TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
CALANGUTE: About 40 Nigerians had a closed-door meeting with officials of Nigerian Embassy at Calangute Sunday morning.
The Nigerians had gathered at Calangute 10 Towers in front of Calangute Panchayat where they interacted with officials from Nigerian Embassy.
A large police force was deployed at the site where DIG KK Vyas and SP North Priyanka Kashyap personally monitored the area along with Police Inspectors Nilesh Rane (Calangute), Tushar Vernekar (Mapusa), Shivram Vaingankar (Porvorim) and other staff.
After the meeting, the Nigerians quickly moved in their two-wheelers and hired vehicles and did not want to interact with anyone. The media photographers too were stopped from covering the meeting.
After DIG Vyas left the site, SP Kashyap was closeted with PI Rane, PI Vernekar and PI Vaingankar for almost
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half an hour.
DIG Vyas told Herald that it was a brief interaction between the Nigerians and the Embassy officials led by one Jacob from the Consulate.
“Jacob interacted with the Nigerians and briefed them, but details were not known as we were not party to the meeting. We only provided security to the Nigerian officials and the community,” informed DIG Vyas.
“However, I had a brief chat with Jacob putting it straight that Nigerians with legitimate documents would face no problems in Goa, but those indulging in illegal activities will be handled and dealt with as per the law. Nobody will be allowed to take law into their hands and would be punished accordingly,” the DIG said.
“I also suggested to Jacob that a representative be nominated for communication between Goa Police and Nigerians, as the Nigerian community at times refuse to co-operate in matters relating to passports, visas, etc,” he said.
Vyas said it was made clear to Jacob that Nigerians will have to abide by the law of the land and co-operate with law-enforcing authorities and not indulge in any unlawful act which may ultimately lead to their punishment.
PANJIM REPORTER ADDS: DIG Vyas also disclosed that Nigerian Embassy officials may meet DGP on Monday and discussions could be on the same lines as held today. Issues pertaining to safety of legitimate Nigerian nationals in Goa and intolerance to illegal activities by those overstaying are likely to be discussed.
Meanwhile, the post mortem of the deceased Nigerian is likely to be conducted on Monday as the verification of his passport is currently on, Vyas said.
While Vyas was unwilling to divulge details on the investigations into the murder case, he disclosed that the police has identified some persons involved and are close to nabbing them.
“The murder has been committed by some locals engaged in drug trade in that area,” he said.
