued with always.
Doctors say that an HIV positive individual has to follow a strict diet regime and lead a healthy life to maintain his health. “If their CD 4 count goes below 200, there is destruction of immune cells and the body’s ability to fight infections decreases. Such patients are more susceptible to opportunistic infections and need to be put on ART to improve their immunity,” said Dr N G Dubhashi, head, department of medicine, Goa Medical College.
SCHEME & ASSISTANCE
No clarity in monthly help for HIV victims
Panaji: There is still no clarity on the monthly assistance of Rs 1,000 for HIV positive people promised by the finance minister in his budget speech three months back.
Speculation is rife amongst persons living with HIV, sometimes forcing them
to do the unthinkable.
Even NGOs are ignorant about the scheme. “I have no idea about the scheme. But I hope it extends to all HIV positive persons, to ensure that they lead a healthy life with dignity,” said Jaffar Inamdar of Positive Life Foundation, a drop in centre for HIV positives in North Goa.
Fatima from Chicalim has striven hard to hide her HIV status. Life has been hard for her. Her husband and son died of AIDS five years back and she has a 65-year-old sick mother to take care of. The two of them subsist on about Rs 600 a month. But now she is eager to reveal her status ‘on paper’.
Though the scheme is yet to be introduced, she has already obtained an income certificate from the village panchayat. “When the panchayat asked me to cite reasons for seeking the certificate, I disclosed my HIV status. This is extra financial help,” said Fatima.
(Some names changed to protect identity)
June11,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Your path lab may be giving wrong results
Your path lab may be giving wrong results
No Pathologist At 67% State Laboratories
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Your path lab may not be giving you the correct result. A 34-year-old learnt this the hard way recently.
He went to several pathological laboratories seeking to find the reason behind his frequent fever. And they all gave different diagnoses. Finally, he was referred to the Goa Medical College, where tests revealed that he was suffering from leukemia, said Dr R G Wiseman Pinto, who heads the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee for Pathology, Bacteriology and allied fields.
The reason behind the different and incorrect results is not hard to seek. Some 100 of Goa’s 150 pathological laboratories are operating without qualified pathologists. They are manned by laboratory technicians with a diploma in medical laboratory technology (DMLT).
Confirming this, Dr Pinto says the state has just about 50 qualified pathologists.
“Though Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 clearly states that the practise of pathology can’t be permitted by a DMLT, many in the state have been running the laboratory without a qualified pathologist,” he said.
Now, the Goa Medical Council is planning to regulate all pathological labs. All existing and new labs will have to register themselves with the council.
It has proposed that standalone labs or independent ones have to be either run by an MD or diploma holder in specialised branches recognised by the Medical Council of India. Pathological labs must be run by MDs
Panaji: The Goa Medical Council has proposed that independent pathological laboratories must be run by an MD or diploma holder in laboratory medicine, pathology and bacteriology, microbiology, biochemistry, clinical pathology, histopathology and other allied specialised branches recognised by the Medical Council of India.
Laboratories attached to private hospitals will have to be manned by a recognised MD or doctor with a diploma. However, if they fail to get an MD or diploma doctor, they can also be manned by an MBBS with three years experience in laboratory medicine in a recognised institute or laboratory.
However, corporate hospitals will have to be run by an MD or diploma holder in laboratory medicine.
Laboratories attached to physicians’ clinics should at least be handled by an MBBS registered with the Goa Medical Council.
Laboratory technicians are not able to identify specific ailments. “Technicians can’t corelate between clinical findings and the results of the test. Moreover, technicians on their own are not supposed to examine patients as only a qualified pathologist can study the history of the patient before arriving at a diagnosis,” said Dr R G Wiseman Pinto, who heads the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee for Pathology, Bacteriology and allied fields. Dr Pinto added that the majority of laboratories manned by DMLTs are in rural areas of the state.
“We had send circulars to several pathology laboratories in the state asking them for details of the laboratory. Not a single one responded,” said Dr Ulhas Karpe, chairman, Disciplinary and Ethics Committee, Goa Medical Council. “But now it has become important to ensure that laboratories are manned by qualified pathologist because even Bombay high court has emphasised this,” he added.
June 10, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
No Pathologist At 67% State Laboratories
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Your path lab may not be giving you the correct result. A 34-year-old learnt this the hard way recently.
He went to several pathological laboratories seeking to find the reason behind his frequent fever. And they all gave different diagnoses. Finally, he was referred to the Goa Medical College, where tests revealed that he was suffering from leukemia, said Dr R G Wiseman Pinto, who heads the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee for Pathology, Bacteriology and allied fields.
The reason behind the different and incorrect results is not hard to seek. Some 100 of Goa’s 150 pathological laboratories are operating without qualified pathologists. They are manned by laboratory technicians with a diploma in medical laboratory technology (DMLT).
Confirming this, Dr Pinto says the state has just about 50 qualified pathologists.
“Though Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 clearly states that the practise of pathology can’t be permitted by a DMLT, many in the state have been running the laboratory without a qualified pathologist,” he said.
Now, the Goa Medical Council is planning to regulate all pathological labs. All existing and new labs will have to register themselves with the council.
It has proposed that standalone labs or independent ones have to be either run by an MD or diploma holder in specialised branches recognised by the Medical Council of India. Pathological labs must be run by MDs
Panaji: The Goa Medical Council has proposed that independent pathological laboratories must be run by an MD or diploma holder in laboratory medicine, pathology and bacteriology, microbiology, biochemistry, clinical pathology, histopathology and other allied specialised branches recognised by the Medical Council of India.
Laboratories attached to private hospitals will have to be manned by a recognised MD or doctor with a diploma. However, if they fail to get an MD or diploma doctor, they can also be manned by an MBBS with three years experience in laboratory medicine in a recognised institute or laboratory.
However, corporate hospitals will have to be run by an MD or diploma holder in laboratory medicine.
Laboratories attached to physicians’ clinics should at least be handled by an MBBS registered with the Goa Medical Council.
Laboratory technicians are not able to identify specific ailments. “Technicians can’t corelate between clinical findings and the results of the test. Moreover, technicians on their own are not supposed to examine patients as only a qualified pathologist can study the history of the patient before arriving at a diagnosis,” said Dr R G Wiseman Pinto, who heads the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee for Pathology, Bacteriology and allied fields. Dr Pinto added that the majority of laboratories manned by DMLTs are in rural areas of the state.
“We had send circulars to several pathology laboratories in the state asking them for details of the laboratory. Not a single one responded,” said Dr Ulhas Karpe, chairman, Disciplinary and Ethics Committee, Goa Medical Council. “But now it has become important to ensure that laboratories are manned by qualified pathologist because even Bombay high court has emphasised this,” he added.
June 10, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Monday, June 09, 2008
Five buried alive in Porvorim
Five buried alive in Porvorim
Case Slapped On Developers As Illegal Wall Falls
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Five migrant labourers were buried alive and eight injured, some of them seriously, when part of an allegedly illegal retaining wall came crashing down on three illegal structures in Porvorim. All the victims are migrant workers from Karnataka and Orissa and were staying at the site for the last two years. According to locals, the accident occurred at about 6 am on Sunday.
