Panaji:
Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) Media Chairman Amarnath Panjikar slammed the BJP-led state government following a reported theft at the BJP’s own office in Sankhali, calling it a glaring example of the collapse of law and order in the state.
Panjikar said the robbery at the office of the ruling party has exposed the deteriorating condition of the state’s police system, which is under the direct charge of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who also holds the Home portfolio. “If even the BJP’s own offices are not safe, it reflects the sorry state of policing and governance in Goa,” he said.
Citing a sharp rise in crimes including chain snatchings, daylight robberies, drug-related violence, narcotics trade, assaults, burglaries, and gang activities, Panjikar blamed the failures of the BJP government for the growing insecurity across the state.
“The police are understaffed, poorly equipped, and increasingly politicized. Their priority appears to be safeguarding those in power rather than the general public,” Panjikar alleged, adding that despite repeated assurances, the government has failed to ensure even basic public safety.
Calling the Sankhali incident an embarrassment for the Chief Minister, he demanded a thorough investigation and accountability for the lapse. “Patrolling by the Goa Police has failed miserably. Nakabandis are set up only after crimes occur, instead of preventive action,” he pointed out.
Panjikar emphasized the need to urgently strengthen local police stations with proper manpower and resources. “Goa cannot afford to descend further into lawlessness. The safety of Goans must take precedence over PR campaigns and political rhetoric. The Chief Minister must act now,” he asserted.
