Team Herald
PANJIM: Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte has slammed the Pramod Sawant-led government over its “failure to tackle the law and order” situation and accused the chief minister of being hand-in-glove with all criminal activities in the State.
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Addressing a press conference on Saturday, Khaunte alleged that law and order was deteriorating in the State, and in support of his claim, cited the recent attack in the La Calypso resort-cum-land casino and sudden decision to revoke Section 144 CrPC .
“Section 144 CrPC was invoked due to terror threats. We (the Opposition) didn’t speak because it is a matter of security, but when people started questioning its enforcement and impact on the upcoming Carnaval and Shigmo, the CM suddenly decides to withdraw the section. What does this show? Does bureaucracy work like this, because the order of Section 144 CrPC was signed by the North Collector?” he said questioning the seriousness of the threat input.
He also lamented the deteriorating law and order pointing at the violence at La Calypso casino wherein staff were held hostage by the miscreants in the wee hours on February 13. The incident saw arrest of 38 suspects and the casino operator has claimed theft of casino chips worth Rs 10-15 crore and Rs 2.5 crore cash.
In the wake of these incidents, he also took the opportunity to question the abrupt change in investigation into the death of ex-Sarpanch Prakash Naik. “The CM is hand-in-glove to protect the minister (Mauvin Godinho) and his brother Wilson (accused in the case). The probe is moving in a different direction that is not secured for common men. How can the investigation, which was earlier probed as abetment to suicide is now being investigated as murder?” he asked hinting at political interference into the ongoing probe.
“All Goans should open their eyes and give their opinion on various subjects concerning our State like Mhadei, upcoming Zilla Panchayat elections, law and order, Section 144 CrPC and finance,” he said.
The former Revenue Minister further said that government’s increasing borrowings was proving no gain for the common man. “None of the projects has been taken off, staff in some departments has not got their salary, contractors are not paid… as I have already said this government has no vision, no finance and is only making talks. The financial burden on the State is only increasing,” he said alleging that CM is immature to handle the situations.
