Team Herald
MARGAO: Despite a noticeable increase in the number of beggars in some parts of South Goa, particularly in areas like Vasco, Margao, and Fatorda, the police stations in the district have reportedly booked 141 cases under the Goa Prevention of Begging Act from January to July 21.
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South Goa Superintendent of Police Sunita Sawant said that police teams, comprising head constables and others, are taking action against the beggars. SP Sawant mentioned that 141 cases have been booked by police stations in South Goa under the Goa Prevention of Begging Act during this seven-month period, and the drive to curb the nuisance created by beggars will continue. She added, “As and when we receive complaints, our police personnel visit the identified areas to carry out inspections and take appropriate action immediately.”
It is pertinent to note that 166 cases under the Goa Prevention of Begging Act were booked from January to December 17, 2023. Margao, Fatorda, and Vasco have become hotspots for beggars, with some carrying emaciated young children while asking for alms or selling various items at traffic signals and busy junctions. Some ragpickers also join them in begging.
However, the general public feels that this trend not only poses traffic hazards but also disrupts smooth vehicular movement.
The commercial capital of Margao is the worst affected, with 74 cases booked by the police under the Prevention of Begging Act from January until July 21, 2024.
The Fatorda police booked 13 cases, while 48 were registered at the Vasco police station. Four cases were booked by Verna Police Station, and two by Maina Curtorim Police Station.
However, police stations in Cuncolim, Colva, Quepem, Curchorem, Canacona, and Sanguem did not book any cases during this period.
In 2023, 106 cases out of the 166 booked by the police under the Prevention of Begging Act were from Margao.
