The recent surge in house-breaking incidents in Goa has undoubtedly sent shockwaves across the community. The rise in thefts involving cash, gold jewellery, cell phones, and various other items from homes and workshops has left citizens feeling vulnerable and unsafe. Amidst this unsettling trend, concerns are mounting over the effectiveness of law enforcement in addressing the issue and ensuring the safety of residents.
Locals in Goa have expressed their distress over the alarming increase in crime, particularly in the form of home invasions and burglaries.
The Agassaim police have arrested two persons, including a notorious criminal originally from Bangladesh, while they attempted to rob a closed house in Firguem Bhat at Goa Velha.
The arrest was made after the house owner, currently residing in the UK, provided live CCTV footage to complainant Francisco Pascoal De Sousa, which led to the police action.
One of the accused, Rustam alias Suhag, is originally from Bangladesh and lives in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. North SP Akshat Kaushal told the media that he is a habitual offender with a lengthy criminal history in Goa and Delhi. Prior to reportedly perpetrating this crime with his accomplice Mijanur from Raniganj, West Bengal, he was freed from Tihar Jail on August 6.
The inability of law enforcement to curb these incidents has only exacerbated the fear and dissatisfaction among the residents. Additionally, Panchayats have attributed the spike in thefts and burglaries to the influx of migrant workers, prompting them to urge the police to intensify patrols and expedite tenant verification processes.
Furthermore, reports have shed light on the concerning shortage of staff in certain police stations, with a starkly low number of officers, including head constables, stationed at specific locations. This manpower shortage has been cited as a major hindrance in effectively monitoring migrant behaviour, investigating drug-related cases, addressing illegal trafficking, and conducting thorough crime investigations. Understandably, the dearth of infrastructure and staff has left law enforcement agencies struggling to adequately address the rising crime rates.
As a result of the community’s growing unease, demands have been made for the installation of CCTV cameras and escalations in police night patrols, especially with the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi festival on the horizon. The need for heightened security measures during a period when many residents will be away visiting their hometowns is paramount to ensure the protection of homes and properties from potential intruders.
The overarching sentiment among the residents is one of apprehension and frustration, stemming from the perception that their safety and security are under threat. The need for immediate and effective measures to address the spate of thefts and burglaries cannot be overstated. It is imperative for law enforcement agencies and local authorities to collaborate closely in implementing robust strategies to safeguard the community and staunch the tide of criminal activities.
The escalating house-breaking incidents in Goa demand urgent attention and decisive action from law enforcement and local governance. The concerns and anxieties of the residents must be acknowledged and addressed through tangible measures aimed at bolstering security and curbing criminal activities. The collaborative efforts of the community and the authorities are indispensable in creating a safe and secure environment for all residents of Goa.
SURAJ BNANDREKAR
Editor, Goemkarponn