Officials present at the site said that the rooms were constructed by builders Savio D’Souza and Sandeep Kalangutkar in complete violation of PWD rules. A PWD official at the site said, “The retaining wall isn’t of the proper width and has not been constructed as per the required standard.”
Shantinagar ward panch member Kartik Kudnekar alleged that the tragedy was an example of the abject failure of the panchayat authorities to act on a resolution of the gram sabha to take action against the wall.
“On May 18, the gram sabha had passed a resolution to take action against the ‘illegal’ retaining wall. Though the permission for the wall was 1.5 metres, they had constructed a wall of over 6 metres,” admitted Socorro village panchayat secretary Peter Martin.
Martin added, “We had planned to conduct an inspection and then issue notices to the builder, but before that the tragedy struck. Everyone of us, including the government, is responsible for the tragedy.”
Meeting later on Sunday afternoon, the Socorro panchayat decided to ask Devashree to stop construction activity on the three buildings and the retaining wall. The builders have also been asked to produce all documents to the panchayat within three days. Besides, the panchayat has issued notices to D’- Souza and Kalangutkar to remove an illegal room and two toilets adjacent to the retaining wall.
The meeting was called by sarpanch Shital Arolkar and was attended by all 11 panch members who condemned the incident. They would soon be submitting a report to the block development officer.
North Goa additional collector Swapnil Naik said, “We have directed the police to file a complaint against Devashree Real Estate Developers, which built the retaining wall, as well as D’Souza and Kalangutkar, who allowed the workers to stay illegally.” The Porvorim police have registered a case against both builders. PWD to file report on mishap
Panaji: North Goa additional collector Swapnil Naik said they have asked the PWD to submit a technical report regarding the wall collapse in Provorim on Sunday that buried alive five labourers. Based on the report, the authorities would take further action.
“On the face of it, it appears that the labourers who were staying in the illegal structures had blocked the holes created in the retaining wall to release water. Due to this there was pressure on the wall and it collapsed,” added Naik.
Recollecting the incidents of the morning, Dinesh Gadekar, who lives a few metres from the place of tragedy said, “I heard a loud sound and few screams. I rushed out of the house and saw that part of the retaining wall had crushed the structures adjacent to my house and people were buried inside.” He immediately called the fire services and informed the panch. Construction labourers working at adjacent sites along with fire service personnel rescued those trapped in the debris. Among the dead was fivemonth pregnant woman Nagma (22) and her husband Umar Sab (26). Renuka Jadhav (32) and her daughter Madhavi (15) also died in the accident. However, husband Nagaraj and son Kamlesh (10) escaped with minor injuries. Another person, Ramesh Nayak (22), was brought dead to the hospital.
The injured – Ranjit Kanchan (20), Dilip Kumar (17), Jaffar (18), Ram Mordge (20) were admitted to Asilo hospital, Mapusa and some later shifted to GMC. Abdul and Fatima who were reportedly staying at the site are still missing.
Meanwhile, Devashree Real Estate Developers, who had built the retaining wall, has released compensation to the injured and deceased. “We have decided to give Rs one lakh to the deceased and Rs 25,000 as compensation to the injured,” said the main contractor Tony Fernandes.
June 9, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Case Slapped On Developers As Illegal Wall Falls
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Five migrant labourers were buried alive and eight injured, some of them seriously, when part of an allegedly illegal retaining wall came crashing down on three illegal structures in Porvorim. All the victims are migrant workers from Karnataka and Orissa and were staying at the site for the last two years. According to locals, the accident occurred at about 6 am on Sunday.
Officials present at the site said that the rooms were constructed by builders Savio D’Souza and Sandeep Kalangutkar in complete violation of PWD rules. A PWD official at the site said, “The retaining wall isn’t of the proper width and has not been constructed as per the required standard.”
Shantinagar ward panch member Kartik Kudnekar alleged that the tragedy was an example of the abject failure of the panchayat authorities to act on a resolution of the gram sabha to take action against the wall.
“On May 18, the gram sabha had passed a resolution to take action against the ‘illegal’ retaining wall. Though the permission for the wall was 1.5 metres, they had constructed a wall of over 6 metres,” admitted Socorro village panchayat secretary Peter Martin.
Martin added, “We had planned to conduct an inspection and then issue notices to the builder, but before that the tragedy struck. Everyone of us, including the government, is responsible for the tragedy.”
Meeting later on Sunday afternoon, the Socorro panchayat decided to ask Devashree to stop construction activity on the three buildings and the retaining wall. The builders have also been asked to produce all documents to the panchayat within three days. Besides, the panchayat has issued notices to D’- Souza and Kalangutkar to remove an illegal room and two toilets adjacent to the retaining wall.
The meeting was called by sarpanch Shital Arolkar and was attended by all 11 panch members who condemned the incident. They would soon be submitting a report to the block development officer.
North Goa additional collector Swapnil Naik said, “We have directed the police to file a complaint against Devashree Real Estate Developers, which built the retaining wall, as well as D’Souza and Kalangutkar, who allowed the workers to stay illegally.” The Porvorim police have registered a case against both builders. PWD to file report on mishap
Panaji: North Goa additional collector Swapnil Naik said they have asked the PWD to submit a technical report regarding the wall collapse in Provorim on Sunday that buried alive five labourers. Based on the report, the authorities would take further action.
“On the face of it, it appears that the labourers who were staying in the illegal structures had blocked the holes created in the retaining wall to release water. Due to this there was pressure on the wall and it collapsed,” added Naik.
Recollecting the incidents of the morning, Dinesh Gadekar, who lives a few metres from the place of tragedy said, “I heard a loud sound and few screams. I rushed out of the house and saw that part of the retaining wall had crushed the structures adjacent to my house and people were buried inside.” He immediately called the fire services and informed the panch. Construction labourers working at adjacent sites along with fire service personnel rescued those trapped in the debris. Among the dead was fivemonth pregnant woman Nagma (22) and her husband Umar Sab (26). Renuka Jadhav (32) and her daughter Madhavi (15) also died in the accident. However, husband Nagaraj and son Kamlesh (10) escaped with minor injuries. Another person, Ramesh Nayak (22), was brought dead to the hospital.
The injured – Ranjit Kanchan (20), Dilip Kumar (17), Jaffar (18), Ram Mordge (20) were admitted to Asilo hospital, Mapusa and some later shifted to GMC. Abdul and Fatima who were reportedly staying at the site are still missing.
Meanwhile, Devashree Real Estate Developers, who had built the retaining wall, has released compensation to the injured and deceased. “We have decided to give Rs one lakh to the deceased and Rs 25,000 as compensation to the injured,” said the main contractor Tony Fernandes.
June 9, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Trauma for victims at GMC
Trauma for victims at GMC
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Grit and bear as you read this. At about 8 am, Dilip Kumar who was seriously injured when a portion of a retaining wall collapsed on an illegal structure at Porvorim, was brought to Goa Medical College from Asilo hospital, Mapusa, without his being administered any first aid treatment.
When he arrived at the entrance of the casualty ward at the GMC, he was bleeding profusely, yet there was no way he could be taken into the ward.
The reason: there were neither trolleys nor wheel chairs available. The casualty and trauma ward has six trolleys and wheel chairs, but four trolleys were occupied by dead bodies.
