MARGAO: The Margao Municipal Council (MMC) swiftly responded to citizen complaints regarding illegal gambling activity near the Old Market circle. Chief Officer Gourish Sankwalkar ordered the immediate demolition of the structures, which were removed on Friday morning.
Former MMC Chairperson Savio Coutinho expressed gratitude on behalf of the citizens, applauding the firm stance taken by the civic body in removing the illegal structures on municipal property. “We hope
that these gambling dens will not resurface in the future,” he said.
The citizens highlighted the irony of the situation, where Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had assured action against illegal gambling activities in the State, and on the same day, the gambling den had become operational on government property at Old Market, Margao.
The two structures, constructed with steel and GI sheets and featuring cement concrete flooring, were reportedly used for dice gambling games locally known as ‘Godgodd’.
Coutinho questioned how these structures were erected on municipal land, given the presence of security personnel and the frequent visits of hundreds of municipal staff members. He suggested that the support and backing of certain politicians were likely involved in erecting such structures for gambling activities.
