Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Social activist and anti-corruption crusader Savio Rodrigues has made a direct appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging urgent central intervention to “Save Goa” from what he describes as unchecked corruption, ecological destruction, illegal constructions, and cultural erosion.
In a strongly worded statement, Rodrigues warned that Goa’s identity, heritage, and social harmony are under severe threat due to changing demographics, rampant illegal activities, and what he termed a complete failure of local leadership to act decisively.
“Goa deserves urgent intervention. Goa deserves protection. Goa deserves to be saved—now,” Rodrigues said.
Rodrigues, who said he has consistently believed in and supported the Prime Minister’s vision for a stronger India, expressed deep disappointment at the current state of affairs in Goa.
“My faith in the seriousness of the local leadership to rise to the occasion and save Goa is extremely low. That is why I am compelled to turn directly to the Prime Minister and the Home Minister,” he stated.
Taking aim at corruption within the system, Rodrigues alleged that despite full knowledge within sections of the Goa government about nearly 200 illegal nightclubs operating across the state, permanent action is avoided as it is “not good business.”
Citing information shared by a former senior officer of a key regulatory department on condition of anonymity, Rodrigues claimed that each illegal nightclub allegedly pays monthly kickbacks ranging between ₹10 lakh and ₹25 lakh.
“Even at the lowest estimate, this translates to nearly ₹20 crore every month and a staggering ₹240 crore annually flowing as pure kickbacks. If this is not corruption, then what should we call it?” Rodrigues questioned.
Referring to the Birch nightclub fire tragedy, Rodrigues said that while authorities briefly cracked down and sealed a few illegal establishments, the action appeared cosmetic.
“Shockingly, within a week, some of these sealed illegal nightclubs were reportedly selling tickets for New Year 2026 celebrations, claiming they would be operational on December 31. This was revealed in a sting media report,” he said.
Reaffirming his resolve, Rodrigues said he would continue his fight against corruption irrespective of consequences.
“If fighting corruption because Prime Minister Narendra Modi told us to fight corruption is my fault, then so be it. I am not afraid of the consequences of my actions, but I cannot and will not give up on my mission,” he asserted.
Rodrigues called for decisive and transparent action to dismantle what he described as an entrenched illegal ecosystem thriving at the cost of Goa’s environment, law, and future.
