BY A GT REPORTER
MARGAO: Two of the four abductors who were still at large in the kidnapping of a Vasco youth were finally arrested at Pirna-Verna, and also, the body of the 47-year-old driver Sudan Dabhale (not Sham Dhale as reported) from Ucassaim, Mapusa recovered from the bushes in Consua in a highly decomposed state.
The strong police force that had been keeping round the clock vigil at Canaguinim, Betul and Verna for past two days met with success when the two absconding abductors -- Suraj Kumar Jha from Bihar and Imid Ali from Assam came back to their place where they resided at Pirna-Verna by public transport.
The police are yet to recover the country pistol used by the accused to fire at the police on Friday.
Ali confessed to have hiring a Maruti van from Mapusa stand on July 17. He also confessed to killing the driver Sudan Dabhale with a knife, which is also yet to be recovered.
The deceased’s relatives have identified his body.
A total of 80 policemen and 60 personnel from the Reserve Police Battalion along with top police officers had cordoned off the area at Canaguinim where the accused had disappeared into thick vegetation. While one was nabbed on Friday and another the next day, the police had managed to rescue the youth from Vasco Sayad Ayaz at Rajbag - Cabo de Ram.
According to the accused, as per police details, they escaped from Canaguinim -Betul at 11.30 pm on Saturday walked to a bus stop and later at 6 am on Sunday boarded a bus to come to Margao. While constables Hirulal Naik and Ajit Rane posted at the rented room at Pirna arrested Jha at 9.30 am on Sunday, PSIs Sushant Gawas, Jivbha Dalvi and team arrested Ali who was seen at bus stand Verna church was nabbed while trying to escape near Verna police quarters at 1.45 pm.
Shrinivas, a hardware engineer, is said to have planned the kidnapping of Ayaz who he says was responsible for his “girlfriend” breaking up with him. Shrinivas who was working as system administrator with a private firm is known to have befriended the victim and three of his friends while residing at Vasco. The accused also is learnt to have met the girl he befriended in 2008. The accused Shrinivas is also said to have been unemployed since last few months and is said to have met the three other accused working in housekeeping department at a firm in Verna industrial state and shared a room with them.
Ayaz was kidnapped on Thursday night at Chicalim while he was coming back from his work in Panjim. Srinivas had paid Jha Rs 15,000 a week earlier for purchase of a country made pistol. Meanwhile, Mapusa DySP Sammy Tavarves along with Mapusa PI Manjunath Desai interrogated the accused and also took possession of the decomposed body, which has been sent to the Goa Medical College Hospital, Bambolim for post mortem. South Goa SP Allan de Sa, Verna PI Prabhudesai and Sagar Eoskar are also interrogating the arrested duo.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Helmets alone will not solve the problem: Aires Rodrigues
Social activist Adv Aires Rodrigues in an interview with NILESH KHANDEPARKAR wants e government to examine the entire gamut of issue relating to fatal road accidents even as he feels helmets alone will not solve the problem.
GT: The government plans to make headgear (helmets) compulsory on all Goan roads. Please comment.
Adv Aires (AA): I am not against helmets per se. But the government needs to take care of other things as well. Helmets alone will not solve the problem. In 2001, former Transport Minister Pandurang Raut constituted a Committee, which, after hearing all the sides agreed to two exceptions: One, for persons driving two wheelers not exceeding a speed of 40 kms and two, persons driving motorcycles in Municipal areas.
Coming to the Motor Vehicles Act, although it is central Act, the state government can make exemptions. In 2005, the issue surfaced again when former Transport Minister Pandurang Madkaikar tried to withdraw these exemptions. The issue was debated in the Assembly and a House Committee was appointed. Although the Motor Vehicles Act makes it mandatory for both the driver and the pillion to wear helmets, Madkaikar exempted the pillion and enforced the rule only on highways. It is a matter of shame that government accepts on its website that bad roads is one of the causes for rising fatalities on Goan roads. The road must be made safe, the focus should be to minimise accidents so that two wheelers, pedestrians and cyclists are also saved.