As there was no trolley or wheelchair in sight, the personnel from the fire department lifted Kumar and took him into the casualty ward.
This, somebody lifting patients, happens often at the GMC, and if there is no help, then patients just wait till a trolley or wheel chair is free.
Once Kumar was inside the ward, the medical officers sprang into action, gave him first aid and diagnosed his condition as critical suspecting liver contusion (bleeding). An x-ray was required and, Kumar’s relatives not being present in the hospital, it was another long wait, until one of the two servants on duty was free to wheel a trolley and take the patient to the adjacent x-ray room,.
The manner in which his friend, Ranjith Kanchana (20), was brought to the casualty was no different. As if that was not enough, the casualty ward is severely understaffed. Of the sanctioned strength of six, there were only three doctors, some of them juggling between the casualty and trauma ward.
On an average, one doctor has to attend to about 40 to 50 emergency patients every day. Doctors revealed that though six posts of casualty medical officers were sanctioned in 2006, the file is pending with ty ward. “It is a fact that there is shortage of doctors in the casualty. We have sent a proposal to the government to have six more, regular posts,” said Dr Jindal.
Stating that there is no shortage of trolleys or wheel chairs, Dr Jindal said that once in a while when a large number of patients come, there is a problem. “But we are in the process of buying some more trolleys and wheel chairs,’’ he added.
the finance department.
Besides, there is no adequate infrastructure to take care of emergencies. “But we have a shortage of beds (8), I V stands (6) and there is no defibrillator (an emergency machine used to give shock treatment to the patient as a last resort, if he is to die),” said a doctor.
GMC dean Dr V N Jindal admitted that there is shortage of doctors in the casuality
June 9, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Grit and bear as you read this. At about 8 am, Dilip Kumar who was seriously injured when a portion of a retaining wall collapsed on an illegal structure at Porvorim, was brought to Goa Medical College from Asilo hospital, Mapusa, without his being administered any first aid treatment.
When he arrived at the entrance of the casualty ward at the GMC, he was bleeding profusely, yet there was no way he could be taken into the ward.
The reason: there were neither trolleys nor wheel chairs available. The casualty and trauma ward has six trolleys and wheel chairs, but four trolleys were occupied by dead bodies.
As there was no trolley or wheelchair in sight, the personnel from the fire department lifted Kumar and took him into the casualty ward.
This, somebody lifting patients, happens often at the GMC, and if there is no help, then patients just wait till a trolley or wheel chair is free.
Once Kumar was inside the ward, the medical officers sprang into action, gave him first aid and diagnosed his condition as critical suspecting liver contusion (bleeding). An x-ray was required and, Kumar’s relatives not being present in the hospital, it was another long wait, until one of the two servants on duty was free to wheel a trolley and take the patient to the adjacent x-ray room,.
The manner in which his friend, Ranjith Kanchana (20), was brought to the casualty was no different. As if that was not enough, the casualty ward is severely understaffed. Of the sanctioned strength of six, there were only three doctors, some of them juggling between the casualty and trauma ward.
On an average, one doctor has to attend to about 40 to 50 emergency patients every day. Doctors revealed that though six posts of casualty medical officers were sanctioned in 2006, the file is pending with ty ward. “It is a fact that there is shortage of doctors in the casualty. We have sent a proposal to the government to have six more, regular posts,” said Dr Jindal.
Stating that there is no shortage of trolleys or wheel chairs, Dr Jindal said that once in a while when a large number of patients come, there is a problem. “But we are in the process of buying some more trolleys and wheel chairs,’’ he added.
the finance department.
Besides, there is no adequate infrastructure to take care of emergencies. “But we have a shortage of beds (8), I V stands (6) and there is no defibrillator (an emergency machine used to give shock treatment to the patient as a last resort, if he is to die),” said a doctor.
GMC dean Dr V N Jindal admitted that there is shortage of doctors in the casuality
June 9, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
SP asks power dept to light up streets
SP asks power dept to light up streets
Burglars Have Field Day Under Cover Of Darkness
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: When it’s pitch dark and raining heavily, the most unwanted ‘creatures’ — burglars — are at work. This, because no one can hear them break into a house due to the sound of thunder and the darkness that provides them cover.
Alarmed by the spurt in theft cases and the cops’ failure in nabbing the culprits, North Goa superintendent of police has written a letter to the chief engineer of the electricity department requesting him to at least illuminate the streets.
“The burglars go about their task under the cover of darkness and the police are also helpless when it comes to tracing them,” said SP Bosco George regarding the increase in number of thefts over the last couple of days.
There is an increase in the number of theft cases during the monsoon.
In North Goa district alone, almost two cases of theft are reported everyday. In the last one week, nearly eight houses were burgled, most of which were locked. Besides, the burglars often strike in the dark.
It has also been noticed that the street lights do not work along the Betim-Porvorim stretch light up to O Coqueiro. This is dangerous to drivers, especially with the heavy downpour.
“We hope that the electricity department will respond to our request favourably,” added George.
The state has witnessed frequent power cuts at night in the last week and electricity department officials blame it on uprooted trees.
This, despite the fact that the department completes the pre-monsoon exercise of maintaining high tension wires and pruning of tree branches three months before the onset of the rains.
However, coming out in support of the electricity officials power minister Aleixo Sequeira says that there have been frequent power cuts because the state has been lashed by heavy rains and winds since the last 48 hours.
“The situation may not change much if this continues for another 24 to 48 hours . But, we are trying our best to provide power to each and every consumer,” said Sequeira.
He further said that they were having trouble because of uprooted tress that snap lines .
“Severe lightning is also playing havoc with the main high tension lines. Besides, there are so many accidents taking place,” he said
“Several vehicles crash into electricity poles thereby damaging the lines. Yet, we are trying our best to provide 24-hour power supply to our consumers,” added Sequeira.
June 9, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Burglars Have Field Day Under Cover Of Darkness
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: When it’s pitch dark and raining heavily, the most unwanted ‘creatures’ — burglars — are at work. This, because no one can hear them break into a house due to the sound of thunder and the darkness that provides them cover.
Alarmed by the spurt in theft cases and the cops’ failure in nabbing the culprits, North Goa superintendent of police has written a letter to the chief engineer of the electricity department requesting him to at least illuminate the streets.
“The burglars go about their task under the cover of darkness and the police are also helpless when it comes to tracing them,” said SP Bosco George regarding the increase in number of thefts over the last couple of days.
There is an increase in the number of theft cases during the monsoon.
In North Goa district alone, almost two cases of theft are reported everyday. In the last one week, nearly eight houses were burgled, most of which were locked. Besides, the burglars often strike in the dark.
It has also been noticed that the street lights do not work along the Betim-Porvorim stretch light up to O Coqueiro. This is dangerous to drivers, especially with the heavy downpour.
“We hope that the electricity department will respond to our request favourably,” added George.
The state has witnessed frequent power cuts at night in the last week and electricity department officials blame it on uprooted trees.
This, despite the fact that the department completes the pre-monsoon exercise of maintaining high tension wires and pruning of tree branches three months before the onset of the rains.
However, coming out in support of the electricity officials power minister Aleixo Sequeira says that there have been frequent power cuts because the state has been lashed by heavy rains and winds since the last 48 hours.
