Male body found at Arlem
MARGAO: Maina Curtorim police have recovered a nude body of an unknown male person at the Arlem bypass on Thursday evening.
PI Gurudas Kadam said, there are injury marks on the body, including the head, and has suspected it to be a hit and run case.
He, however, said that the police will wait for the post mortem report to conduct further investigations. “The body was in a decomposed state and the person must have died atleast three days ago,” PI Kadam said.
One held for outraging modesty
MARGAO: The Cuncolim police on basis of a complaint from Shrinati Abijit Naik, Demani, Cuncolim registered an offence under section 509 and 506 (ii) IPC against Abdul Gani Ibrahim Patregan, 48, resident of Jujegal, Cuncolim who was arrested and is presently in police custody.
Naik in her complaint alleged that accused Patregan on March 12 at 10.30 am abused her in filthy language thereby outraging her modesty and also threatened her with dire consequences. Further investigation are in progress.
One convicted in blackmailing case
MARGAO: South Goa district and sessions Additional Judge Vincente D’silva on Thursday convicted Marconi Rodrigues, a resident of Murida-Cuncolim under section 292 –A of IPC, while discharging him of charges under section 376 of the IPC.
The accused Rodrigues on May 1, 2006 persuaded a married lady from Velsao to come to his residence at Murida, Cuncolim and thereafter had forceful sexual intercourse and captured nude photographs of the victim and later blackmailed and threatened her of dire consequences.
A complaint was filed by the victim at Verna police station and the PI Nolasco Raposo registered offence under sections 376, 292-A and 506(ii) of IPC against the accused Rodrigues. Public prosecutor Asha Archekar represented the state in the case.
Khel Maandiyela winner announced
PANJIM: ‘Group Priority’ recently announced the lucky draw prize winner of its sponsored event, ‘Khel Maandiyela’ hosted by Aadesh Bandekar a renowned Marathi film personality known for his hit programme ‘Home Minister’ on Zee Marathi.
The event, held on February 28 at Kala Academy, received a house full response and out of hundreds of participants, the lucky draw winner was Aditi Shirodkar, a resident of Porvorim.
Sanquelim SSC seating arrangement
MAYEM: The SSC examination seating arrangement of for Sanquelim Centre has been announced.
The centre-wise seating arrangement at Government HSS (34105 to 34354), St John of the Cross HS (34355 to 34504), Progress HS, primary section building 2 (34505 to 34667), Progress HS, main building, (34668 to 34867 and 35210 and with exemptions 34868 to 34979 and 21979).
Free suitability test
PANJIM: Maxivision Lasik Centre in association with Vision Multispeciality Hospital Mapusa is conducting a free suitability test for Lasik on March 31.
Lasik is a laser eye surgery procedure to correct refractive errors by reshaping the cornea.
For registration call 7798112244.
Discount coupon pouches
PANJIM: Star Publication, Taleigao, has launched Discount Coupon Pouch for tourists which contain 40 discount offers from different outlets coming under Goa and Shops establishment Act.
The Discount coupon pouch contains discount offers from restaurants and bars, hotels and resorts, shopping malls, massage and spa centres, beauty parlor, book stall, tours and travels. Also from hospitals, business centres, water sports, discos and clubs, tattoo studios and Goa tourism.
This scheme will facilitate tourists visiting Goa to get discounts on services offered at different outlets as mentioned above.
The cost per discount coupon pouch is Rs 350. These coupons are available in Panjim at Hotel Fidalgo, Hotel Palacio-de-Goa, Mayfair Hotel, Hotel Shelltop, Royal Tours and Travels, Vallabh Travels, Joshna’s Ayurvedic Treatment Centre, Broadway Book Center, Rock and Raga and Happy Home and at Candolim – Calangute at The Clematis, Nitya Resort, ANHC at Saligao, Valanka Shopping Mall, Travel Gallery.
An amount of Rs 50 will be paid to hotels / tour operator offices as handling charges.
For further details, contact Star Publication on 9226276712 / 9272183408.
TAG acting orientation course
PANJIM: TAG has observed that there are numerous artistes who would like to undergo regular training in various aspects of dramatics. TAG has modified its earlier scheme of Orientation Courses in Dramatics. The new scheme will be implemented from April to June 2013. The course will begin on April 11.
