TEAM HERALD
CALANGUTE: Welcoming the government’s plans to amend the Health Act to tackle prostitution rackets in spas and massage parlours, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo has said the police will now be in a better position to curb illegal activities with the cooperation and support of concerned residents.
“The proposed amendment to the Health Act is a welcome sign to put an end to the prostitution rackets especially in coastal villages and it will greatly benefit residents of Calangute,” said Lobo at a news conference in his office at Calangute on Saturday. “The government has proposed an amendment to the Health Act to permit raids on suspicious spas and massage parlours without the mandatory presence of NGOs. The Deputy Superintendent of Police can now raid a suspicious establishment with any lady constable in a bid to end illegal trades prevailing in dubious spas and massage parlours.”
“The amendment will help Goa Police keep a check on illegal activities with the cooperation and support of residents. The villagers should now come forward and inform the police, local sarpanch, respective MLAs or authorities concerned regarding any illegalities at a particular business establishment.”
Stating that four spas had been shut down in Calangute, Lobo added, “Others are likely to face the axe sooner or later. However, I would urge the police to carry out their duties without being directed to stop such illegal activities as the beat police teams are well aware of dubious activities in the particular areas.”