GT: How do you feel the government needs to handle this problem?
AA: Get to the root of the problem or else people will continue to die. For instance, traffic signals on arterial city roads are not working. The NRRI study had identifed 200 accident-prone spots out of which 70 were labelled as most dangerous. The report is there but nothing is done. The roads are also infested with cattle, stray dogs. I am not opposed to helmets per se but other things (like the aforesaid) should happen. The common causes of maximum accidents are buses and trucks. Among the buses, KTC is labelled as a giant killer. The punishment in such cases must be made more deterrent. Alcohol consumption by truck drivers is on the increase and accidents often happen after sunset. Despite this, the traffic police close shop after sunset. Helmets will help only if the rest is taken care of.
The government will have to have the will and the consistency. If the government had conducted proper research in 2001, then why it needed to dig out this issue in 2005 and now in 2009?
GT: So why do you think the government has dug out this issue now?
AA: There appears to be a nexus between helmet manufacturing lobby and the authorities. The whole issue is linked to corruption. If the government was sincere, then why did it not do anything to check the 200 accident-prone zones as indicated by NRRI? There needs to be a better co-ordination between police, RTO and the PWD for betterment of roads. The target should be to reduce the number of accidents.
GT: Do you feel fines are not acting as a deterrent enough for instilling fear in the minds of errant drivers?
AA: Drunken drivers do not sit for even an hour in jail. They are fined either Rs 500 or Rs 1,000. On the other hand, 90% of the motorcycle pilots operate within the city and very low rate of fatal accidents, almost negligible, is reported among them.
GT: But helmets are being made compulsory in neighbouring states like Delhi, Maharashtra...
AA: Nobody opposes helmets. But the government is fooling the people by saying that fatalities have reduced. Bad roads are the cause. Death of pedestrians (17 in 2008) is very high.
GT: In case this rule is enforced, how do you see the situation unfolding in the near future?
AA Aires: Enforcing this rule in cities will be a hassle. For instance, take the sheer numbers of people travelling from say Margao to Panjim. They park their two-wheelers at the bus stand. Now, they will have to carry their helmets all the way to Panjim. In Delhi, there are compartments at the bus stands where two-wheeler riders can store their helmets. In Panjim city, maximum speeding by young two-wheeler riders occurs on the Miramar-DonaPoula sector. The police needs to clamp down on them, seize their bikes and embarass them. Otherwise, road accidents in cities are negligible.
GT: What is your future course of action in case the government proceeds to implement this rule?
AA: Although Motor Vehicles Act is a central piece of legislation, the state government is empowered to incorporate some exemptions only after convincing the Court of its necessity. The exemptions of helmets can be for pillion riders and within city limits. I have never been against helmets, but rest of the things need to be done.
GT: The government plans to make headgear (helmets) compulsory on all Goan roads. Please comment.
Adv Aires (AA): I am not against helmets per se. But the government needs to take care of other things as well. Helmets alone will not solve the problem. In 2001, former Transport Minister Pandurang Raut constituted a Committee, which, after hearing all the sides agreed to two exceptions: One, for persons driving two wheelers not exceeding a speed of 40 kms and two, persons driving motorcycles in Municipal areas.
Coming to the Motor Vehicles Act, although it is central Act, the state government can make exemptions. In 2005, the issue surfaced again when former Transport Minister Pandurang Madkaikar tried to withdraw these exemptions. The issue was debated in the Assembly and a House Committee was appointed. Although the Motor Vehicles Act makes it mandatory for both the driver and the pillion to wear helmets, Madkaikar exempted the pillion and enforced the rule only on highways. It is a matter of shame that government accepts on its website that bad roads is one of the causes for rising fatalities on Goan roads. The road must be made safe, the focus should be to minimise accidents so that two wheelers, pedestrians and cyclists are also saved.
GT: How do you feel the government needs to handle this problem?