Applicants will have to be 15 years old to register. Classes will be on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 3 pm to 6 pm at TAG’s conference hall.
The course will emphasise on script writing, lyrics composition, direction, acting, stage familiarization, stage setting, background music, light effects, costumes, make-up, etc.
Participants will get a certificate on completion of the course and will be paid a stipend of Rs 200 per day for attending.
A total of 25 applicants will be permitted under this scheme. Applications will be permitted on first come first serve basis. Those interested may apply in the prescribed application form available along with a copy of the rules and regulations of the scheme at the TAG office – Block A, 2nd Floor, Campal Trade Centre, Campal on or before April 5.
Big discount shopping expo in Ponda
PANJIM: ‘Big Discount’ shopping exhibition is at Aguiar Ground, opposite HDFC Bank in Ponda after a gap of 1 year.
Various lifestyle and household items by major market leaders in the corporate sector are on display and sale. Major furniture houses have put up designer furniture stalls with imported furniture at competitive prices.
The exhibition has turned out to be a major crowd puller and is open to the public till March 24 from 10.30 am to 9.00 pm.
Free Ayurveda and Sidha consultation
VASCO: The Santhigiri Ayurveda and Sidha Hospital Vasco, a unit of Santhigiri Ashram, Thiruvananthapuram-Kerala, will conduct a free Ayurveda and Sidha medical consultation camp on March 24 from 9 am to 6 pm.
Medical Officer Dr Meera Mohan, BHAMS, will consult the patients. The camp is organised in their 100 hospitals all over the country. In Vasco, the camp will be held at Santhigiri Ayurveda Hospital, Laxmi Narayan Niwas Building.
The Ayurveda and Sidha medical consultation camp will be for spondylitis, arthritis, skin problem and psoriasis stress, states the press note.
Bank of India to hold get-together
VASCO: Bank of India Staff Union (Goa) will organise a get together at Blue Berry Open Air hall, Verna, on March 23.
The get together is being organised to mark its 50 years, stated Bank of India Staff Union Goa in the press note. “National leaders and other bank and union executives will attend and will felicitate its former officer bearers,” adds the press note.
World Forest Day function
MAYEM: Animal Rescue Squad (ARS) Bicholim President Amrut Singh has emphasised the need to protect and preserve forests, at a World Forest Day function organised by Ideal High School, Pilgao, on Thursday.
“If deforestation is not stopped and responsibility of planting more trees is not shouldered by the people, then there will be extreme rise in global warming and natural calamities,” warned Singh.
Ramchandra Garde, forest officer Madan Parab, Pradeep Sinari, Vithal Malik, Headmistress Mangala Garde and PTA President Arjun Dhatkar were present on the occasion.
GAIL pipeline gets operational
PANJIM: The Gas Authority of India Limited natural gas pipeline has already reached Goa and Zuari Industries Limited is using the gas during the trial period, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar told the State Legislative Assembly Thursday.
Parrikar said that the State government would be forming a gas corporation which will enter into a joint venture with GAIL to implement this ambitious project in the state. He said that the state will buy the gas in wholesale quantity and supply it to the consumers.
The chief minister pointed out that Sancoale-based ZIL has already utilized gas worth Rs 200 crore.
The issue about GAIL was raised by Leader of Opposition Pratapsing Rane, who inquired whether the gas would be supplied for domestic consumers.
The chief minister while participating in the Budget discussion said that the government’s act of reducing Value Added Tax (VAT) on air turbine fuel (ATF) is paying off very well with 20-21 per cent increase in flights landing in Goa in the last one year with 4,000 flight trips. “I have not lost revenue by reducing the tax,” the chief minister commented.
Calvim bridge work on fast track: CM
PANJIM: The bridge on Calvim River would be ready in next six and half months, Parrikar told the Goa Assembly Thursday, adding that the work on construction of the bridge is going on at a fast pace.
“The pillars are already being laid. The bridge would be ready in next six and half months,” he assured the House.
The chief minister said that during his tenure the development is occuring at a fast paced. “Go and see the work for construction of stadium for Lusofonia Games. The foundation stone is already laid and pillars will be erected in next 10 days,” he said.