“The situation may not change much if this continues for another 24 to 48 hours . But, we are trying our best to provide power to each and every consumer,” said Sequeira.
He further said that they were having trouble because of uprooted tress that snap lines .
“Severe lightning is also playing havoc with the main high tension lines. Besides, there are so many accidents taking place,” he said
“Several vehicles crash into electricity poles thereby damaging the lines. Yet, we are trying our best to provide 24-hour power supply to our consumers,” added Sequeira.
June 9, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Of ‘stock’ panch witnesses
Of ‘stock’ panch witnesses
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: In the Supriya Lotlikar murder case, the police had Amstrong Rodrigues and Leo Moraes who were crucial witnesses as they were present when the body was recovered by the police. However, the court termed them as “stock panch witnesses” and refused to place any reliance on their evidence.
The Supreme Court has contended that where a panch witness has stood as such a witness in 5 or 6 cases he was actually a stooge in the hands of the police and no reliance could be placed on the evidence.
Amstrong admitted in court that he had acted as a panch witness in two to three cases of the Margao police station and in two cases of the Cuncolim police station all pertaining to recovery panchanamas.
He also stood as a panch witness in about eight cases at Margao police station from 2002 to 2004.
The role of Leo was also under scrutiny especially after the case’s first investigating officer police sub inspector Sudesh Naik stating saying he didn’t remember seeing Leo or Amstrong at the spot when the body was recovered.
June 8, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: In the Supriya Lotlikar murder case, the police had Amstrong Rodrigues and Leo Moraes who were crucial witnesses as they were present when the body was recovered by the police. However, the court termed them as “stock panch witnesses” and refused to place any reliance on their evidence.
The Supreme Court has contended that where a panch witness has stood as such a witness in 5 or 6 cases he was actually a stooge in the hands of the police and no reliance could be placed on the evidence.
Amstrong admitted in court that he had acted as a panch witness in two to three cases of the Margao police station and in two cases of the Cuncolim police station all pertaining to recovery panchanamas.
He also stood as a panch witness in about eight cases at Margao police station from 2002 to 2004.
The role of Leo was also under scrutiny especially after the case’s first investigating officer police sub inspector Sudesh Naik stating saying he didn’t remember seeing Leo or Amstrong at the spot when the body was recovered.
June 8, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
‘Casual investigation’ of a murder
‘Casual investigation’ of a murder
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Supriya Lotlikar murder, Margao's most sensational killing in 2004, saw accused, husband Deepesh Raiker, acquitted on June 2 this year. While passing the order, the division bench of the High Court of Bombay at Goa observed: “It appears that the investigations were carried out in a most casual manner and is one of the reasons the accused deserves to be given benefit of doubt”.
On February 26, 2004, Supriya a lab technician received a call and left her workplace. A missing person's report was filed the following day. Raiker was arrested for Supriya's murder five days later.
As the gruesome crime came to light — Supriya had been hit on the forehead, smothered and buried at Gogol by the side of a compound wall next to the eastern bye-pass highway — police claimed Raiker, who had a civil marriage with her, committed the crime as he didn't want to “marry” Supriya and had an illicit relationship with another woman. Police later arrested the woman for conspiring to the murder, but she was acquitted by an additional sessions court.
Sifting the evidence, the high court observed, “Not only did the prosecution fail to produce any evidence in court to even remotely suggest that Deepesh had any special relationship, much less an affair or illicit one with the woman, it couldn't even produce any evidence to prove that the relationship between Deepesh and Supriya was strained. On the contrary there is sufficient evidence to conclude that she was happy.”
Commenting on a crucial missing link in the chain of evidence, the court said that once it was established that none had seen the accused and the deceased going together on the fateful day, the least which was expected on the part of police officers Sudesh Naik or for that matter Shirwaikar was to have found out the source of the telephone call, “which for reasons best known to him, Shirwaikar did not do as an investigation officer (IO)”.
Pointing out the lapses in the probe with regards a gold chain and ear studs found on the deceased the court noted, “It was certainly expected of the IO to have seized the said gold chain and studs for the purpose of further investigations and not hand over the same to the brother of the deceased. These are but serious lapses on the part of the IO.”
As the weapon used for murder was not recovered, the court observed, “If it was the case of the prosecution that the deceased was assaulted on her forehead causing her injury and then strangulated, then it was expected on the part of the IO to have made some effort to find out with what weapon the deceased was assaulted; but there is total silence in that regard.” The court also dismissed the police theory of recovering Supriya's body, as a clear case of manipulation. “Considering the location and manner the body was found in it is quite probable that the existence of the body at the place was known to the police through other sources and the story of discovery could be fabricated only with the assistance of a pliable witness,” the court noted.
To the prosecution’s theory that Deepesh and his alleged girlfriend had conspired to murder Supriya, the court observed, “There is nothing to connect the accused to the murder of the deceased and the proof of motive fell to the ground with the discharge of (the woman) by the Additional Sessions Judge, Margao on August 12, 2004.”
The Court further observed that if Deepesh wanted to marry another “he could have always got his marriage with Surpiya annulled and there was no reason to strangulate and murder her.”
Further, the police’s case had also got support from the confession of “star witness” accused Bijay Singh, involved in another murder case, who was sharing prison space with Deepesh. Bijay had informed the police on March 6 that two or three days prior, Deepesh had confessed to him about the crime.But the court dismissed his statement observing “the confession made by the accused when he is in police lock-up either to a police officer or to any other person is inadmissible.”
Trail of an inquest
November 24, 2003: Deepesh Raiker and Supriya Lotlikar have a civil marriage
February 26, 2004: At 2.45 pm, Supriya receives a call. She goes out from her place of work
February 26, 2004: At 10.30 pm, her brother Sanjiv and father Manohar along with her employer search for her. Deepesh searches on his bike
February 27, 2004: At about 1.40 pm a missing person report is lodged. Deepesh doesn’t come to the police station
March 2, 2004: Raiker is arrested for Supriya’s murder. Later his alleged girlfriend with whom police say he had conspired the murder, is also arrested. Another person who was in police custody (in a theft case) with Raiker, but was released on bail, is also arrested for trying to dispose of Supriya’s body allegedly on Raiker's instructions
March 6, 2006: Additional Sessions Judge, Margao acquits the alleged girlfriend and man. It observed that there was no evidence to create even reasonable doubt about the woman’s complicity in any offence and the prosecution failed to prove the involvement of the man in destroying the evidence. Both orders were not challenged by the prosecution. However, Raiker was sentenced to life imprisonment and 7 years rigorous imprisonment
June 5, 2006: Raiker files an appeal in the High Court
June 2, 2008: As case is based on circumstantial evidence that prosecution failed to prove, the accused is acquitted
June 8, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Supriya Lotlikar murder, Margao's most sensational killing in 2004, saw accused, husband Deepesh Raiker, acquitted on June 2 this year. While passing the order, the division bench of the High Court of Bombay at Goa observed: “It appears that the investigations were carried out in a most casual manner and is one of the reasons the accused deserves to be given benefit of doubt”.
