PANJIM: The ‘Ghosts Who Walk’ have come alive in Panjim with the sole intention of extorting money from owners of clubs, resorts, restaurants and shacks in North Goa.
Since the last three days, a series of meetings have been held in a well-known resort in the Capital, and all those who have been silenced by the High Court order were in attendance.
Responsible echelons of the police establishment have confided that a notorious duo, who claim to have blessings of a top politician literally set the ball rolling by first announcing the reason for holding the meeting and their proximity to the powers-that-be, and smilingly dealt out the ‘Pay-and-play’ concept.
“You have been silenced by the High Court order and cannot play loud music beyond 10 pm. We can do everything for you, provided you pay a monthly amount to us,” they told the gathering. “You either pay and play music or perish,” they added.
They then introduced themselves as “Ghosts” who could “take you either to heaven or hell” with the mighty politician’s blessings.
A threat was then issued. The duo is believed to have said that they have the powers to unleash the might of the GST, Sales Tax, Income Tax, the police and even the ED on those who choose not to pay. And in order to make it appear that they mean business, they took a photo of all those present at the meeting, said sources.
The pay-and-play price tag was between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 30 lakh per month. However, Goan players in the North Goa party scene were offered a special concession.
Sources at the meeting said that most of them obliged as this season would end in a couple of months.
However, most of those playing loud music in clubs behind closed doors refused to pay the amount and left the meeting in a huff. The angry Ghost duo then threatened to unleash the cops on them and their businesses, sources revealed.
Sources also reveal that over the past few days, those who have paid the ‘fee’ have been allowed to play music, while the rest were silenced.
In Anjuna, a government officer is allegedly the main collection agent of the notorious duo. He also organises trance music parties.
This entire issue has now run into a controversy. Club owners in Calangute have refused to entertain the duo and their agents, and knocked at the doors of the local MLA, who has now taken up the issue.
ALL IS NOT WELL IN THE BJP
On Monday, MLA Michael Lobo alleged that there is an extortion racket targeting the owners of some well-known and popular restaurants in Calangute.
He alleged there were two persons contacting and threatening the owners of popular restaurants-nightspots and demanding protection money from them. However, he did not identify the two.
“Some renowned restaurants in Calangute have been threatened and told to give protection money to two people. The two are not from Calangute. Extortion at this level has never happened before,” Lobo said.
He said that he would be writing to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and the Director General of Police to investigate the alleged racket, and would be making a written complaint to the Calangute police.
Lobo said that he has started his own investigation. “Goa is dependent on tourism and you can’t kill the goose that lays the golden egg. We need to protect our tourism businesses,” he said.
Reacting to the Calangute MLA’s allegation, CM Sawant said that Lobo should file a written complaint with the police if there is any evidence and not to simply spoil anybody’s name. “We are ready to arrest the culprits,” said the Chief Minister.