Responding to the various allegations of inefficiency leveled by the Opposition, Parrikar said that the government plans to take up various projects for the forthcoming financial year.
“Next year, Rs 600-700 crore is marked for Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation and Rs 700 crore for Public Works Department,” he stated.
The chief minister Manohar Parrikar taking a dig at former PWD Minister Churchill Alemao said that the contract awarded under Japan International Cooperation Agency project was inflated and his government managed to renegotiate it and bring it down by almost Rs 40 crore, which is 15 per cent of the tendered amount.
House condoles Fr Antimo’s death
PANJIM: The Goa Assembly Thursday condoled the death of Fr Antimo Gomes describing him as a visionary, eminent educationist and a devout spiritual leader.
The condolence motion was moved by Aldona MLA Glenn Ticlo who paid rich tributes to Fr Gomes for his contribution to Goan society.
Supporting the motion, Curtorim MLA Alexio Reginaldo Lourenco paid tributes to Fr Gomes as a multi faceted personality, an educationist, disciplinarian and as a follower of Christ.
The Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza recalled Fr Gomes’ contributions to St Xavier’s College Mapusa which helped it to attain the position it enjoys today.
Former chief minister and Margao MLA Digambar Kamat and St Andre MLA Vishnu Wagh also commended Fr Antimo. The Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and Speaker of the Goa Assembly Rajendra Arlekar also condoled the death of Fr Gomes and the House conveyed their sympathies to his bereaved family. A minute’s silence was observed in memory of the departed soul.
CONGRATULATORY MOTION: The Goa Assembly Thursday congratulated three Goan children for winning medals at the Special Olympics which were recently held in South Korea.
Pooja Resham, Anil Kalangutkar and Velancia Fernandes had bagged medals in the Special Olympics at South Korea and the government was urged to provide all the necessary support they and others need to participate in the ensuing Games in the USA.
Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco said, “Award them for bringing honour to the State.”
The Minister for Sports Ramesh Tawadkar also hailed the achievements of the three children and said that State-level tournaments are being conducted to help children with special needs to train and participate in national and international sports events.
Meet to condole death of Abhishek
PANJIM: Citizens of Cuncolim along with friends of PSI Abhishek Gomes from his native Panzorcone will hold a condolence meeting on March 23 at 4.30 pm at the Cuncolim Union hall at Culvaddo, Cuncolim, in his memory.
At a meeting held in the village, the late PSI came in for praise for his bravery. Ramesh Dessai, coordinator of the meeting, said that this son of Cuncolim deserved to be saluted even in his death for showing fearlessness which was a hallmark of Cuncollkars. “We lost a braveheart but at the same time, we have proved that honor for us is more important than life,” he added.”
He has called upon all Cuncolkars to assemble in large numbers to pay tributes to Abhishek and show their solidarity with the bereaved family. Arvison Crasto, Adv Winston Mascarenhas and Melbon D’Costa were the joint coordinators at the meeting.
Konkani album, film to be unveiled
CURCHOREM: The unveiling ceremony of new Konkani audio album ‘La…La…Love’ and new Konkani film ‘Life of a Teacher’ produced by Josino Fernandes will be held at Cindio’s Paradise, Quepem, on March 22 at 4.30 pm.
Konkani stage artistes Anil Kumar and Chitra Shirwaiker will also unveil the poster of the album and the film in the presence of former chairperson of Qupem Municipal Council Rahul Pereira and Our Lady Mother of the Poor Church, Tilamol, Parish Priest Fr Urbano Fernandes.
Worship dance program
PANJIM: The Good Shepherd organization of Fatorda, Goa is organizing an open worship dance presentation programme.
Floats depicting Holy Bible scenes will also be a part of the programme starting from March 31 till June 2013. This programme is open to all with an intention to proclaim the good news. There will be attractive prizes / certificates. For more details, contact 9850047533 / 9422442280.
Cancer awareness programme
PANJIM: An awareness programme on cancer in women was initiated in Carambolim.
The programme was organized by Chronic Disease Risk Factor (CDRF), project team under the leadership of Dr Amit Dias, assistant professor at GMC.
