Lobo was speaking to media persons following reports about the Calangute Panchayat’s demand to Inspector General of Police Sunil Garg to stop illegal night clubs and prostitution in Calangute.
“If the Calangute Panchayat feels that there are illegal night clubs carrying out activities like prostitution, etc, they should demolish the illegal structures and I will support their decision,” stated Lobo.
“The IGP cannot stop the activities at night clubs or pubs, as NOCs for electricity and water connections, besides permissions to run restaurants, are being issued by the local body, which is the Calangute Panchayat,” he added.
“The Calangute Panchayat claims that there are five illegal night clubs or pubs carrying out illegal activities including prostitution in the village. It is, therefore, high time that the local body revokes the NOCs and permissions granted to them and close the business premises,” said Lobo.
“Since my election as Calangute MLA, I have been instrumental in shutting down 14 dance bars or pubs carrying out illegal activities in the business establishments with the support and co-operation of Calangute Panchayat and then PI Nolasco Raposo.”
“There have been pressures to re-open the dance bars, but I refused to give in, but a few people have been carrying on with the illegal activities for sake of money. I will support Calangute Panchayat in their demand to shut down the dance bars or pubs, as the local body can do it themselves and they need not go to IGP to shut it down.”
“The IGP cannot shut down the dance bars or pubs, but it is the local body which has to act tough. If Calangute Panchayat is unwilling to do so, then I will act as per the guidelines of North Goa Planning and Developing Authority, but I will solicit the support of the village body,” added Lobo.