AA: Get to the root of the problem or else people will continue to die. For instance, traffic signals on arterial city roads are not working. The NRRI study had identifed 200 accident-prone spots out of which 70 were labelled as most dangerous. The report is there but nothing is done. The roads are also infested with cattle, stray dogs. I am not opposed to helmets per se but other things (like the aforesaid) should happen. The common causes of maximum accidents are buses and trucks. Among the buses, KTC is labelled as a giant killer. The punishment in such cases must be made more deterrent. Alcohol consumption by truck drivers is on the increase and accidents often happen after sunset. Despite this, the traffic police close shop after sunset. Helmets will help only if the rest is taken care of.
The government will have to have the will and the consistency. If the government had conducted proper research in 2001, then why it needed to dig out this issue in 2005 and now in 2009?
GT: So why do you think the government has dug out this issue now?
AA: There appears to be a nexus between helmet manufacturing lobby and the authorities. The whole issue is linked to corruption. If the government was sincere, then why did it not do anything to check the 200 accident-prone zones as indicated by NRRI? There needs to be a better co-ordination between police, RTO and the PWD for betterment of roads. The target should be to reduce the number of accidents.
GT: Do you feel fines are not acting as a deterrent enough for instilling fear in the minds of errant drivers?
AA: Drunken drivers do not sit for even an hour in jail. They are fined either Rs 500 or Rs 1,000. On the other hand, 90% of the motorcycle pilots operate within the city and very low rate of fatal accidents, almost negligible, is reported among them.
GT: But helmets are being made compulsory in neighbouring states like Delhi, Maharashtra...
AA: Nobody opposes helmets. But the government is fooling the people by saying that fatalities have reduced. Bad roads are the cause. Death of pedestrians (17 in 2008) is very high.
GT: In case this rule is enforced, how do you see the situation unfolding in the near future?
AA Aires: Enforcing this rule in cities will be a hassle. For instance, take the sheer numbers of people travelling from say Margao to Panjim. They park their two-wheelers at the bus stand. Now, they will have to carry their helmets all the way to Panjim. In Delhi, there are compartments at the bus stands where two-wheeler riders can store their helmets. In Panjim city, maximum speeding by young two-wheeler riders occurs on the Miramar-DonaPoula sector. The police needs to clamp down on them, seize their bikes and embarass them. Otherwise, road accidents in cities are negligible.
GT: What is your future course of action in case the government proceeds to implement this rule?
AA: Although Motor Vehicles Act is a central piece of legislation, the state government is empowered to incorporate some exemptions only after convincing the Court of its necessity. The exemptions of helmets can be for pillion riders and within city limits. I have never been against helmets, but rest of the things need to be done.
Fishermen gear up for fishing season
Khariwada jetty repairs commence; fishermen upbeat, expect good catch
BY JOAQUIM GRACIAS
VASCO: The repair works of the Khariwada-Vasco fishing jetty taken up by the Murmugao Port Trust (MPT) is on a war footing as the fishing ban will to an come to end on July 31 and the jetty shall be hub of activity from July 28.
Simon Pereira, president of Goa Fishing Boats Owners Association (GFBOA) informed that, due to the intervention by the Revenue Minister Jose Philip D'souza and the Fisheries Minister Joaquim Alemao the repairs at the Khariwado jetty a long pending demand from the fishing community were taken up by the MPT.
Incidentally the MPT is demanding to shift the fishing jetty from its present location as it is a security threat to the port.
However the locations proposed by the MPT authorities have either not been favoured by the local fishermen or objected by the residents from location identified.
Pereira said that the GFBOA had been demanding repairs of the jetty as it was in a dilapidated condition and caused damage to boats. Hopefully the repairs shall be completed by July 28 as requested by the association.
Ronny D'souza, special advisor to GFBOA stated that the repairs being carried were temporary and shall be not of much benefit to the users of the jetty.
Pereira and Ronny also felt that the MPT should bring about a long time solution and construct a permanent jetty on a location beneficial to the fishermen, that too on mutual agreement of the fishermen and the MPT.
Pereira claimed that it has been a long pending dream of the fishing community.
Pereira and Ronny stated that while the necessary repairs and machine overhauling of boats has been carried and are ready to sail for fishing on August 1, the activity for loading nets, filling tanks with diesel, stocking ration and water for crew shall commence hopefully on July 28 as boat owners face a major problem of crew not arriving on time.
