PANJIM: Goa Police on Saturday clarified that persons from Maharashtra, found at a hotel in Calangute, are in fact placed under institutional quarantine.
Around 15 MH-registered two-wheelers, parked outside a hotel late Tuesday evening had created panic among residents of Tiwaiwado. The locals in a video had alleged that outsiders allowed in the State without being tested and quarantine was a compromise on their health. The police department has however denied illegal entry of individuals in the State.
“Hotel Flora Residency, Calangute is designated as a paid quarantine centre. On May 13, 2020, a total of 22 persons on valid travel permit to Goa, being permanent workers at Verna Industrial Centre were admitted to Flora Residency for mandatory paid quarantine. Some of these persons had come on their motorcycles, which were parked outside the hotel,” a statement issued by Public Relations Officer (SP) Shobhit Saxena said.
Since a video with “mischievous intent” was circulated, the local police arrested a Calangute resident. Saxena said, “A video of mischievous intent of causing alarm and unrest was published irresponsibly by one Joao Walter Lobo, of Agarvaddo in Calangute. Accordingly, he was booked by the Calangute Police for irresponsibly spreading fake news.”
The officer said all claims made in the video were investigated and found to be false.
“There were no illegal entrants from neighbouring States and no one was found moving about. All persons were strictly under quarantine,” Saxena said.
The department has urged the people not to spread fake news and reach out to the police on 112 in case of doubts or queries.