On February 26, 2004, Supriya a lab technician received a call and left her workplace. A missing person's report was filed the following day. Raiker was arrested for Supriya's murder five days later.
As the gruesome crime came to light — Supriya had been hit on the forehead, smothered and buried at Gogol by the side of a compound wall next to the eastern bye-pass highway — police claimed Raiker, who had a civil marriage with her, committed the crime as he didn't want to “marry” Supriya and had an illicit relationship with another woman. Police later arrested the woman for conspiring to the murder, but she was acquitted by an additional sessions court.
Sifting the evidence, the high court observed, “Not only did the prosecution fail to produce any evidence in court to even remotely suggest that Deepesh had any special relationship, much less an affair or illicit one with the woman, it couldn't even produce any evidence to prove that the relationship between Deepesh and Supriya was strained. On the contrary there is sufficient evidence to conclude that she was happy.”
Commenting on a crucial missing link in the chain of evidence, the court said that once it was established that none had seen the accused and the deceased going together on the fateful day, the least which was expected on the part of police officers Sudesh Naik or for that matter Shirwaikar was to have found out the source of the telephone call, “which for reasons best known to him, Shirwaikar did not do as an investigation officer (IO)”.
Pointing out the lapses in the probe with regards a gold chain and ear studs found on the deceased the court noted, “It was certainly expected of the IO to have seized the said gold chain and studs for the purpose of further investigations and not hand over the same to the brother of the deceased. These are but serious lapses on the part of the IO.”
As the weapon used for murder was not recovered, the court observed, “If it was the case of the prosecution that the deceased was assaulted on her forehead causing her injury and then strangulated, then it was expected on the part of the IO to have made some effort to find out with what weapon the deceased was assaulted; but there is total silence in that regard.” The court also dismissed the police theory of recovering Supriya's body, as a clear case of manipulation. “Considering the location and manner the body was found in it is quite probable that the existence of the body at the place was known to the police through other sources and the story of discovery could be fabricated only with the assistance of a pliable witness,” the court noted.
To the prosecution’s theory that Deepesh and his alleged girlfriend had conspired to murder Supriya, the court observed, “There is nothing to connect the accused to the murder of the deceased and the proof of motive fell to the ground with the discharge of (the woman) by the Additional Sessions Judge, Margao on August 12, 2004.”
The Court further observed that if Deepesh wanted to marry another “he could have always got his marriage with Surpiya annulled and there was no reason to strangulate and murder her.”
Further, the police’s case had also got support from the confession of “star witness” accused Bijay Singh, involved in another murder case, who was sharing prison space with Deepesh. Bijay had informed the police on March 6 that two or three days prior, Deepesh had confessed to him about the crime.But the court dismissed his statement observing “the confession made by the accused when he is in police lock-up either to a police officer or to any other person is inadmissible.”
Trail of an inquest
November 24, 2003: Deepesh Raiker and Supriya Lotlikar have a civil marriage
February 26, 2004: At 2.45 pm, Supriya receives a call. She goes out from her place of work
February 26, 2004: At 10.30 pm, her brother Sanjiv and father Manohar along with her employer search for her. Deepesh searches on his bike
February 27, 2004: At about 1.40 pm a missing person report is lodged. Deepesh doesn’t come to the police station
March 2, 2004: Raiker is arrested for Supriya’s murder. Later his alleged girlfriend with whom police say he had conspired the murder, is also arrested. Another person who was in police custody (in a theft case) with Raiker, but was released on bail, is also arrested for trying to dispose of Supriya’s body allegedly on Raiker's instructions
March 6, 2006: Additional Sessions Judge, Margao acquits the alleged girlfriend and man. It observed that there was no evidence to create even reasonable doubt about the woman’s complicity in any offence and the prosecution failed to prove the involvement of the man in destroying the evidence. Both orders were not challenged by the prosecution. However, Raiker was sentenced to life imprisonment and 7 years rigorous imprisonment
June 5, 2006: Raiker files an appeal in the High Court
June 2, 2008: As case is based on circumstantial evidence that prosecution failed to prove, the accused is acquitted
June 8, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Candolim bar owner’s killer held after 2 years
Candolim bar owner’s killer held after 2 years
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Two years after the gruesome and baffling murder of restaurateur Anuj Joshi at his home, barely a few yards from the Calangute police station, the police on Saturday said they have finally arrested the man who killed him.
North Goa Superintendent of Police Bosco George said that Somnath Shelar alias Raju Samanth from Pune has confessed that he had killed Joshi on the morning of July 2, 2006. The police had arrested Shelar, who had arrived in the state with three friends on Saturday morning, from a Saligao restaurant. The motive for Joshi’s murder, police said, was revenge.
Joshi, 43, was found dead on the first floor bedroom of his hillside bungalow with his throat slashed on July 2. The restauranteur had returned home around 3.30 am after closing The Bar, a very popular pub and watering hole for tourists as well as locals.
“During interrogation we learnt that Shelar was upset with Joshi because he was caught by Joshi trying to steal from his house in 2005. He was jailed for seven months at Aguada jail, where he swore revenge,” said SP George.
Police said the accused had murdered Joshi using a heavy hammer and knife. “He hit the hammer on his head and then slit open Anuj’s throat with a knife,” said police.
According to the police, the accused who is involved in several cases of burglary in Pune and Goa, arrived in Goa on Saturday along with three friends. “It is a gang of four, and all are involved in criminal activities in Pune and Goa,” Calangute police said. The gang was picked up from a restaurant in Saligao where they were having a drink.
The police have ruled out the involvement of the other three gang members in Joshi’s murder. “We had information about the gang and suspected Shelar’s involvement in Joshi’s murder. During interrogations he admitted his crime,” added the police.
June 8, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Two years after the gruesome and baffling murder of restaurateur Anuj Joshi at his home, barely a few yards from the Calangute police station, the police on Saturday said they have finally arrested the man who killed him.
North Goa Superintendent of Police Bosco George said that Somnath Shelar alias Raju Samanth from Pune has confessed that he had killed Joshi on the morning of July 2, 2006. The police had arrested Shelar, who had arrived in the state with three friends on Saturday morning, from a Saligao restaurant. The motive for Joshi’s murder, police said, was revenge.
Joshi, 43, was found dead on the first floor bedroom of his hillside bungalow with his throat slashed on July 2. The restauranteur had returned home around 3.30 am after closing The Bar, a very popular pub and watering hole for tourists as well as locals.
“During interrogation we learnt that Shelar was upset with Joshi because he was caught by Joshi trying to steal from his house in 2005. He was jailed for seven months at Aguada jail, where he swore revenge,” said SP George.
Police said the accused had murdered Joshi using a heavy hammer and knife. “He hit the hammer on his head and then slit open Anuj’s throat with a knife,” said police.
According to the police, the accused who is involved in several cases of burglary in Pune and Goa, arrived in Goa on Saturday along with three friends. “It is a gang of four, and all are involved in criminal activities in Pune and Goa,” Calangute police said. The gang was picked up from a restaurant in Saligao where they were having a drink.
The police have ruled out the involvement of the other three gang members in Joshi’s murder. “We had information about the gang and suspected Shelar’s involvement in Joshi’s murder. During interrogations he admitted his crime,” added the police.
