log on to thegoan.net TUESDAY APRIL 7, 2026 GOA @thegoanonline Facebook.com/thegoan The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 12 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME XI, NO. 289 DEO reviews Ponda by-poll preparations, law & order enforcement 2 3 GOA MPA loses 0.5 million tonnes cargo amid Middle East crisis Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 INFO The science of retinoids in daily skin health HC cracks whip as over 120 p’yats fail to report illegal constructions DoP DIRECTED TO CONDUCT INVESTIGATION; CALLS FOR ACTION AGAINST SECRETARIES WITHIN FOUR WEEKS THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Coming down heavily on village panchayats for failing to submit compliance reports on illegal constructions, the High Court of Bombay at Goa on Monday ordered an inquiry into the failure and directed that appropriate disciplinary action be initiated against erring panchayat secretaries within four weeks. The court noted that over 120 panchayats have failed to file compliance reports despite clear directions issued earlier, terming the lapse a serious “dereliction of duty.” It has directed the Directorate of Panchayat to conduct an inquiry into the circumstances under which the secretaries failed to comply with its March 6, 2025 order. The directions were issued during the hearing of a suo motu public interest litigation concerning illegal constructions across the State. The matter has now been adjourned for further hearing on May 4. „„Had categorised illeits; Illegal constructions gal constructions in paddy fields into 5 types: „„Ordered strict Roadside/major WHAT THE action against road violations construcCOURT HAD illegalacross all in municipal artions MANDATED categories eas; violations in p’yat areas; „„Mandated commercial illegal preventive measures structures in p’yat to stop future violations areas; commercial illegal „„Expanded scope of structures in municipal lim- scrutiny beyond illegal structures to: Licensing processes & construction approvals „„Focus was on systemic failures „„Had set final deadline (April 6) for p’yats to submit affidavits detailing permissions granted to commercial establishments In its detailed order dated March 6, 2025, the High Court had laid down multiple directions for authorities to act against illegal constructions and implement preventive measures. It had categorised such constructions into five segments to streamline enforcement. The first category includes illegal structures along roadsides or major roads within municipal areas, while the second pertains to similar violations within panchayat jurisdictions. The third category covers illegal constructions in lives. Last week, the court had granted what it described as a final extension to village panchayats to file sworn affidavits detailing permissions issued to commercial establishments, setting April 6 as the deadline. During the previous hearing on March 23, a Division Bench of Justice Valmiki Menezes and Justice Amit Borkar Jamsandekar had observed that while some panchayats submitted affidavits on the day of the hearing, several others remained non-compli- panchayat areas being used for commercial purposes, and the fourth relates to commercial illegal structures within municipal limits. The fifth category involves illegal constructions in paddy fields. While the case initially focused on illegal constructions, the High Court later expanded its scope to examine systemic lapses in the grant of licences and construction approvals, particularly in the wake of the fatal fire at the “Birch by Romeo Lane” restaurant in Arpora on December 6, 2025, which claimed 25 ant despite repeated opportunities. The Bench has directed panchayat secretaries to disclose, through affidavits, complete details of construction permissions, trade licences and occupancy certificates issued to commercial establishments as part of a broader audit into regulatory lapses. The issue dates back to 2024, when the High Court took suo motu cognisance of rampant illegal constructions on government land and along state and national highways. In March last year, the court had strongly criticised the State government for allowing unchecked and unauthorised development. “Open spaces are being encroached upon. Paddy fields are being converted without permission. Roads and road-widening areas are encroached upon. Illegal constructions are also coming up in no-development zones. The competent authorities either do not act or avoid taking such action,” the court had observed. 9 SPORTS Preeti Pawar stuns Oly bronze medallist to enter Asian Boxing final Deadly cocktail killed MP student, finds initial probe Bedside test confirms multi-drug intake AGNELO PEREIRA THE GOAN I MAPUSA What was initially suspected to be a case of drug overdose has now been confirmed, with preliminary medical findings revealing that the 21-year-old youth from Indore died after consuming a lethal cocktail of multiple substances. Highly placed sources told The Goan that a rapid bedside toxicology screening conducted shortly after the youth was brought to Goa Medical College and Hospital for post mortem, revealed the presence of six different psychoactive substances, all detected well beyond permissible cut-off levels. The substances identified include amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy), cannabis, benzodiazepines and alcohol – a potent and often fatal mix when consumed together. “All six substances tested positive and significantly above the threshold levels. This clearly indicates a case of overdose due to combined drug intake,” a senior source familiar