PANJIM: Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Excise Department has suspended licences of four liquor outlets at Merces in view of alleged criminal activities reported around these premises in the recent past. Govekar Bar & Restaurant, Kanty’s Bar & Restaurant, Mayur Bar & Restaurant and Nandu Bar & Restaurant have been issued suspension orders based on the recommendation from the Goa Police that cited violent incidents in the jurisdiction.
“The SDPO Panaji and PI Old Goa had noticed that criminal activities have increased in Merces village and also the movement of the listed criminals in the area have increased, especially at Govekar, Kanty, Mayur and Nandu Bars & Restaurants as a result of which there is unrest spreading among the general public,” a report compiled by North Superintendent of Police Chandan Chowdhary to the Excise Department stated.
Since the Lok Sabha elections are due next month, the district police recommended cancellation of the liquor licence to curb criminal activities and avoid any disturbance to the smooth flow of polling process.
The report mentions names of alleged criminals like Vishal Golatkar, Suraj Shetye, Gauresh Naik and Marcelino Dias moving around the vicinity.
“It is seen that these four establishments are operating till late hours and become a house of criminal minded persons for criminal activities. There are instances like clashes between two groups near Govekar Bar offence of which is registered at Old Goa police station. Also one tourist bus was attacked by these criminals at Merces,” it stated adding that despite several warnings, the four liquor establishments have not been adhering to warnings issued by the police.