CDRF is a unique pilot project run by Sangath, SANCD and the department of preventive medicine, GMC, which electronically captures information on chronic diseases in households and their risk factors and helps people change their lifestyle to prevent disabling consequences later in life.
A film on breast self-examination was shown followed by an interactive session with the participants.
Manda Madkaikar, in charge of the mahila mandal in the region, was also present for the event. Dr Swati Raikar compared the programme, while CDRF project coordinator Sherin Abraham proposed the vote of thanks. Geeta Naik helped in organising the event.
Ophthalmic camp held at Chaudi
CANACONA: Over 175 people were screened for various ailments at an ophthalmic camp at Chaudi on Sunday.
The Forum for Senior Citizens (India), Canacona Branch, and Lions Club of Canacona in association with Dr Shetty Eye Hospital, Karwar, organised the eye screening camp.
On the occasion, Senior Citizens Forum, Canacona, honoured State government awarded social worker Natividade De Sa. Canacona Municipal Council Chairperson Ajay Bhagat and Canacona Lions President Ulhas Phaldessai felicitated De Sa.
Depending on detection of ailments, medicines were provided to all screened people and a few needing advanced treatments are requested to approach the hospital for specialized treatment.
Science exhibition at Sattari school
VALPOI: Government High School, Ambedem-Sattari, recently observed National Science Day to popularize the benefits of scientific knowledge among students.
On the occasion, students exhibited projects and demonstrated working models.
After inaugurating the function, chief guest, Yeshwant Sawant said with the advancement of science and technology, world progress students should make constructive use of technology in their day-to-day life.
“Our scientists are taking efforts to upgrade sophisticated technology so that common men can make optimum and easy use of it,” said Sawant.
Sarpanch Ramesh Joshi, School Headmaster Shreekrishna Naik and teachers also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier, the dignitaries garlanded a portrait of Sir C V Raman. Headmaster Naik welcomed the gathering, while Shubhangi Marathe proposed the vote of thanks.
TAG clarifies on tiatr ticket hike
PANJIM: Tiatr Academy of Goa on Thursday stated it was in no way connected to the announcement of the hike in entrance ticket fees from Rs 70 to Rs 100 for tiatrs in auditoriums across the State. In a press note issued here, TAG clarified that the statement was issued by its President Prince Jacob in his individual capacity and not on behalf of the academy. It clarified further that TAG was in no way connected to the decisions of the commercial tiatr writers and directors.
Chimbel resident jumps to death
OLD GOA: A 65-year-old resident of Kirlawada-Chimbel allegedly committed suicide by jumping into a well at Kirlawada on Wednesday. According to Old Goa Police, the body of Chetana Parulekar has been preserved at GMC morgue in Bambolim and PSI Sagun Sawant is investigating the case.
Car mishap claims Dabolim resident
VASCO: A 23-year-old car driver from Dabolim died while two other occupants in the car were injured in a road accident near ZIOL on Thursday. According to Verna Police, Akshay Kanada along with his friends, Anil Reddy and Yeshwar Malvankar, was proceeding in a car (GA-06-D-6199) towards Verna when the car turned turtle after it hit a road divider.
Police further informed that Kanada died on the spot, while Reddy and Malvankar were rushed to GMC Hospital in Bambolim. Reddy, who had sustained simple injuries, was discharged after administering first aid, while Malvankar will be discharged on Friday. According to some eye witnesses, the car was speeding and it jumped off the road dividers of the four-lane highway and turned turtle twice. The eye witnesses also claimed that there were two girls in the car, but both the injured girls got out of the car and fled from the scene. Verna Police said the body has been sent to GMC for autopsy and have registered a case of rash and negligent driving. PSI Anand Shirodkar is investigating the case.
Student ends life at Loliem
CANACONA: A 16-year-old SSC student from Loliem allegedly committed suicide by jumping into a neighbouring well on Thursday. According to fire services, the body which was found hanging to the pulley of the well was retrieved later in the afternoon. Sources informed that the boy, who was preparing to answer his SSC examinations, is believed to have tied one end of the rope to his neck and jumped into the well. “The other end of the rope got stuck to the pulley and the boy hanged to death. Only his legs were seen touching the water in the well,” added the source. Canacona Police received a call at about 1 pm and retrieved the body with the help of the fire services. PI Harishchandra Madkaikar is investigating the case.
