The infamous case of two youth found dead in suspicious circumstances suspected to be due to drug abuse at a private birthday party in Maina-Curtorim occurred a year ago on 19th April. This coincides with the arrest of two youth caught for drug use in Goa Engineering College. The fact that the Curtorim case still hangs in mid air and is awaiting forensic reports and that the accused is roaming free brings us to a question of whether the administration and law enforcement agencies are serious about freeing Goa from drug abuse.
The serious issue of drug abuse in colleges in the South Goa District is getting even graver by the day. Areas in Margao and Fatorda have become dens of drug use by youth of 17 and 18 years. With an objective to find the intensity of the problem, Herald did a foot survey of these areas and the outcome was shocking. Several used cigarette/marijuana butts were found at the Calcado near Hospicio. What cemented the fact that this was definitely drug use was an ID card of a student found lying in the bushes.
“It is an open fact now that youth are taking to the habit, especially in hostels. This certainly calls for strict action. This is the stage where the government, education departments and higher authorities have to take action to prevent more cases in the future,” said Namesh Telang, General Secretary of Goa University students council. “As far as possible, hostels need to be subjected to tight security and electronic machinery needs to be used in such cases. The role of parents in watching their wards is also vital,” he added. We went on to add that the government needs to step up and take strict action against peddlers and dealers.
Groups of youngsters consuming drugs and smoking various substances can be seen near the new staircase near Hospicio in Margao. Not too far away, the infamous Monte Hill, is apparently the oldest smoking den in Margao. Recently, a wall was built around the Monte Church to prevent such activity within its premises. However, now youngsters sit on the outer part of the wall and indulge in smoking, sometimes late at night. It wouldn’t be too farfetched to say that this occurs under the noses of the police, considering the police station a mere kilometer or so away.
As mentioned earlier, the investigation of the death of the two Curtorim youth is still in the air. The two accused who were initially arrested are now roaming free.
Paraj Raikar, 26, a resident of Comba and Rodston Monsteiro, 21 were suspected of having died due to an overdose. Circumstantial evidence recovered from the spot supported the theory.
