log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline THURSDAY DECEMBER 18, 2025 GOA ZP polls: Test of AAP’s ‘governance model’ in Salcete >> See PG 5 15 years later, proposed Zilla Panchayat Bhavan remains distant dream IN SHORT >> Stakes high as ZP poll campaign ends PANAJI: Campaigning for the December 20 Zilla Panchayat elections in the State drew to a close at 5 pm on Wednes‑ day, setting the stage for a keenly contested battle among the State’s major political players. >> See pg 2 Cabo de Rama hotel faces further action CANACONA: Days after the Joint Enforcement and Mon‑ itoring Committee ordered the sealing of The Cape Goa at Cabo de Rama, the Deputy Collector, Margao, has writ‑ ten separate letters to the Goa Coastal Zone Manage‑ ment Authority (GCZMA), the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) and the Tourism Department, seeking further action against the es‑ tablishments as per existing rules.  >> See pg 3 Dabolim gas pipeline rupture sparks scare VASCO: A gas leakage incident triggered panic at Vales junction at Dabolim on Wednesday afternoon after an underground pipeline was accidentally ruptured during excavation work.  >> See pg 5 House gutted at Nanora BICHOLIM: A fire destroyed Umesh Kanolkar’s house in Bamanwada, Nano‑ ra-Bicholim, on Wednesday, burning cash of Rs 3.5 lakh— kept partly for a relative’s wedding—and other valu‑ ables, causing losses of Rs 7-8 lakh. Kanolkar, who had switched off electricity before leaving, demanded a probe.  >> See pg 5 Kundra, Shilpa in cheating case MUMBAI: Businessman Raj Kundra and his actor-wife Shilpa Shetty, facing Mumbai police probe in a Rs 60-crore criminal breach of trust case, have now been charged with cheating, officials said on Wednesday. WEATHER >> Max: 31 C Min: 22 C Humidity: 43% TIDES Low: High: 03:56 08:17 15:36 23:15 Facebook.com/thegoan 14 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME XI, NO. 181 2 GOA Licences of establishments at risk over violations of fire safety norms: Dept RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 INFO The cough you shouldn’t ignore: Early warning signs of lung cancer 9 SPORTS Home hero Carey anchors Australia on hot Adelaide day 14 TRANSIT AND PROCEDURAL FORMALITIES EXECUTED UNDER WERE ESCORTED UNDER UNPRECEDENTED SECURITY CLOSE POLICE WATCH; MEDIA ACCESS RESTRICTED AGNELO PEREIRA THE GOAN I NETWORK MAPUSA Amid watertight security and tightly controlled court proceedings, the Luthra brothers – alleged accused in the deadly Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire – were flown from Delhi to Goa on Wednesday, culminating in a Mapusa court granting five days of police custody. Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, accused in the December 6 fire incident that claimed 25 lives, were brought to Goa by a special police team on a transit visa. The team landed at Manohar International Airport, Mopa, around 10.30 am, where the airport premises were heavily cordoned off as the brothers were swiftly escorted into waiting vehicles. From the airport, the police convoy headed straight to the Siolim Primary Health Centre for a mandatory medical check-up and later to the North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa. Following the medical Police escorting the Luthra brothers for a medical check-up at the Siolim Primary Health Centre. Accused taken for 3 medical check-ups within five hours MAPUSA: In a series of rapid medical examinations on Wednesday, accused brothers Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra were taken for medical check-ups thrice within five hours following their arrival in Goa. The brothers landed at Manohar International Airport, Mopa, at around 10.30 am and were immediately escorted by a police convoy to the Siolim Primary Health Centre for a mandatory medical examination. >Continued on P8 ED raids Panaji realty firm in Caranzalem land case PROBE LINKS ARCHDIOCESE OFFICIALS, SURVEY OFFICER AND BUILDER TO TENANCY FRAUD; DUBAI PROPERTY DEEDS, SALE PACT SEIZED THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Panaji Zonal Office, conducted fresh search and seizure operations in connection with a high-profile land grabbing case in Goa. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ED stated that searches were carried out on Tuesday at the residential and business premises of M/s Models Real Estate Developers and its partners in Panaji under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The action forms part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged illegal acquisition of prime land at Caranzalem. According to the ED, the case originates from an FIR registered by the Panaji Police Station and pertains to a criminal conspiracy to usurp tenanted agricultural land bearing Chalta No. 44 (New 44A) of PT Sheet No. 162 at Caranzalem, belonging to the family of Tanu Gauns. The ED investigation has revealed that the accused, in- ED SEARCH OPERATIONS „„Lawful tenant’s name deleted from Form ‘B’ using forged and fabricated documents „„Disputed property sold to Models Real Estate Developers; ‘Models Mystique’ residential project developed on site „„Sale and purchase agreement (Feb 2, 2007), Dubai property title deeds, and other incriminating documents seized „„Digital devices revealed contacts of international investors, mainly from UAE, suggesting cash-based transactions „„Additional documents revealed proof of lawful tenancy rights of Tanu Gauns and construction cost records for the apartments cluding officials of the Archdiocese of Goa and a former official of the City Survey Office, allegedly acted in connivance with late Peter Vaz, former partner of M/s Models Real Estate Developers, to fraudulently