IGP reviews security in North Goa’s coastal belt

NT NETWORK
Posted on 2008-12-11
PANAJI — The Inspector General of Police, Mr Kishen Kumar on Wednesday toured North Goa’s coastal belt to review the existing security measures and find out if there are any lacunae in the security apparatus. Sources say that he also went to Mollem in a private car to check the security arrangements at the check post and is said to have found everything in place.
It may be recalled the IGP had been touring the state after the Mumbai blasts to check security measures and had even unearthed a “scam” at the check post where the vehicles were allowed to pass through by paying a measly Rs 10 even after the security had allegedly been tightened by the police.
Meanwhile, the Panaji town police too have stepped up security in view of the forthcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations by deploying armed police force at strategic points that include the city’s entry and exit.
Speaking to the media, the Panaji town police inspector, Mr Francisco Corte said that Quick Response Team (QRT) consisting of a PSI and three constables would be patrolling the KTC bus stand, Miramar beach, Dona Paula and other sensitive areas, and added that the QRT would be on 24-hour patrol.
Besides this he said that they would be deploying armed police to guard the Santa Monica jetty, Miramar beach, Dona Paula, Hotel Cidade de Goa, Vaiguinim beach, Hotel Marriot and the Panaji municipal market.
He said this was being done in view of the fast approaching Christmas season and New Year celebrations. Police also that security at the police headquarters has been tightened.
Meanwhile, the tourist police have organised a drive against Lamanis, hawkers and vendors from Saturday onwards and 67 persons have been detained booked under the Tourist Trade Act.
This drive was carried out at Sinquerim, Candolim, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Vagator, Ashvem, Mandrem and Arambol beaches in the North and Cavelossim, Majorda and Benaulim beaches in the South. Seventeen persons were detained for action under the Police Act.
The 67 detained persons were produced before the deputy director of tourism who imposed fine under Tourist trade Act and collected a fine of Rs 14,800 from them.
Meanwhile, sources on condition of anonymity have said that there was a security lapse at the Governor’s palace when an unauthorised car managed to enter the high security zone. However, the police refused to confirm this.