June 8, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Free drugs for AIDS patients
Free drugs for AIDS patients
13 Detected With The Disease Each Month
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: HIV/AIDS patients in Goa have a reason to smile. The state government is now in the process of introducing free second-line lifesaving antiretroviral treatments (ART), including drugs for opportunistic infections. However, the medicines would be available only to those who seek treatment in government hospitals or ART centres.
Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) has put up a proposal to the state government requesting them to provide free second line antiretroviral treatment drugs. “We have sent a proposal to the state government after this issue was discussed in the executive council meeting on May 2,” said GSACS project director Dr Pradeep Padwal.
The NGOs working towards better HIV/AIDS treatment and care have been pressing for this from the state government, especially since National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) doesn’t provide free second-line anti-retroviral drugs. Besides, in the year 2007, the HIV patients also didn’t get the drugs for opportunistic infections free of cost, as GSACS didn’t receive any quotation from suppliers.
“But from now on drugs for opportunistic infections would be supplied through NACO and 75 per cent of it would go to the ART centres,” said a GSACS official.
On an average 13 people per month are detected with HIV in the coastal villages of Bardez, Tiswadi, Mormugao and Salcete alone and it would benefit not only those infected with HIV and susceptible to opportunistic infections, but also the 503 patients put on ART, besides the six AIDS patients put on second line of treatment.
“The number of people in need of second-line treatment and opportunistic infections drugs are only going to increase, making access to them a necessity and not a luxury,” said Mahesh from an NGO Zindagi.
However, if implemented immediately, the government would have to spare at least Rs 12 lakh a year, for the six patients who have been put on second line of ART. Officials at GSACS inform that if the cost of medicines for a patient put on first line of treatment is Rs 8000 per year, the expense on medicine for those on second line of treatment is Rs 8000 per month.
But the NGOs feel that the government should help the HIV positive persons. “Since very few patients can afford the cost of the second-line ART or opportunistic infections drugs. As the drugs are largely unaffordable and unavailable, government should plan for the future and not be short-sighted while giving the drugs,” said Jaffer Inamdar, a person living with HIV/AIDS.
June 7, 2008,The Times of India, Goa edition
13 Detected With The Disease Each Month
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: HIV/AIDS patients in Goa have a reason to smile. The state government is now in the process of introducing free second-line lifesaving antiretroviral treatments (ART), including drugs for opportunistic infections. However, the medicines would be available only to those who seek treatment in government hospitals or ART centres.
Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) has put up a proposal to the state government requesting them to provide free second line antiretroviral treatment drugs. “We have sent a proposal to the state government after this issue was discussed in the executive council meeting on May 2,” said GSACS project director Dr Pradeep Padwal.
The NGOs working towards better HIV/AIDS treatment and care have been pressing for this from the state government, especially since National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) doesn’t provide free second-line anti-retroviral drugs. Besides, in the year 2007, the HIV patients also didn’t get the drugs for opportunistic infections free of cost, as GSACS didn’t receive any quotation from suppliers.
“But from now on drugs for opportunistic infections would be supplied through NACO and 75 per cent of it would go to the ART centres,” said a GSACS official.
On an average 13 people per month are detected with HIV in the coastal villages of Bardez, Tiswadi, Mormugao and Salcete alone and it would benefit not only those infected with HIV and susceptible to opportunistic infections, but also the 503 patients put on ART, besides the six AIDS patients put on second line of treatment.
“The number of people in need of second-line treatment and opportunistic infections drugs are only going to increase, making access to them a necessity and not a luxury,” said Mahesh from an NGO Zindagi.
However, if implemented immediately, the government would have to spare at least Rs 12 lakh a year, for the six patients who have been put on second line of ART. Officials at GSACS inform that if the cost of medicines for a patient put on first line of treatment is Rs 8000 per year, the expense on medicine for those on second line of treatment is Rs 8000 per month.
But the NGOs feel that the government should help the HIV positive persons. “Since very few patients can afford the cost of the second-line ART or opportunistic infections drugs. As the drugs are largely unaffordable and unavailable, government should plan for the future and not be short-sighted while giving the drugs,” said Jaffer Inamdar, a person living with HIV/AIDS.
June 7, 2008,The Times of India, Goa edition
It’s raining thieves in the state this monsoon
It’s raining thieves in the state this monsoon
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Calangute police recently received a complaint from residents of Saligao stating that on June 4, burglars entered their house and stole Rs 1.5 lakh worth of goods.
A day earlier, another person had also lodged a complaint with the Calangute police that burglars broke into two separate rooms between June 2 and June 4 and escaped with goods worth Rs 35,000.
At Pernem police station, one Anand Naik complained that on June 4, some unknown persons committed theft of Rs 30,000. The police admit to the spurt of theft cases during the monsoon. “In North Goa, at least two theft cases are reported everyday”, said SP Bosco George.
He said that there is an increase in house thefts, especially in those that are continually locked. The police will soon carry out another check on rising rate of thefts.The Porvorim police has already detained 14 people from the slums of Ramnagar, Betim.
Even the Old Goa police has verified the credentials of about 40 people taking shelter in the slums of Chimbel. Besides, the police have made a list of all active criminals who had been imprisioned and are trying to track them.
“We are also keeping a check on footpaths and campuses. These are places where burglars normally take shelter,” added SP George.
June 7, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Calangute police recently received a complaint from residents of Saligao stating that on June 4, burglars entered their house and stole Rs 1.5 lakh worth of goods.
A day earlier, another person had also lodged a complaint with the Calangute police that burglars broke into two separate rooms between June 2 and June 4 and escaped with goods worth Rs 35,000.
At Pernem police station, one Anand Naik complained that on June 4, some unknown persons committed theft of Rs 30,000. The police admit to the spurt of theft cases during the monsoon. “In North Goa, at least two theft cases are reported everyday”, said SP Bosco George.
He said that there is an increase in house thefts, especially in those that are continually locked. The police will soon carry out another check on rising rate of thefts.The Porvorim police has already detained 14 people from the slums of Ramnagar, Betim.
Even the Old Goa police has verified the credentials of about 40 people taking shelter in the slums of Chimbel. Besides, the police have made a list of all active criminals who had been imprisioned and are trying to track them.
“We are also keeping a check on footpaths and campuses. These are places where burglars normally take shelter,” added SP George.
June 7, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Friday, June 06, 2008
CBI to take over Scarlett case
CBI to take over Scarlett case
Almost a month after the state government issued a notification seeking the transfer of the rape and murder case of British teenager Scarlett Keeling to the CBI, the central investigating agency has registered the case and will soon take over it from the Goa police. The case has been registered after the notification issued under Section 5 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.
06 June 2008, The Times of India, Goa Edition
Almost a month after the state government issued a notification seeking the transfer of the rape and murder case of British teenager Scarlett Keeling to the CBI, the central investigating agency has registered the case and will soon take over it from the Goa police. The case has been registered after the notification issued under Section 5 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.
06 June 2008, The Times of India, Goa Edition
No male DNA found in Scarlett swab
No male DNA found in Scarlett swab
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Goa police request to subject Samson D'Souza, the main accused in the Scarlett Keeling rape and murder case, to narco analysis, brain signature profiling and psychological evaluation tests, including polygraph, has been rejected by the children's court.