The crew comes from Orissa, Andra Pradesh, Jarkandh and Karnataka. Every boat owner is anxiously waiting for arrival of the crew as some members of the crew move in search of greener pastures.
"Unless the crew arrives the work cannot begin and hopefully we expect the crew to arrive by July 28" , says Pereira.
He further said that the owners of the boats face yet anther problem to fill various verification forms for fresh crew as the process is tedious.
He added that the owners of boats are vigilant and shall not compromise on the nation's security.
The association and boat owners are co-operating with the police and other authorities and the Fisheries Department has been requested by the association to issue Identity Cards to the crew while boats owners are advised to file verification forms with the police.
Pereira also added that, last year the fish catch was average and that this year they expect a good catch. There has been good monsoons and the storm in the sea helps in breeding fish.
The decline in fish has been the cause due of the fishing ban which not been implemented strictly as done this year. Ronny also agreed with Pereira that fishing ban needs to be implemented in spirit and that the decline in fish has also been due to the tsunami.
Fish should be allowed to breed and not killed, expressed Pereira who also claimed that coal and mining residue from MPT washed in the sea settles at the sea bed and effects breeding of fish.
We all are optimistic to have a good catch of solar shrimps at the beginning, mackerels later and in September bigger fishes, added GFBOA president.
A total of 400 trawlers are said to be operating from the Khariwada jetty of which 250 are Pursuiene boats with 30 workers and other fishing boats which require 5 workers on board.
The trawlers are taken all the way to Zuari river and anchored at Rachol, as the conditions at Khariwada during monsoon are not to anchor. However a few boats requiring major repairs are anchored at Khariwado in the monsoons.
Boat owners contacted expressed that the Fisheries Department has issued ban on issuing new licence for trawlers however there is no such ban for canoes which helps some non fishermen get into fishing activities by acquiring canoes with motor licences.
BY JOAQUIM GRACIAS
VASCO: The repair works of the Khariwada-Vasco fishing jetty taken up by the Murmugao Port Trust (MPT) is on a war footing as the fishing ban will to an come to end on July 31 and the jetty shall be hub of activity from July 28.
Simon Pereira, president of Goa Fishing Boats Owners Association (GFBOA) informed that, due to the intervention by the Revenue Minister Jose Philip D'souza and the Fisheries Minister Joaquim Alemao the repairs at the Khariwado jetty a long pending demand from the fishing community were taken up by the MPT.
Incidentally the MPT is demanding to shift the fishing jetty from its present location as it is a security threat to the port.
However the locations proposed by the MPT authorities have either not been favoured by the local fishermen or objected by the residents from location identified.
Pereira said that the GFBOA had been demanding repairs of the jetty as it was in a dilapidated condition and caused damage to boats. Hopefully the repairs shall be completed by July 28 as requested by the association.
Ronny D'souza, special advisor to GFBOA stated that the repairs being carried were temporary and shall be not of much benefit to the users of the jetty.
Pereira and Ronny also felt that the MPT should bring about a long time solution and construct a permanent jetty on a location beneficial to the fishermen, that too on mutual agreement of the fishermen and the MPT.
Pereira claimed that it has been a long pending dream of the fishing community.
Pereira and Ronny stated that while the necessary repairs and machine overhauling of boats has been carried and are ready to sail for fishing on August 1, the activity for loading nets, filling tanks with diesel, stocking ration and water for crew shall commence hopefully on July 28 as boat owners face a major problem of crew not arriving on time.
The crew comes from Orissa, Andra Pradesh, Jarkandh and Karnataka. Every boat owner is anxiously waiting for arrival of the crew as some members of the crew move in search of greener pastures.
"Unless the crew arrives the work cannot begin and hopefully we expect the crew to arrive by July 28" , says Pereira.
He further said that the owners of the boats face yet anther problem to fill various verification forms for fresh crew as the process is tedious.
He added that the owners of boats are vigilant and shall not compromise on the nation's security.
