Team Herald
PANJIM: AAP leader Cecille Rodriques on Tuesday claimed to have uncovered a “scam” at the Patradevi checkpost allowing visitors without COVID negative certificate to enter the State by paying a bribe of just Rs 250.
A person who travelled in a luxury bus narrated to Rodriques how the bus operator took Rs 250 from passengers without a negative certificate and even encouraged those who were taking the RAT test to pay bribes.
It may be recalled that just before the Ganesh Chaturthi, the government said it was prepared for the third wave. It also came up with a restrictive SOP for families celebrating Chaturthi at home that it had to pull back after a huge public outcry. While they have rules galore for Goans, people are being let into the State without any checks and rampant corruption abounds.
It may be noted that in May, that AAP Goa convenor Rahul Mhambre revealed that many people who came in through Mapusa station were not being tested during the second wave.
“It is unforgivable that despite losing so many lives during the second wave the government is still welcoming coronavirus into the State. Border officials are making a quick buck at the expense of the lives of Goenkars,” he claimed.
“We are witnessing Maharashtra experiencing a rise in cases, yet our authorities are least bothered. The government should stop their fake promises and ensure those sitting at the checkpost get serious to protect Goan lives. How can they excuse these bribes being taken to allow people coming in? Is the cost of a Goan life Rs 250,” asked AAP Goa leader Cecille Rodrigues.