The court questioned the constitutional validity of such scientific tests to which an accused has not consented and turned down the police request as they had failed to disclose reasons for the tests.
The police had requested the tests almost a month after Samson's arrest on March 9, 2008.
"Even to allow the police to take an accused for such tests, there should at least be a whisper in the application that the accused, who had been in police custody for 15 days, had not co-operated with the investigations and without the said scientific tests the prosecution is left without any clue," the Children's Court president Desmond D'Costa said.
Meanwhile, more evidence has come to light about the report submitted by Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad. TOI had reported on Wednesday that swab samples taken from Scarlett's mouth and vagina had tested negative for the presence of semen.
It is now learnt that the police had not only sent samples of Scarlett's vaginal, buccal and anal swabs and smear slides, pubic hair and her clothes, but also the urethral swabs and smear slides and pubic hair of both the accused, Samson and Placido Carvalho aka Shana Boy. Besides, samples of sand, sea water and pieces of Scarlett's liver and lungs were sent for examination to Hyderabad on March 19, 2008.
"The report has revealed that neither semen nor blood could be detected in Scarlett's vaginal, buccal or anal swabs or smear slides. Semen was not detected in the samples of her pubic hair," said a top police official, on conditions of anonymity.
The official also said that according to the report, there was no trace of male DNA in Scarlett's vaginal, buccal or anal swabs.
June 5,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Goa police request to subject Samson D'Souza, the main accused in the Scarlett Keeling rape and murder case, to narco analysis, brain signature profiling and psychological evaluation tests, including polygraph, has been rejected by the children's court.
The court questioned the constitutional validity of such scientific tests to which an accused has not consented and turned down the police request as they had failed to disclose reasons for the tests.
The police had requested the tests almost a month after Samson's arrest on March 9, 2008.
"Even to allow the police to take an accused for such tests, there should at least be a whisper in the application that the accused, who had been in police custody for 15 days, had not co-operated with the investigations and without the said scientific tests the prosecution is left without any clue," the Children's Court president Desmond D'Costa said.
Meanwhile, more evidence has come to light about the report submitted by Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad. TOI had reported on Wednesday that swab samples taken from Scarlett's mouth and vagina had tested negative for the presence of semen.
It is now learnt that the police had not only sent samples of Scarlett's vaginal, buccal and anal swabs and smear slides, pubic hair and her clothes, but also the urethral swabs and smear slides and pubic hair of both the accused, Samson and Placido Carvalho aka Shana Boy. Besides, samples of sand, sea water and pieces of Scarlett's liver and lungs were sent for examination to Hyderabad on March 19, 2008.
"The report has revealed that neither semen nor blood could be detected in Scarlett's vaginal, buccal or anal swabs or smear slides. Semen was not detected in the samples of her pubic hair," said a top police official, on conditions of anonymity.
The official also said that according to the report, there was no trace of male DNA in Scarlett's vaginal, buccal or anal swabs.
June 5,2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Cops, NCW spar over Scarlett case
Cops, NCW spar over Scarlett case
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Even as the Goa police said that they had issued summons to the two members of the National Commission for Women who had visited Goa to investigate the alleged rape and murder of Scarlett, NCW member Nirmala Venkatesh said that the police have no power to summon the Commission.
The police had summoned the two NCW members, who after visiting Scarlett's mother Fiona Mackeown and going through Scarlett's photos clicked soon after her death, had announced to the media that the brutal crime of rape and murder was committed by more than three men. IGP Kishan Kumar confirmed that summons were issued to them.
Since Venkatesh had told mediapersons that "while one man probably injected morphine into her back, another man tried to silence her, the third man squeezed her and the fourth man must have raped her and then drowned her in water," the police had summoned them.
However Venkatesh denied receipt of any summons from the police. "NCW's implementing machinery is the police. How can the police issue summons to the Commission? Before we left Goa, we had met the Goa police and discussed everything with them."
Venkatesh added, "Our final report on Scarlett case is ready and we would soon release it."
CFSL report surprises forensic doctors
Panaji: Along with Scarlett's swabs, the police had sent to Hyderabad's CFSL, samples of sea water, pieces of Scarlett's lungs and liver. "They were subjected to acid digestion and subsequent microscopic examinations, and no diatoms (micro-organisms found in water) could be detected in them," added the top police official.
The absence of diatoms in all three samples has surprised the forensic doctors at Goa Medical College. "In all types of water, diatom is present and this test is done to see if the place of death differs from the place from where the body was found.
"However, the statement that no diatom could be detected in the samples of sea water, lungs and liver is misleading," added a forensic doctor.
June 5,2008, The Times of India, Goa editi
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Even as the Goa police said that they had issued summons to the two members of the National Commission for Women who had visited Goa to investigate the alleged rape and murder of Scarlett, NCW member Nirmala Venkatesh said that the police have no power to summon the Commission.
The police had summoned the two NCW members, who after visiting Scarlett's mother Fiona Mackeown and going through Scarlett's photos clicked soon after her death, had announced to the media that the brutal crime of rape and murder was committed by more than three men. IGP Kishan Kumar confirmed that summons were issued to them.
Since Venkatesh had told mediapersons that "while one man probably injected morphine into her back, another man tried to silence her, the third man squeezed her and the fourth man must have raped her and then drowned her in water," the police had summoned them.
However Venkatesh denied receipt of any summons from the police. "NCW's implementing machinery is the police. How can the police issue summons to the Commission? Before we left Goa, we had met the Goa police and discussed everything with them."
Venkatesh added, "Our final report on Scarlett case is ready and we would soon release it."
CFSL report surprises forensic doctors
Panaji: Along with Scarlett's swabs, the police had sent to Hyderabad's CFSL, samples of sea water, pieces of Scarlett's lungs and liver. "They were subjected to acid digestion and subsequent microscopic examinations, and no diatoms (micro-organisms found in water) could be detected in them," added the top police official.
The absence of diatoms in all three samples has surprised the forensic doctors at Goa Medical College. "In all types of water, diatom is present and this test is done to see if the place of death differs from the place from where the body was found.
"However, the statement that no diatom could be detected in the samples of sea water, lungs and liver is misleading," added a forensic doctor.
June 5,2008, The Times of India, Goa editi
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Scarlett swab report deals blow to cops
Scarlett swab report deals blow to cops
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: British teenager Scarlett Keeling may not have been raped on the night before her death. Swab samples taken from her mouth and vagina have tested negative for the presence of sperms, top police officials told TOI on Tuesday.
This deals a severe blow to the prosecution case. The police on Saturday had filed a provisional charge-sheet against the main accused under various sections including rape and murder.
SP (North) Bosco George confirmed the test reports have arrived from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad, but refused to comment on the findings.
The police claim that a drugged Scarlett was sexually assaulted by prime accused Samson D’Souza and then left in water on Anjuna beach, leading to her death. The police had arrested Samson based on another accused Placido Carvalho alias Shana Boy’s statement that he had seen a half naked (without his trousers and underwear) Samson lying atop the minor girl and in a position of having sex at 4.45 am. Even key witness Michael Mannion aka Masala Mike, a Britisher, had confirmed this.