The association and boat owners are co-operating with the police and other authorities and the Fisheries Department has been requested by the association to issue Identity Cards to the crew while boats owners are advised to file verification forms with the police.
Pereira also added that, last year the fish catch was average and that this year they expect a good catch. There has been good monsoons and the storm in the sea helps in breeding fish.
The decline in fish has been the cause due of the fishing ban which not been implemented strictly as done this year. Ronny also agreed with Pereira that fishing ban needs to be implemented in spirit and that the decline in fish has also been due to the tsunami.
Fish should be allowed to breed and not killed, expressed Pereira who also claimed that coal and mining residue from MPT washed in the sea settles at the sea bed and effects breeding of fish.
We all are optimistic to have a good catch of solar shrimps at the beginning, mackerels later and in September bigger fishes, added GFBOA president.
A total of 400 trawlers are said to be operating from the Khariwada jetty of which 250 are Pursuiene boats with 30 workers and other fishing boats which require 5 workers on board.
The trawlers are taken all the way to Zuari river and anchored at Rachol, as the conditions at Khariwada during monsoon are not to anchor. However a few boats requiring major repairs are anchored at Khariwado in the monsoons.
Boat owners contacted expressed that the Fisheries Department has issued ban on issuing new licence for trawlers however there is no such ban for canoes which helps some non fishermen get into fishing activities by acquiring canoes with motor licences.
Advocate arrested for ‘raping wife’
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: A high profile criminal lawyer’s son was embroiled in a rape case, after his wife accused him of sexually assaulting her even before they were married on pretext of giving her a good job. She also accused him of forcefully marrying her.
The Women and Child Protection Unit (WCPU) arrested advocate Yogesh Sawant as per the complaint letter of his 19-year-old wife on Saturday. The police said that the advocate lured her after promising her a good job with a fat salary, outside Goa.
“He took her to Mumbai and Pune on pretext of giving her a good job with an annual income of Rs three lakh. She previously worked in an insurance company.
He spiked her food thereafter and had sexual intercourse with her,” informed a reliable top official quoting the complaint letter.
The girl also told the police, that he married her against her will in a temple at Ratnagiri. “He made her to sign a letter, which apparently is a marriage certificate,” added the source.
It is learnt the alleged accused, a resident of Verem had earlier on July 22, lodged a missing complaint of his wife at Mapusa police station.
It was believed that she reportedly escaped from his house with the help of her friends and informed her family members to lodge a police complaint later.
Sawant was arrested and subsequently admitted to Goa Medical College (GMC) and Hospital at Bambolim after he complaint of poor health.
He was booked under sections 376 (rape), 496 (false marriage) and 342 (wrongful confinement) of Indian Penal Code. PSI Paresh Navelkar is investigating the case.
PANJIM: A high profile criminal lawyer’s son was embroiled in a rape case, after his wife accused him of sexually assaulting her even before they were married on pretext of giving her a good job. She also accused him of forcefully marrying her.
The Women and Child Protection Unit (WCPU) arrested advocate Yogesh Sawant as per the complaint letter of his 19-year-old wife on Saturday. The police said that the advocate lured her after promising her a good job with a fat salary, outside Goa.
“He took her to Mumbai and Pune on pretext of giving her a good job with an annual income of Rs three lakh. She previously worked in an insurance company.
He spiked her food thereafter and had sexual intercourse with her,” informed a reliable top official quoting the complaint letter.
The girl also told the police, that he married her against her will in a temple at Ratnagiri. “He made her to sign a letter, which apparently is a marriage certificate,” added the source.
It is learnt the alleged accused, a resident of Verem had earlier on July 22, lodged a missing complaint of his wife at Mapusa police station.
It was believed that she reportedly escaped from his house with the help of her friends and informed her family members to lodge a police complaint later.
Sawant was arrested and subsequently admitted to Goa Medical College (GMC) and Hospital at Bambolim after he complaint of poor health.
He was booked under sections 376 (rape), 496 (false marriage) and 342 (wrongful confinement) of Indian Penal Code. PSI Paresh Navelkar is investigating the case.
