Crime graph soars in Mapusa market, merchants demand urgent action

MAPUSA: The Mapusa Merchants Association (MMA) are alarmed over the recent surge in robberies within the market area. They stated that, three such thefts had taken place within a short period. Merchants within the market have faced significant financial losses due to these criminal activities perpetrated by individuals believed to be masquerading as vendors from outside the area. 

Alongside these robberies, the loitering of vagrants and intoxicated individuals in the market, both day and night, has added to the security concerns of the vendors.

The MMA has appealed to the law enforcement authorities for increased security measures to safeguard the Mapusa Market. They have specifically asked for increased surveillance during night hours, citing that most of the robberies occur after nightfall. Additionally, the Association emphasized the need for augmented police patrols, particularly on Fridays, a day on which numerous incidents of pickpocketing and chain snatching happen. Adding to the distressing scenario, the MMA highlighted the illicit solicitation of customers by alleged commercial sex workers near the market’s entrance and along the main road during afternoon and evening hours. The Association emphasized the essence of the market as a public space meant for families and legitimate commercial activities, not for anti-social behaviour.

The MMA has appealed to law enforcement authorities to take immediate action against these criminal activities and ensure the restoration of a safe and secure environment within the market.

Bihar native held for theft

MAPUSA: The Mapusa police arrested a Bihar native for allegedly being involved in theft at five shops at the municipal market.

According to the police, a call was received from the market in the early morning of December 19, 2023, at 0500 am that theft had taken place in some of the shops of the municipal market. Acting on the call, Mapusa Police immediately intercepted the accused Chandan Das (21), a resident of Mapusa, and native of Bihar, for committing theft by damaging one beauty parlour and at hotel Shantadurga in the Municipal Market.

An FIR has been registered under sections 457, 380, 427 and 511 of IPC. The stolen property comprising electronic items and cash were recovered at the instance of the accused.