manipulate revenue records. As part of the alleged conspiracy, the name of the lawful tenant was illegally deleted from Form ‘B’ of the City Survey records using forged and fabricated documents. The agency stated that the disputed property was subsequently sold to M/s Models Real Estate Developers, repre- FAMILIES OF FREEDOM FIGHTERS WHO JOINED GOA LIBERATION MOVEMENT TO BE FETED AT LOK BHAVAN PANAJI Families of freedom fighters from Kerala who were part of the Goa Liberation Movement will be felicitated at a special programme at Lok Bhavan on Friday, December 19, marking the 64th Goa Liberation Day. According to a statement issued by Lok Bhavan–Kerala, the event, scheduled to begin at 4 pm, will be attended by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar – who hails from Goa. 3 Instagram.com/thegoanonline Luthra brothers whisked under Was tight police shield for security or special heavy security to 5-day custody FROM MOPA AIRPORT TO MAPUSAprivilege? COURT, LUTHRAS Liberation Day tribute to Kerala’s unsung heroes THE GOAN I NETWORK The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) The programme seeks to recognise the significant contributions of Kerala’s freedom fighters to the liberation of Goa, keep alive the historical legacy of the movement, especially among younger generations, and strengthen the spirit of patriotism and national unity. The statement noted that the Goa Liberation Movement was a crucial phase in India’s post-Independence history, culminating in 1961 with the end of Portuguese rule after years of sustained political, cultural and armed resistance. “Freedom fighters from several states, including Kerala, played an important role in intensifying the struggle,” it added. The Lok Bhavan further said that many Malayalis actively participated in the movement, with activists from organisations such as the Jana Sangh, Praja Socialist Party and the Communist Party at the forefront. Several volunteers faced harsh repression >Continued on P8 sented by late Peter Vaz. The partnership firm later developed a residential project, “Models Mystique,” on the land, allegedly generating further proceeds of crime. During the searches at the residential premises of Diogo Nathan Vaz and Natalina Estela Vaz at Caranzalem, and at the registered office of M/s Models Real Estate Developers at Santa Inez, the ED seized incriminating material. This included a sale and purchase agreement dated >Continued on P8 procedures, the brothers were brought to the Anjuna Police Station around 2 pm. The station resembled a virtual fortress, with restricted entry and police personnel manning both gates. A police car cavalcade drove past waiting media persons and entered the premises directly, escorting the accused inside. After completing procedural formalities, the Luthra brothers were produced before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Mapusa, for remand. The remand proceedings witnessed high drama as entry was denied to several media personnel. During the hearing, the accused once again cited health issues, prompting the JMFC to direct the police to take them for a second medical examination at the district hospital. After the medical certificates were submitted, the >Continued on P8 India-South Africa T20I in Lucknow called off due to excessive smog AGENCIES LUCKNOW The India vs South Africa 4th T20I on Wednesday was called off due to excessive smog. The BCCI earlier confirmed that the reason for the delay was excessive smog in Lucknow. Live visuals from the stadium showed severe visibility issues, with the floodlights also disrupting vision. Despite 6 inspections, the umpires could not guarantee a game due to lack of visibility. It was the 4th game of the series, with India arriving with a 2-1 lead. The two teams were on the field for warm ups, but there was clear blanket of smog in and around the stadium. Such was the adverse conditions that India all-rounder Hardik Pandya wore a mask during practice. The toss initially scheduled for 6:30 pm IST, was initially pushed back by 20 minutes hoping that the conditions become better. A series of inspections followed with fans waiting in the stands hoping to see the Men in Blue in action. The players did not enter the field after stepping into the dressing room after the first delay given the weather. THE GOAN I MAPUSA Goans pride themselves on their legendary hospitality. This week, that reputation appeared to extend beyond tourists – right into the arms of the Goa Police. From the moment Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra were flown in from Delhi on Wednesday morning, the accused brothers were cocooned in what many observers described as extraordinary, almost VIP-level security, raising uncomfortable questions about who gets special treatment in the criminal justice system. At Mopa airport, senior police officers formed a tight security ring around the brothers, ensuring no public or media access. The hospitality did not end there. The same drill was meticulously repeated at every stage of the process – from the journey to the Siolim Primary Health Centre and later to the district hospital in Mapusa for mandatory medical checks, where an un- Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra while leaving the Mapusa court under heavy police escort.  