Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa Pradesh Mahila Congress, led by President Pratiksha Khalap, expresses deep anguish and strong condemnation over the alarming attempted abduction of a 6-year-old girl in Canca-Mapusa.
The accused, who tried to abduct the child while she was playing outside her residential building, was reportedly caught and apprehended yesterday thanks to the timely intervention of vigilant residents and the police.
“This horrifying incident has once again exposed the crumbling law and order situation in Goa. The fact that such a crime could occur in broad daylight, in a residential area, is a damning reflection of the state’s failure to ensure the safety of its women and children,” said Pratiksha Khalap.
The Mahila Congress highlights the following urgent concerns:
* Worrying Rise in Crimes Against Women and Children: From sexual assaults to abductions and robberies, Goa is witnessing a surge in heinous crimes. The government must release updated crime statistics and provide concrete action plans.
* Strengthening Local Policing: Immediate deployment of beat patrols in residential and school areas is critical. Police presence must be visible and continuous.
* Mandatory Installation of CCTV Cameras: The state must ensure that public spaces, housing colonies, and school zones are fully covered with CCTV surveillance to deter criminal elements.
* Child Safety and Awareness Programs: Educational initiatives for children on “stranger danger” and emergency responses must be launched across all schools.
* Swift and Exemplary Punishment: The Goa Police must ensure the accused is dealt with firmly and that the investigation is fast-tracked to set an example.
Khalap also lauded the swift response of local residents, whose vigilance helped foil a tragedy. “Their courage deserves applause. But it should not be left to ordinary citizens to protect themselves. It is the government’s duty to ensure our safety,” she asserted.
Recent incidents, such as the shocking robbery at the residence of senior citizens from the esteemed Dempo family at Dona Paula, further underline how deeply unsafe Goa has become — for the young, the elderly, and women alike.
“The Goa Pradesh Mahila Congress will not stay silent. We will relentlessly hold the government accountable until every woman, child, and citizen feels safe to live without fear,” Khalap concluded.