‘New market complex is the fountain of corruption’
From deficit budget to putting on hold the VIth Pay panel's recommendations, Corporation of the City of Panjim (CCP) is in the eye of storm for its plunge into the financial pit. CCP corporator Adv Avinash Bhosle in a chat with ARTI DAS lambasts the corporation for giving birth to innumerable scams while suggesting a few solutions to come out of the mess.
What according to you is the reason for this mess in CCP?
The CCP has inherited the mess. The fiscal indiscipline is there right from the time when the Corporation came into existence in 2006. The current commissioner, Sanjit Rodrigues who was also the commissioner tried to put in place the administrative deformities. But, within six months he was transferred. I believe if he had to sustain for a year or two then we wouldn’t have suffered this mess. He was instrumental in making Panjim bin free and tackle to our garbage issues. He was in a position to bring in total solution to it.
Who is to be blamed for it?
The elected 30 corporators are not directly elected based on political parties. But, they look into it as a party politics. There is groupism and have failed to draw a line. There’s no constructive criticism happening there. Even opposition is equally responsible for it. There’s no stringent action taken when any scam is brought to light. Thus, it gives rise to more scams.
What are the major scams?
The new market complex is the fountain of corruption. There are lot of irregularities in allotment of sopos for the vendors. They are made into shops. There should be special enquiry on this market itself. Till today CCP cannot have agreement with vendors as technically it is with GSIDC.
What you to say about the whole issue of Sixth pay commission?
This decision was taken by the corporators in December 2008 but they failed to give any brief or notes on it. No one knew about its financial implications. That time it was only me who raised this question. They were not even aware that they had to pay the arrears from the year 2006.
What could be the solution?
The major source of income for CCP is from collection of house tax, commercial tax, construction licenses and all. They should work on getting this amount, as there is around arrears of Rs 5 crore or so on house tax alone. Also they are not utilising government grants. Like under tourism ministry Rs 1.5 crore was given for the upgradation of the municipal garden and Rs 5 crore for the Mala lake. But still no work is done on that.
Are you hopeful that new Commissioner would do the needful? And do you also feel the need for judicial enquiry?
The administrative enquiry is a welcome step and I hope that he could work on that direction. To have a judicial enquiry then it should not linger for long and punish the guilty as and when things come to light.
What according to you is the reason for this mess in CCP?
The CCP has inherited the mess. The fiscal indiscipline is there right from the time when the Corporation came into existence in 2006. The current commissioner, Sanjit Rodrigues who was also the commissioner tried to put in place the administrative deformities. But, within six months he was transferred. I believe if he had to sustain for a year or two then we wouldn’t have suffered this mess. He was instrumental in making Panjim bin free and tackle to our garbage issues. He was in a position to bring in total solution to it.
Who is to be blamed for it?
The elected 30 corporators are not directly elected based on political parties. But, they look into it as a party politics. There is groupism and have failed to draw a line. There’s no constructive criticism happening there. Even opposition is equally responsible for it. There’s no stringent action taken when any scam is brought to light. Thus, it gives rise to more scams.
What are the major scams?
The new market complex is the fountain of corruption. There are lot of irregularities in allotment of sopos for the vendors. They are made into shops. There should be special enquiry on this market itself. Till today CCP cannot have agreement with vendors as technically it is with GSIDC.
What you to say about the whole issue of Sixth pay commission?
This decision was taken by the corporators in December 2008 but they failed to give any brief or notes on it. No one knew about its financial implications. That time it was only me who raised this question. They were not even aware that they had to pay the arrears from the year 2006.
What could be the solution?
The major source of income for CCP is from collection of house tax, commercial tax, construction licenses and all. They should work on getting this amount, as there is around arrears of Rs 5 crore or so on house tax alone. Also they are not utilising government grants. Like under tourism ministry Rs 1.5 crore was given for the upgradation of the municipal garden and Rs 5 crore for the Mala lake. But still no work is done on that.
Are you hopeful that new Commissioner would do the needful? And do you also feel the need for judicial enquiry?
