Criminals could enter
Goa disguised as tourists
The Goa government has reportedly launched an aggressive drive to register tenant verification on a continuous basis over the last ten days. It is learnt that the drive has been extended by five days.
Tenant verification is very important in Goa because of the number of cases of theft, chain-snatching, molestation and rapes that are happening. Cross-checking the documents helps ensure that the tenant's identity is genuine and reduces the risk of theft and anti-social activities. Antecedents of the tenants are checked at their local police station on a case to case basis. It is pertinent to note that those who visit Goa with ulterior motives could even be staying in guest-houses and hotels for a short time.
Legal requirements for ID verification mandates that hotels collect and maintain certain information about their guests, including name, address, and identification details in order to ensure public safety, deter illegal activities, and support the efforts of the police. Management of hotels, lodging and boarding, private guest houses, etc. need to verify the credentials of the guests through their proof of identity such as election card, driving license, Aadhaar card, passport, etc. The same needs to be sent to the local Police Station for further verification and record. Now since hotel reservations are made online, whether the guest arriving at the hotel is the legitimate guest for whom the reservation was made needs to be cross-checked. Anti-social elements could be entering the state with ulterior motives disguised as tourists since Goa is a tourist destination.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
No nonsense approach
to land grabbing
In a landmark move for Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has demonstrated a no-nonsense approach to land grabbing - a crime that has plagued the state’s land resources and green cover for far too long. Under his decisive leadership, the formation of the SIT on land grabbing is a gamechanger. Friday’s demolition of illegal structures linked to notorious land grabber in Mapusa is a bold and necessary step towards restoring law and order in Goa.
By initiating this stern action, Sawant has not only sent a powerful message to criminals but also put those with vested interests on notice. The SIT is doing what no previous administration dared—taking real action to return land to its rightful owners.
With nearly 93 properties already under investigation, this move marks the beginning of a much-needed crackdown on the exploitation of Goa’s precious land resources.
Vaman Sakhalkar, Harvalem
Telangana bestows honour on Siraj
It's delightful to know that Star Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj has been appointed as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) by the Telangana state. The post has been extended to him by the state government in appreciation of his exceptional and splendid achievement in international cricket.
Siraj no doubt fought all odds to get into the national team and has carved a niche of his own with his superb performance since his entry. The state in it's declaration cited that the young cricketer has made Telangana proud and brought honours to the nation and hence this great honour for him.
Among his noteworthy accomplishments are his participation in the Cricket World Cup series and the ongoing series with various teams before World Test Championship finals.
It has to be noted that the state made amendments in its regulations of appointments to felicitate and honour sportsperson as heads of government departments. He now joins the likes of Joginder Sharma (cricketer) , Akhil Kumar , Jitender and Vijender (boxers), Hima Das (athlete) to name a few who became police officers for their contributions to sports. This no doubt will attract more youngsters to sports and encourage them to showcase their best to bring laurels to the state and the nation.
M Pradyu, Kannur
A legacy that
will endure
Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has announced his upcoming retirement from the sport after a glittering career in which he amassed 22 grand slam titles. It wasn’t just what he achieved on the court, but the way that he achieved it. His five-set victory over Federer in the 2008 championship match, which ended in almost complete darkness at the All
All England Club is widely regarded as the greatest Slam final ever played. Ankle, wrist, knee, elbow and abdominal problems caused him to sit out 18 Grand Slam tournaments and withdraw mid-event on five occasions.
Together, Federer, Nadal and Djokovic ruled the tennis firmament like no one before, or dare one say, after. Their clashes and the relentless quest for excellence they sparked in each other took tennis to another level and brought a new audience to the sport. Their spot in sporting history and their contribution goes way beyond numbers — the 66 Grand Slam singles titles between them. Nadal’s absence at the Roland Garros will be sorely missed by fans.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
Ratan Tata will be
dearly missed
The name ‘Ratan Tata’ would make anyone spellbound in their feelings. As a person who put nation first, business next has been witnessed in all his endeavours. He’s the best product the almighty manufactured as an ethical face of India. There can only be one Original, quality and kindness in him was the hallmark of this emperor. I have a reason to feel the dearly missed of Shri Ratan Tata as a privileged member of the Tata group in the nineties. Those were the days there were two powerful groups which fancied the minds of any budding talents for its values and endurance. Tata’s from the West and TVS in South. After my years of stint with the TVS group, I moved out when I got the opportunity to serve Tata’s. I vividly remember the day of the inaugural of Tata Finance, Chennai and the dignitaries who lit the lamps were an unusual pair of great personalities. Srimathi. M S Subbulakshmi and Krishnamachari Srikanth. This unique choice reflects upon Tata’s culture. We were a team of around 50 employed then at the Tata Finance, Southern Regional Office and though most of them have moved up in the ladder and in different walks of life the alumni bonded us as a team even today as a group captioned TAFIANS FOREVER because of strong roots created during our service at TATA’s. For us, Tata means a family, the bondage and the values and above all help each other and the society. This gave all of us an unshakeable faith and we enjoyed our work culture officially and the spirit of Cricket both on and off the field in our memorable times. Reasons our love and respect for Ratan Tata is beyond the boundaries. In the minds of all the Padma Vibhushan awardee has left a huge legacy behind himself and a deep impact on the nation.
A P Thiruvadi,
Chennai