Goa is grappling with a troubling surge in lawlessness, marked by rising extortion and public disturbances, prompting fierce criticism of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's administration. The state’s law and order situation has reached a crisis point, raising alarms not only among the public but also within the BJP ranks. Recent revelations include disturbing allegations against BJP MLA Sankalp Amonkar from Mormugao.
A leaked audio clip purportedly features Amonkar threatening a water sports operator on Baina Beach, demanding over one lakh rupees under the threat of shutting down the business. This incident has sparked widespread outrage and underscores a broader pattern of coercive behavior attributed to Amonkar, who is reportedly a close ally of the Chief Minister.
This pattern of intimidation is fueling growing unrest among locals and businesses, with many considering leaving the state due to the pervasive atmosphere of fear. Allegations suggest that Amonkar’s alleged impunity is linked to his close relationship with Sawant, leading to accusations that he is leveraging this connection to act with impunity.
Further highlighting the deteriorating situation, BJP South Goa District President Tulshidas Naik was reportedly assaulted at the Sancoale MRF garbage treatment plant. The incident, witnessed by Cortalim Independent MLA Anton Vaz and local police, saw no intervention from law enforcement, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of the state's policing.
In a sharp critique of Sawant’s leadership, Goa Congress President Amit Patkar condemned the administration on social media, declaring that Goa is now under "goonda raj," where even BJP members are not immune to violence and threats. Patkar's post underscored the severe breakdown in law and order, suggesting that the current government is failing to protect its citizens and should no longer remain in power. The inaction of the police, who were present but did nothing to address the assault, further complicates the situation.
Critics argue that political pressure may be compromising the integrity and effectiveness of law enforcement, allowing criminal activities to flourish unchecked.
