Say gambling, prostitution is order of the day; blame PI Sudesh Naik
TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: This might leave the Parrikar-led government embarrassed and red-faced as BJP workers on Monday came out openly against rampant gambling and prostitution in the commercial capital.
Party leaders came down heavily on Margao police station in-charge, PI Sudesh Naik for the deteriorating law and order situation in the city, while demanding his immediate transfer. They now plan to take up the matter with Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who also holds the Home portfolio to stem the rot in the town.
Addressing the media, party executive committee members Naveen Raikar said ‘godgoddo’ gambling was taking place in the open near the Margao flyover, at old market tinto and other places right under the nose of the Margao police, but there’s no action coming from the men in uniform. “I had told PI Naik on the gambling activities, but there’s no action. Today, we talk about casinos, but in Margao slot machines and godgoddo gambling do roaring business. The crime detection rate in Margao is hovering at 32 per cent compared to 98 per cent at the neighbouring Maina-Curtorim police station,” Raikar said while urging the government to make Margao gambling free.
Replying to a question, he said the law and order situation in Margao has been down the gutters since the last 10 years, indicating that the situation has not improved after the new government assumed office.
BJP state secretary Sheikh Jina held Margao PI Sudesh Naik responsible for the rising gambling and prostitution activities in the city. “In one instance, former MLA Damu Naik had told the PI to stop godgoddo in the town, but the police reached the spot only after two hours, giving enough time for the accused to flee,” Jina said.
Recalling the theft in his shop couple of months ago, Jina said PI Naik has not visited his shop till date, predicting that Margao will face bad days if PI Naik is not transferred forthwith. “When there was some trouble at the Housing Board mosque, PI Naik was seen around with anti-social elements,” he added.
Another local BJP worker, and general secretary of Gandhi Market Citizens Welfare Association, Riyaz Sheikh said gambling activities in the Gandhi Market have reached a new high with police turning a blind eye to the illegal activity.