Umesh Zarmekar usually large police presence had already been deployed. The most telling spectacle unfolded at the Anjuna Police Station. Both main gates of the police station were shut from morning, effectively sealing the premises. The station itself resembled a fortress, while the media was pushed off the premises and left to fend for itself on the roadside – a rare sight in routine criminal investigations. When the Luthra brothers finally arrived, they were whisked in through a police cavalcade of four to five vehicles, speeding past waiting reporters. The operation was executed with military-like precision. Even the remand proceedings that followed added to the air of secrecy. The court hearing was conducted behind closed doors, deepening the mystery around a case that, by official standards, does not fall under terrorism, >Continued on P8 Morjim beach club seeks review of demolition order GCZMA TO HEAR REVIEW PLEA TODAY; NGT PETITION ON INACTION STILL PENDING THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI More than five months after being served a demolition order, the beach club Bastian Riviera in Morjim, owned by a Bollywood actor, has approached the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) seeking a review of its earlier decision. The authority is expected to take up the matter during its meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 18. At its 464th meeting held on July 10, 2025, the GCZMA had directed Carrick Bend Realty LLP, the firm operating the beach club, to demolish eight unauthorised structures at the site. These included high RCC plinth beams, masonry walls, MS channel structures with GI sheet roofing, RCC tanks on the western side of the property and other constructions. The authority had also suspended all prior permissions granted to the project until complete compliance with GCZMA DEMOLITION ORDER „„Eight unauthorised structures identified for demolition at Bastian Riviera, Morjim „„Illegal works include RCC plinth beams, masonry walls, MS channel structures with GI roofing, RCC tanks and other constructions „„Violations pertain to Survey Nos. 118, 118/0 and 118/1S-1 to 118/1-S-4 „„Authority ordered restoration of the site to original condition within 30 days from July 10, 2025 „„All prior approvals and permissions granted to the project were suspended until full compliance „„Failure to comply would require the Deputy Collector and SDO to initiate demolition action „„On September 7, GCZMA issued a formal demolition directive to the Bardez Deputy Collector the demolition order. The GCZMA order covered structures located in survey numbers 118, 118/0 and 118/1S-1 to 118/1-S-4, and mandated that the area be restored to its original condition within 30 days from July 10, 2025. The order had further stated that failure to comply within the stipulated period would require the Deputy Collector and Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) to initiate action. Subsequently, on September 7, the GCZMA issued a >Continued on P8 Vasco @12,951 tops the list of unmapped voters THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI he Election Commis‑ sion’s latest draft elec‑ toral roll has thrown up a whopping 1,82,403 voters across Goa marked as “un‑ mapped” – 73,235 names in North Goa and another 1,09,168 in South Goa – who now face the task of proving their citizenship before they can be officially counted in the final list. So what exactly does “unmapped” mean? In sim‑ ple terms, these are voters whose names do not appear in the post‑SIR electoral roll of 2002, nor do the names of their parents. And until they can establish their cre‑ dentials, their place on the roll remains uncertain. The numbers are T UNMAPPED VOTERS: KEY DATA „„North Goa accounts for 73,235 unmapped voters, while South Goa has 1,09,168 „„These voters’ names do not appear in the 2002 post-SIR electoral rolls, nor do the names of their parents „„Vasco tops the list with 12,951 unmapped voters, followed by Dabolim (11,211) and Cortalim (10,776) „„Margao, Fatorda, Curtorim, Ponda, Porvorim and Mormugao also report high numbers of unmapped voters „„Notices will be issued by December 20 calling affected voters for hearings before the ERO or Assistant ERO „„Voters will be required to produce one of 13 prescribed documents to prove citizenship eye‑catching. Vasco again tops the chart with 12,951 unmapped voters. The port town constituency had also topped the list for deletions – Absent, permanently shift‑ ed out of the State, dead or those with duplicate entries. Next comes Dabolim with 11,211 unmapped and Cor‑ talim with 10,776. Margao (7,789), Fatorda (7,326), Curtorim (6,185), Ponda (6,025), Porvorim (5,952), and Mormugao (5,926) also feature promi‑ nently. Even constituencies like Taleigao, Thivim, Mapu‑ sa, Santa Cruz, Calangute, Saligao, and Aldona each have between 4,700 and 5,200 unmapped names. But it’s not all heavy numbers. Some constituen‑ cies barely register on the unmapped radar. Mandrem for instance has just 1,330, while Sanguem (1,424), Pernem (1,933), Sanvordem (2,112), Nuvem (2,136), Benaulim (2,158), and St. Andre (2,340) are all on the lower side. For now, all these names are included in the draft rolls. But each of these voters will soon receive a notice from the Election Commission – by December 20 – summoning them to a hearing before the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) or Assistant ERO of their con‑ stituency. At that hearing, they’ll need to produce one of 13 specified documents to prove citizenship. Only then will their names be retained in the final roll. The exercise, part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), is aimed at cleaning up and tightening the elec‑ toral rolls ahead of future election cycles. While the process may feel daunting for those af‑ fected, the ECI has stressed that it’s about ensuring transparency and credibility in the democratic system. With 1.82 lakh voters waiting to clear the citizen‑ ship hurdle, the hearings will decide who ultimately makes it to Goa’s final elec‑ toral rolls.