with the findings disclosed. Doctors say such combi- PRELIMINARY FINDINGS „„Bedside toxicology screening finds 6 drugs „„All levels well above limits „„Substances: amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA, cannabis, benzodiazepines, alcohol „„This causes central nervous system overload/ depression „„Risks cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, organ collapse „„Death possible within minutes nations can severely depress or overstimulate the central nervous system, leading to cardiac arrest, respiratory failure or multi-organ collapse – any of which could prove fatal within minutes. report will provide a clearer toxicological profile,” the source added. Preliminary findings, final report awaited The bedside screening, often used for quick detection, has provided crucial early clues in the case. However, officials clarified that viscera samples have already been sent to the forensic laboratory in Verna and a detailed chemical analysis report is awaited to conclusively establish the exact cause of death. “This is a preliminary but strong indicator. The confirmatory forensic CRAFTING AN EXPERIENCE: THE MAKING OF GOA CASHEW FEST Detailed biodiversity impact Speeding high-end car snuffs study sought on rail project out young life at Dona Paula IN SHORT >> Fresh concerns over threat to sanctuary >PG 6 Power shutdown in S Goa on April 12 MARGAO: Power consumers in South Goa have been alerted to a scheduled shutdown on April 12, as the Electricity Department undertakes annual maintenance of key infrastructure. The shutdown will cover 220 kV EHV substations at Xeldem and Cuncolim, the 110 kV substation at Verna, along with interstate and intrastate transmission lines. Power supply will cut from 7 am to 4 pm.  >> See pg 2 Autopsy nails foul play in guard’s death MAPUSA: In a significant development, the death of a 53-year-old security guard in Siolim, initially treated as an unnatural death, has now been confirmed as a case of murder following the autopsy report. The deceased was found lying under a tree at Costa Vaddo, where he was employed.  >> See pg 3 SHWETA KAMAT MAHATME THE GOAN I PANAJI The Regional Empowered Committee (REC) of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has raised fresh concerns over the ecological implications of the proposed Kulem–Kalem railway doubling project, seeking a comprehensive assessment of its impact on biodiversity within the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary. KULEM-KALEM RAIL DOUBLING The committee, during its meeting held on March 26, has deferred its decision on Goa’s request to revoke the abeyance order on diversion of 15.6 hectares of forest land for the project -- the request which was rejected in March 2025, too. It has instead directed the State government to undertake a cumulative impact assessment through the Wild- REC’S KEY NOTINGS „„RVNL engaged WII, but report inadequate and limited to mitigation measures „„Did not comprehensively assess ecological and biodiversity impacts on the sanctuary „„Emphasises need for detailed impact analysis, not just mitigation „„Focus required on protected areas within Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary „„Suggests inclusion of sustainable strategies to address adverse impacts „„Directs State to conduct impact assessment via WII life Institute of India (WII) and place the findings before the State Wildlife Board and the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), or the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC), for appraisal and approval before approaching the REC again. During deliberations, the REC observed that while Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), the project’s implementing agency, had engaged the WII, the institute’s report was limited to suggesting mitigation measures and failed to comprehensively examine the project’s impact on the sanctuary’s ecology and biodiversity. “The report must not be confined to mitigation measures alone but should include a detailed analysis of the likely impact on protected areas under the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, along with sustainable strategies to address adverse effects,” the REC noted in its meeting minutes. >Continued on P5  ANOTHER IN CRITICAL CONDITION  CRASH SPARKS FRESH ROAD SAFETY CONCERNS The youth had reportedly collapsed while attending a late-night party in Anjuna last week. Eyewitness accounts suggest there was initial confusion at the venue, with delays in recognising the seriousness of his condition and arranging timely medical assistance. Police sources indicated that statements of party organisers, attendees and associates are being recorded to piece together the sequence of events leading to the incident. >Continued on P5 Registration must for Ganesh idol vendors; July 15 deadline set THE GOAN I NETWORK was declared dead on arrival due to severe head injuries. Arun suffered major injuries to his head and leg, and his condition is said to be critical. Panaji police are investigating whether the driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. The incident has sparked renewed concerns over >Continued on P5 >Continued on P5 The Mini Cooper that was involved in the fatal mishap at Dona Paula. (Inset) The ill-fated bike. allegedly being driven at a very high speed, lost control and crashed head-on into the oncoming two-wheeler. The impact of the collision was so severe that both victims were flung into the air before hitting the road. Locals and hospital staff rushed to assist the victims immediately after hearing the loud crash. Diksha was shifted to the nearby hospital