Team Goemkarponn
OLD GOA: With a record attendance of 8 million pilgrims, the 18th decennial exposition of the holy relics of St. Francis Xavier came to an end on Sunday. To ensure the event ran smoothly, the Goa Police reported about 140 arrests and many cases, including those against beggars and hawkers.
According to information provided by Superintendent of Police (North) Akshat Kaushal, the district police arrested 11 individuals in accordance with section 35(1) of the BNSS 2023, while three others were subject to action under the Beggars Act. Additionally, 100 people were arrested for hawking and impeding public transportation under several provisions of the Indian Police Act.
“In total, we reported two cases of theft and (chain) snatching that were successfully identified, recovered, and a six-member gang was busted.” One well-known thief was also taken into custody as a preventative measure.
“Preventive law and order, beggars, hawkers, and suspects have resulted in 140 arrests,” he stated. The Old Goa police found stolen gold valued at over Rs 1.28 lakh during the investigation, including Rs 95,000 for gold weighing 3.1 and 8 grams and Rs 33,500 for gold weighing 5 grams.
CCTV footage from key areas near the Basilica of Bom Jesus and See Cathedral was used to identify and apprehend the group, which included senior members from Maharashtra.
A total 11 persons were arrested as per provision of section 35(1) of BNSS 2023. That against 03 persons action was initiated as per the provision of the Beggars Act.
Total 100 persons were booked under the various section of 34 of the Indian Police Act for hawking and obstructing public and transport. In Overall Exposition, booked 2 theft and snacking case which were effectively detected with recovery and busting gang of 6 members. Also one prominent thief was arrested in prevention.
There are 140 arrest under prevention as Suspect, preventive law and order, beggars and hawkers Hawking and Begging was completely curbed providing free and comfortable path to public and free flow of traffic
Separate CCTV monitoring Station was setup wherein total 450 cameras were functional at Se Cathedral Church, Basilica of Bom Jesus Church and its surrounding areas and also other strategic points such as parking and fair area and continuous surveillance was done inorder to avoid any untoward incident.
A total of 6 AI based cameras with face detection have been also placed for tracking regarding movement of the people. That from 21.11.2024 till 05.01.2025 around 80,00,000 devotees/ pilgrims visited the church complex. That with the help of the said AI Based cameras database was maintained regarding known chain snatchers and pickpockets.
