Team Herald
MARGAO: Nuvem MLA Wilfred D’Sa has demanded additional police force to man the beaches of South Goa especially the Betalbatim beach to avoid such gang-rapes in future.
He was addressing the villagers at a meeting called by the Betalbatim panchayat to discuss on the measures to discourage such incidents in the village.
Suggestions such as closing the entry to the beach after 7.30 pm, issuing of ID cards to non-Goans with the name of their landlord were given during the meeting.
The people demanded increased security, intense patrolling and clearing of bushes along the beach. Betalbatim Sarpanch Constancio Miranda said, “We are considering installing boards at the beaches prohibiting entry after 7.30 pm in the areas vulnerable to such incidents. The resolution to install gates with helpline numbers at the end of all roads leading to the beaches will be taken at the gram sabha soon” the sarpanch informed.
He said, “The migrants staying in rental houses in the village need to be controlled. We have decided on identity cards for migrants and this will help in holding the landlord responsible for the migrants’ criminal activities”.
Colva ZP member Nelly Rodrigues said, “Verification of the persons occupying the rooms rented by the landlords is equally important as the police verification of the tenants”.
“300 CCTVs have been earmarked for smart city but beaches which provide support to our economy are being ignored”, Nelly complained.
The parish priest urged the people to fight to demand justice for the gang-rape victim.
MLA said this incident has put a blot on the Goa’s image as a tourist destination.
“The Goa Police have done a commendable job but we demand a speedy justice and death sentence to the accused,” he demanded.
“I will meet the District Collector and discuss on improving security services in our village especially beach areas,” Wilfred said.
“The police complain of manpower shortage but the village needs security and police need to provide it to us,” he demanded.
“The villagers need to be vigilant and keep a watch on the entry and exit points of the beaches and the villages,” he advised.