The administrative enquiry is a welcome step and I hope that he could work on that direction. To have a judicial enquiry then it should not linger for long and punish the guilty as and when things come to light.
Maid tormented, one held
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Three members of Pednekar family, residing in a colony at Porvorim were arrested for allegedly employing a minor girl for domestic help and assaulting her, often. The incident came to light when Mapusa police noticed a girl moving around their jurisdiction a couple of days back.
“She escaped from her owner's house at Alto-Porvorim since members beat her several times on various occasions. The NGO was called upon and a police complaint was lodged against the members of the family who employed the minor girl,” police sources told GT.
Upon complaint by the Save Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - India Director Audrey Pinto, the Porvorim police booked an offence under sections 324 (injuring flesh) read with 34 (common intention) of Indian Penal Code and 7 C, 8 (2) and 9 of Goa Children’s Act, 2003 (employing minor for domestic help) against Shubam alias Audumber Pednekar, his wife Meenaxi and sister-in-law Tina.
While, Shubham was arrested the other two are yet to be apprehended, until last evening. Meanwhile, the 10-year-old girl was admitted to a government hospital and undergoing treatment for burn injuries and bruises on her body. She was attacked with flat steel spoons and cable wires, ever since she was employed some six months back, according to Porvorim police.
It was learnt the girl, who hails from Cuttack probably had no family back home and was also not in a position to give her statement to the police till last night. She was however questioned soon after a complaint was lodged and registered on Saturday night until wee hours of Sunday.
PANJIM: Three members of Pednekar family, residing in a colony at Porvorim were arrested for allegedly employing a minor girl for domestic help and assaulting her, often. The incident came to light when Mapusa police noticed a girl moving around their jurisdiction a couple of days back.
“She escaped from her owner's house at Alto-Porvorim since members beat her several times on various occasions. The NGO was called upon and a police complaint was lodged against the members of the family who employed the minor girl,” police sources told GT.
Upon complaint by the Save Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - India Director Audrey Pinto, the Porvorim police booked an offence under sections 324 (injuring flesh) read with 34 (common intention) of Indian Penal Code and 7 C, 8 (2) and 9 of Goa Children’s Act, 2003 (employing minor for domestic help) against Shubam alias Audumber Pednekar, his wife Meenaxi and sister-in-law Tina.
While, Shubham was arrested the other two are yet to be apprehended, until last evening. Meanwhile, the 10-year-old girl was admitted to a government hospital and undergoing treatment for burn injuries and bruises on her body. She was attacked with flat steel spoons and cable wires, ever since she was employed some six months back, according to Porvorim police.
It was learnt the girl, who hails from Cuttack probably had no family back home and was also not in a position to give her statement to the police till last night. She was however questioned soon after a complaint was lodged and registered on Saturday night until wee hours of Sunday.
Romi Lipi Action Front hails government decision
GT NEWSROOM: Romi Lipi Action Front, a voice of all section of Goans, fully agrees with the Goa government in giving recognition to all the 3 languages Konkani, English and Marathi, as mediums of instruction in the schools of Goa, stated a press note issued by its convenor Wilmix Wilson Mazarello
“We say, it is the right of every Goan parent, to decide, in which language their child/ ward should be educated. This right of the parents, cannot be usurped by any other authority,” he stated.
The forum also believes that Konkani , English or Marathi should get equal grants to all in equal measures.
Wilson also pressed that Konkani Language in the Roman Script should get its rightful place in the Official Language Act and those wishing to learn Konkani in the Roman Script, from Std V onwards, should be given the option to do so.
He reteiterated that, “we can still keep Konkani and our Goan culture alive, without depriving our children of the vast growth opportunities available to them globally.”
“We say, it is the right of every Goan parent, to decide, in which language their child/ ward should be educated. This right of the parents, cannot be usurped by any other authority,” he stated.
The forum also believes that Konkani , English or Marathi should get equal grants to all in equal measures.
Wilson also pressed that Konkani Language in the Roman Script should get its rightful place in the Official Language Act and those wishing to learn Konkani in the Roman Script, from Std V onwards, should be given the option to do so.