Later Shana was also arrested allegedly for administering drugs with the common intent to commit rape and murder. He was released on bail by the Children’s Court as there was absolutely no material to indicate that he had given Ecstasy tablets or cocaine to Scarlett nor was there any material to indicate his nexus with the offences of rape and murder.
The provisional 287-page charge-sheet filed by the Anjuna police seeks to try Samson and Placido under sections 302 (murder), 376 (rape), 201 (disappearance of evidence), 328 (causing hurt by means of poison) and 109 (abetment) of the Indian Penal Code and under section 8(1) 2 of Goa Children’s Act.
The police have also submitted a list of 87 witnesses to be examined in the case. The charge-sheet also alleges that the deceased was administered drugs and raped before the murder and that she was drowned in the sea on February 18, 2008.
2008 Jun 04 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: British teenager Scarlett Keeling may not have been raped on the night before her death. Swab samples taken from her mouth and vagina have tested negative for the presence of sperms, top police officials told TOI on Tuesday.
This deals a severe blow to the prosecution case. The police on Saturday had filed a provisional charge-sheet against the main accused under various sections including rape and murder.
SP (North) Bosco George confirmed the test reports have arrived from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad, but refused to comment on the findings.
The police claim that a drugged Scarlett was sexually assaulted by prime accused Samson D’Souza and then left in water on Anjuna beach, leading to her death. The police had arrested Samson based on another accused Placido Carvalho alias Shana Boy’s statement that he had seen a half naked (without his trousers and underwear) Samson lying atop the minor girl and in a position of having sex at 4.45 am. Even key witness Michael Mannion aka Masala Mike, a Britisher, had confirmed this.
Later Shana was also arrested allegedly for administering drugs with the common intent to commit rape and murder. He was released on bail by the Children’s Court as there was absolutely no material to indicate that he had given Ecstasy tablets or cocaine to Scarlett nor was there any material to indicate his nexus with the offences of rape and murder.
The provisional 287-page charge-sheet filed by the Anjuna police seeks to try Samson and Placido under sections 302 (murder), 376 (rape), 201 (disappearance of evidence), 328 (causing hurt by means of poison) and 109 (abetment) of the Indian Penal Code and under section 8(1) 2 of Goa Children’s Act.
The police have also submitted a list of 87 witnesses to be examined in the case. The charge-sheet also alleges that the deceased was administered drugs and raped before the murder and that she was drowned in the sea on February 18, 2008.
2008 Jun 04 Times Of India Goa
Security agencies under scanner
Security agencies under scanner
Background Verification For Guards
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Irrespective of how well established they are, security agencies in the state will have to queue up for fresh licenses shortly.
The Private Security Agencies Rules 2008 announced in a government gazette is expected to be notified in a week’s time.
It states that all agencies offering security services have to secure a licence from the special secretary (home) who has been appointed as the controlling authority.
In the past such licences were issued by municipal authorities and often led to the mushrooming of fly-bynight agencies which in turn caused “severe security threats”, said top police officials.
Speaking to TOI, controlling authority Diwan Chand said, “Even if the agencies have been doing business they have to take a (new) licence to operate. The fees for issue of licence is Rs 5,000 if operating in one district and Rs 10,000 if operating throughout the state. It is valid for 5 years.”
He added that the licence would be granted only after the district superitendent of police verified the credentials of the agency owners, checked if they possess skills or qualifications to operate an agency and confirmed that the business was not prejudicial to national security or public order.
Under the rules, the background and character of every security guard would also have to be verified by the police within 30 days if the guard is from Goa or 90 days if from outside the state.
All guards including ex-servicemen and former police officers would have to be given classroom and field training.
Apart from basic skills they would be trained in crowd control, identification of improvised explosive devices as well as handling and operation of non-prohibited weapons and firearms.
“We want security agencies to employ duly verified security guards so that they can offer protection rather than become liabilities to the police or threats to society,” said director general of police B S Brar who has been pushing for this notification with the home ministry.
Adding that such checks help to catch criminals guised as security guards and deter guards from indulging in crimes Brar said, “If security personnel are properly trained in handling arms we can even thwart any kind of criminal design, including terrorism.”
He admitted that the police are unaware of the number of private security agencies operating in the state and the skill levels of the guards.
Sources in private security agencies revealed that at present anyone with even a little experience or knowledge of this industry launched a company after securing permission from municipal authorities.
“There are about 20 successful establishments in the state, but 100 small time operators sign up every year along with a few fly-by-night operators,” informed a security agency officer.
He goes on to say that only 10 percent of Goans worked as security guards whereas the majority of them are hired from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, Karnataka and Assam. The rules are part of the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act 2005.
What’s in store?
All private security agencies to seek fresh license from government This license is valid for a period of 5 years All private security agencies’ owners and employees to be verified Police have to verify background and character of a person within 30 days if from Goa or 90 days if from outside the state All private security guards would be trained, some in using firearms
Background Verification For Guards
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Irrespective of how well established they are, security agencies in the state will have to queue up for fresh licenses shortly.
The Private Security Agencies Rules 2008 announced in a government gazette is expected to be notified in a week’s time.
It states that all agencies offering security services have to secure a licence from the special secretary (home) who has been appointed as the controlling authority.
In the past such licences were issued by municipal authorities and often led to the mushrooming of fly-bynight agencies which in turn caused “severe security threats”, said top police officials.
Speaking to TOI, controlling authority Diwan Chand said, “Even if the agencies have been doing business they have to take a (new) licence to operate. The fees for issue of licence is Rs 5,000 if operating in one district and Rs 10,000 if operating throughout the state. It is valid for 5 years.”
He added that the licence would be granted only after the district superitendent of police verified the credentials of the agency owners, checked if they possess skills or qualifications to operate an agency and confirmed that the business was not prejudicial to national security or public order.
Under the rules, the background and character of every security guard would also have to be verified by the police within 30 days if the guard is from Goa or 90 days if from outside the state.
All guards including ex-servicemen and former police officers would have to be given classroom and field training.
Apart from basic skills they would be trained in crowd control, identification of improvised explosive devices as well as handling and operation of non-prohibited weapons and firearms.
“We want security agencies to employ duly verified security guards so that they can offer protection rather than become liabilities to the police or threats to society,” said director general of police B S Brar who has been pushing for this notification with the home ministry.
Adding that such checks help to catch criminals guised as security guards and deter guards from indulging in crimes Brar said, “If security personnel are properly trained in handling arms we can even thwart any kind of criminal design, including terrorism.”
He admitted that the police are unaware of the number of private security agencies operating in the state and the skill levels of the guards.
Sources in private security agencies revealed that at present anyone with even a little experience or knowledge of this industry launched a company after securing permission from municipal authorities.
“There are about 20 successful establishments in the state, but 100 small time operators sign up every year along with a few fly-by-night operators,” informed a security agency officer.
He goes on to say that only 10 percent of Goans worked as security guards whereas the majority of them are hired from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, Karnataka and Assam. The rules are part of the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act 2005.
What’s in store?
All private security agencies to seek fresh license from government This license is valid for a period of 5 years All private security agencies’ owners and employees to be verified Police have to verify background and character of a person within 30 days if from Goa or 90 days if from outside the state All private security guards would be trained, some in using firearms
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