PANJIM: The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has vowed relieve the city from beggars’ woes that have become a big menace causing an eye sore for the city. Mayor Rohit Monserrate said that the CCP has discussed the issue at the ordinary meeting on Wednesday. He disclosed that the CCP is working on an internal squad to evict beggars.
“What we want to do is to form an internal squad and start confiscating their belongings. We also had a meeting with the police who have been asked to start taking action against them. No matter how many times we extern them to the border (of Goa), they keep coming back. So we are working on the issue,” said Monserrate.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Beggars are not only frequenting crowded places such as markets, but also positioning themselves in every tourist spot and traffic signals.
“Beggars are seen at traffic signals like in other metros. As soon as the signal is red, you hear knocking on your car window. They are seen near the St Inez traffic signal. At the Panjim Church square they are primarily selling balloons, but their main intention is selling drugs,” said former Mayor Uday Madkaikar.
“These are not beggars but organised gangs, who even sell drugs and take only money not food from people. We have proved this when we raided the beggars at Campal parade ground. We found ATM card, Pass book, cheque books and 10 to 12 mobiles with them. These are not beggars. This is an organised gang,” said Madkaikar.
The former Mayor also stated that he had clicked photos and posted on the municipal WhatsApp group and Mayor Rohit Monserrate had taken action. “But they are back again,” Madkaikar said. “CCP has decided to work out a permanent solution to this menace and it was one of the main issues discussed at the CCP meeting Wednesday,” said Madkaikar.