He reteiterated that, “we can still keep Konkani and our Goan culture alive, without depriving our children of the vast growth opportunities available to them globally.”
2 more, Siolkars want panchayat wards increased to 11
BY A GT CORRESPONDENT
SIOLIM: The gram sabha of the Marna-Siolim panchayat demanded that the panchayat wards be increased to eleven from the current nine.
The gram sabha was presided over by sarpanch Sylvester Fernandes.
Panchas Rita Victor Fernandes, Rita D'Cruz, Freddy Fernandes, Savita Govekar and Sachin Kambli were present. The report of the minutes of the earlier gram sabha was read out and the same was approved. One of the members tabled a resolution demanding increase in number of panchayat wards.
The panchayat at present comprises of nine wards. He demanded that Marna be divided into two wards.
Similarly, the people wanted that Bamanwada which has a huge population be divided. The members present supported the resolution and was unanimously adopted.
Later, the Siolim Nagrik Kriti Samiti submitted various proposals regarding developmental works.
Samiti president Amrut Agarvadekar grilled the sarpanch for failure to undertake the work of a road from Rai-Siolim to the Siolim market.
He also questioned as to when the streetlights will be provided on the Ganesh Mandir to the Siolim bridge.
There was heated debate on the issue of failure to take up the widening of the road from the Siolim bridge to Gude.
Colva gram sabha cries foul, Aquem meeting adjourned
Villagers from Colva panchayat at the gram sabha held on Sunday demanded that the panchayat authorities inspect the building project at Sernabatim to check irregularities.
The said project had been inspected by Sarpanch Suzie Fernandes and secretary for issuing an 'Ocupancy Certificate' although members of the gram sabha had demanded earlier that there were a number of irregularities which should be inspected.
The gram sabha members also alleged that the panchayat had failed to take in consideration the suggestions made by the village level committee appointed in preparation of the Regional Plan 2021.
Meanwhile, the Aquem Baixo gram sabha chaired by deputy sarpanch Sunita Naik had to be adjourned as sarpanch Agnelo Dias could not attend the meeting as he was out of station but the gram sabha members demanded that the same be adjourned.
SIOLIM: The gram sabha of the Marna-Siolim panchayat demanded that the panchayat wards be increased to eleven from the current nine.
The gram sabha was presided over by sarpanch Sylvester Fernandes.
Panchas Rita Victor Fernandes, Rita D'Cruz, Freddy Fernandes, Savita Govekar and Sachin Kambli were present. The report of the minutes of the earlier gram sabha was read out and the same was approved. One of the members tabled a resolution demanding increase in number of panchayat wards.
The panchayat at present comprises of nine wards. He demanded that Marna be divided into two wards.
Similarly, the people wanted that Bamanwada which has a huge population be divided. The members present supported the resolution and was unanimously adopted.
Later, the Siolim Nagrik Kriti Samiti submitted various proposals regarding developmental works.
Samiti president Amrut Agarvadekar grilled the sarpanch for failure to undertake the work of a road from Rai-Siolim to the Siolim market.
He also questioned as to when the streetlights will be provided on the Ganesh Mandir to the Siolim bridge.
There was heated debate on the issue of failure to take up the widening of the road from the Siolim bridge to Gude.
Colva gram sabha cries foul, Aquem meeting adjourned
Villagers from Colva panchayat at the gram sabha held on Sunday demanded that the panchayat authorities inspect the building project at Sernabatim to check irregularities.
The said project had been inspected by Sarpanch Suzie Fernandes and secretary for issuing an 'Ocupancy Certificate' although members of the gram sabha had demanded earlier that there were a number of irregularities which should be inspected.
The gram sabha members also alleged that the panchayat had failed to take in consideration the suggestions made by the village level committee appointed in preparation of the Regional Plan 2021.
Meanwhile, the Aquem Baixo gram sabha chaired by deputy sarpanch Sunita Naik had to be adjourned as sarpanch Agnelo Dias could not attend the meeting as he was out of station but the gram sabha members demanded that the same be adjourned.
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