NGO ready to work as anti-narcotics cell to check drug mafias

Panaji, Mar 26 (UNI) A Goan NGO expressed its readiness to play the role of anti-narcotics cell to cleanse drug mafias from Goan beaches, if the government fails to do so.

''If the government is incapable of dealing with the drug offenders, we are ready to undertake the challenge and play the role of anti-narcotics cell,'' said Utt Goenkara NGO's spokesperson Adv Aires Rodrigues told in a largely attended public meeting in North Goa's Chapora last evening.

This was in the backdrop of the alleged rape and murder of British teenager Scarlett Eden Keeling, whose semi-clad body was found in shallow sea water at infamous Anjuna beach, adjoining Chapora on February 18 that attracted global media attention.

He had also revealed that Anjuna-based life convict Roy Fernandes, whose illegal underground discotheque was ordered to be closed by the authorities, was responsible for misleading, misguiding and blowing the Keeling's case out of proportion.

Roy Fernandes, who had served as personal assistant to former Minister Fatima De Sa was sentenced to life imprisonment in a murder case and was currently out on bail pending his appeal to Supreme Court, Mr Rodrigues said.

Stating that Roy Fernandes was a fit case for cancellation of bail, Mr Rodrigues alleged that Roy while on bail was involved in illegal activities and was also booked by the Calangute police.

He had urged the Goa government to send a clear message to the world that tourists looking for drugs, sex and other illegal activity were not welcomed in Goa.

Utt Goenkara joint convenor Jeevan Mayekar demanded that suspended Professor and Head of Forensic Medicine of Goa Medical College Dr Silvano Dias Sapeco, be dismissed from service for his repeated bungling of post-mortem examination reports.

Mr Mayekar also demanded revocation of the suspension of Sub-Inspector Nerlon Albuquerque of Anjuna Police Station who was sought to be made a scapegoat out of political vendetta.

Highlighting the pathetic condition of Goa's crumbling infrastructure, city corporator Adv Avinash Bhonsle stated that Goa's filthy beaches were attracting a class of tourists who were more of a nuisance than value to Goa's economy.

Utt Goenkara convenor Amol Navelkar outlined the need for Goans to unite and save what remains of Goa.

UNI BM SP HT1230