Motorcycle stolen at Calangute
CALANGUTE: A motorcycle was reported stolen from near old petrol pump at Naikawada-Calangute. According to Calangute Police, Maulali Shaikh from Candolim complained that some persons stole a motorcycle (GA-01-G-9601) from an open parking place. Head Constable Anil Talekar is investigating the case.
Dabolim duo accused of assault
VASCO: Two persons from Assai-Dongri, Dabolim, have been accused of assaulting two brothers from Chicalim and setting ablaze a motorcycle at Assai. According to Vasco Police, Vishwanath Nadar complained that the accused had assaulted him and his brother with stones, causing head injury.
The complainant further stated that the accused also damaged his scooter and set fire to a motorcycle (GA-06-B-0610) belonging to his friend, causing a loss of Rs 40, 000. Head Constable U V Kalangutkar is investigating the case.
Four injured in group clashes
PERNEM: Four persons were injured in group clashes at Madhlawada-Harmal on Wednesday. According to Pernem Police, Kashiram Gawade from Harmal complained that 10 accused persons assaulted him with a wooden stick and an iron rode and damaged his wall. The complainant further stated that the accused also restrained him by tying with nylon rope and some of the accused persons put chilli powder in his eye and on his body, while some other accused assaulted his wife and snatched two mobile phones and mangalsutra from his wife. Vijaykumar Chodankar is investigating the case. In a counter-complaint, Dattaram Gawade complained that on Wednesday at Chanaiwada-Harmal, two persons had assaulted him and his friend. Head Constable Rajan Mhamal is investigating the case.
Fire destroys plantations at Loliem
CANACONA: Plantations worth over Rs 70,000 were destroyed in a fire at Pedem-Loliem in Canacona on Thursday.
According to fire services, the fire engulfed the property belonging to Veronica Coutinho at Pedem-Loliem destroying about 20 coconut trees, 15 banana plants, two mango trees and one jackfruit tree. “We received a call at about 3.30 pm, but the fire reportedly put to clear weeds and dried grass in the nearby bushes spread to the plantations, causing a loss of about Rs 70,000, before we stopped it from spreading further,” informed a fire personnel.
SSA achieves targets ahead of time
VALPOI: The work done under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) has enabled the Sattari Taluka block achieve its target ahead of its deadline. Addressing a press conference at the SSA office, the coordinator Falguni Shet informed that the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) is the government’s flagship programme to achieve universal elementary education. “We succeeded in bringing the dropout rates at the primary, upper-primary and secondary levels down since the inception of the programme in the taluka, while ensuring transparency of work,” said Shet. SSA caters the need of nearly 150 government and aided primary and upper-primary schools in the taluka. Commending the dedication of the staff, Shet said SSA has to attain target allotted to it by the higher authority and her team had done well this year. She said they have carried out 10 days in-service training for teachers.
Navti monitors PMC functioning
PONDA: While aiming to achieve 70 per cent recovery of the dues, Ponda Municipal Council Administrator Narayan Navti has also begun monitoring day-to-day functioning of the PMC to bring about discipline among staff and daily wage workers. “PMC used to send recovery notices to recover house tax, but notices to recover trade license fees have been issued for the first time. By April, we expect to complete 70 per cent recovery of trade license fees, house tax and rent of the establishments owned by PMC,” Navti told Herald. Sources said the dues consist of house taxes (Rs 82.17 lakh), trade license fees (Rs 21.30 lakh) and rent (Rs 46.87 lakh).
“PMC has so far recovered over Rs 9 lakh within 15 days after we started the drive to recover dues from all the three heads (house tax, trade license fees and rent),” informed Navti. Recently, seven contract workers employed to look after garbage management were removed for dereliction of duty. “I randomly visit several points in the city and the seven contract workers were missing from the places assigned to them to manage garbage. There has to be dedication to work and I am not going to tolerate any mischief,” added Navti. “I even check attendance of the employees to see to it that the employees attend and leave on time. I also conduct surprise checks in each department,” said Navti.