but Collapse at party raises questions PANAJI Tightening regulations ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival against sale of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols, the Director of Environment has mandated compulsory registration of all Ganesh idol vendors by July 15, warning that those who fail to comply will not be allowed to sell or import idols in the State. Issuing detailed directions under the Environment (Protection) Act, the government has tasked the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) with developing and maintaining an online portal for vendor registration, which will also be accessible to authorities and the general public. Only registered vendors will be permitted to operate from 2026. The series of directives issued as per MoEF&CC is aimed at reducing environmental damage caused by PoP idols and ensuring a shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly practices during THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI A 23-year-old woman was killed on the spot after a highspeed luxury car rammed into a two-wheeler at Dona Paula late Sunday night -- an accident that has once again brought road safety concerns in the area into sharp focus. The deceased has been identified as Diksha Parwarkar (23), a native of Karnataka, who was working at Hotel Cidade de Goa in Dona Paula. The two-wheeler rider, D Arun, a resident of Margao originally from Chennai and also employed at the same hotel, sustained serious injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital. The car driver, identified as Darius Dias (22), a resident of Chicolna, Bogmalo-Vasco, has been taken into custody, and an FIR has been registered. According to police and eyewitnesses, the accident occurred near Manipal Hospital when a yellow Mini Cooper, 12 Mauvin faces party heat after Custodial torture: 9 TN cops get death sentence MAJOR OBSERVATIONS OF THE COURT joining offer to alliance MLA AGENCIES DAMU SLAMS REMARK, CALLS IT ‘IRRESPONSIBLE’ THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI A week after BJP Minister Mauvin Godinho stirred a political row by offering party entry to alliance MLA Jit Arolkar -- drawing sharp objections from MGP leaders -- the issue has escalated within the BJP, with party president Damodar Naik publicly rebuking Godinho for his “irresponsible” remark and cautioning party leaders to exercise restraint and discipline in public statements. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Naik said that only those unaware of the party’s discipline and organisational functioning would make such “irresponsible” and “baseless” statements. “When you are in the BJP, one needs to understand that the party has its own ideology, organisational setup and discipline. As a senior leader, one is expected to make responsible statements. Only a person who has not understood the party’s functioning, or is not a cadre, will make such irresponsible remarks,” Naik said. Terming the statement as “completely irresponsible,” Naik, however, refrained from disclosing any specific action against Godinho, while indicating that the matter would not be taken lightly. He further underlined that all MLAs and party workers are bound by party discipline. “We have not given freedom to any MLA or party worker to make baseless statements in >Continued on P5 MADURAI n a verdict that echoes with the weight of justice long delayed, a court in Tamil Nadu’s Madurai district on Monday pronounced the ultimate punishment – death -- for nine policemen convicted in the brutal custodial killings of trader P Jayaraj and his son J Benicks. Those sentenced include Inspector Sridhar, Sub-Inspectors Balakrishnan and Raghu Ganesh, along with police personnel Murugan, Samadurai, Muthuraja, Chelladurai, Thomas Francis, and Veilumuthu -- names now etched in a case that stands as a grim reminder of power abused and justice I „„Father-son stripped, brutally assaulted in front of each other as an act of vendetta „„The heart shudders” at the brutality described „„Identifies incident as a clear abuse of police authority „„States public servants cannot justify such acts citing stress „„Observes truth may have been buried without HC monitoring „„Notes extreme brutality, including merciless beatings with weapons „„Crime has shocked collective conscience of society „„Classifies it among “rarest of rare” cases THE CASE: The custodial torture dates back to June 19, 2020, when Jayaraj and Benicks, who ran a mobile shop, were arrested for allegedly keeping their shop open beyond permitted hours during the lockdown, a claim later found to be false reclaimed. Underlining that this was a "case of abuse of authority", the court maintained that there are many honest police officers in Tamil Nadu and that the ruling will not "instill fear among police". "Father and son stripped, ruthlessly assaulted... Heart shudders reading about it," the court said. Delivering the verdict, the court made scathing observations on the conduct of the accused policemen. It said the father and son were "stripped and ruthlessly assaulted in front of each other as an act of vendetta". The court emphasised that the case was a clear instance of abuse of authority, noting that "those who receive public money as salary cannot cite stress as a reason" for such acts. It also remarked that but for the continuous monitoring by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, "the truth would have been buried." Terming the brutal custodial torture and subsequent death of traders as the "rarest of rare" cases, the CBI had pressed for the maximum penalty of a death sentence.