log on to thegoan.net @thegoaneveryday WEDNESDAY MAY 3, 2023 GOA Facebook.com/thegoaneveryday The Goan (Playstore) 14 pages PRICE ` 8 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME VIII, NO. 315 Welcome to Margao's spick & span wholesale fish market 2 GOA Mopa taximen continue protest, plan ‘rasta roko’ today 3 Instagram.com/thegoaneveryday RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 INFO Reasons why you should never use skincare wipes 9 SPORTS IPL: Capitals defends 130 to stun table-topping Titans 14 Drug lab busted at Anjuna, HC declines to order disposal of pleas within a time frame sleuths net huge quantity DISQUALIFICATION PETITIONS Says ‘exceptional circumstances’ exist THE GOAN I NETWORK ACCUSED SUPPLIED NARCOTICS TO LOCAL NETWORKS THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI In another major drug bust by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Goa Unit, the officials exposed an LSD manufacturing unit operating from Anjuna and seized huge quantum of a variety of drugs in addition to Indian and foreign currencies. The crackdown confirms massive demand for the specific party drugs in Goa. The raid was a follow-up to NCB’s recent crackdown at Arambol on April 28, wherein three peddlers including Russians -- an Olympic medallist and an ex-cop -- were arrested. “In follow up to information that led to seizures of multiple party drugs on April 28, further intelligence was developed which strongly indicated the presence of a wholesale manufacturer in the region. Accordingly, various intelligence sources were approached to gain addition-  NCB INTELLIGENCE PAYS DIVIDENDS (Zonal Director, NCB, Amit Ghawate) „„After Arambol crackdown, info indicated presence of a wholesale manufacturer in the region „„Various localized networks were approaching a big-time manufacturer through various platforms for drugs „„Credible info revealed that this accused was manufacturing drugs „„Surveillance identified premise used as a clandestine lab „„NCB officials raids premises, seizes multiple illicit drugs „„Accused was in contact with other syndicates across various cities for, some of whom are of foreign nationality al information about the suspected manufacturer,” Zonal Director, NCB, Amit Ghawate said. He further informed that on rigorous analysis, one A Kundu was identified to be operating from tourist popular Anjuna. In further intelligence gathered by NCB, it came to the fore that various localized networks were approach- ing a big-time manufacturer through various platforms for the supply of drugs, primarily LSD. The officer said that it was hereafter that Kundu’s role was established after which close surveillance was mounted upon him. “Soon, credible information was received which conclusively derived the input that Kundu was in 2 youth held with drugs at Vagator PANAJI: The Crime Branch sleuths on Tuesday arrested two youth while they were in possession of drugs valued at Rs 1.05 lakh. Vikram Uppar, aged 21 years and Sahil Ujjaniya, aged 26 years, both natives of Maharashtra were arrested with 1.5 kg Ganja during a raid at Vagator. CB SP Nidhin Valsan informed that the alleged peddlers were caught red-handed in possession of the drugs which are worth Rs 1.05 lakh in the international market. the process of manufacturing drugs for the supply order. By the time surveillance work by the field unit led to the identification of the premise used as a clandestine lab, officials of NCB-Goa chalked out a tactical plan to apprehend the person at his manufacturing unit. Shortly later, confirmation was received which asserted the presence of illicit drugs. To this information, NCB officials carefully entered the premises and intercepted Kundu,” Ghawate added. During the initial search, PANAJI: Following reports that Guddu Muslim, the most wanted murderer in Uttar Pradesh, sought refuge in Goa, Goa Police have refuted these claims. Senior officers stated that "neither is he or Shaista Parveen present in Goa, nor are they arrested from here". Curchorem shootout accused gets bail PANAJI: Prime accused in the 2022 Curchorem shootout case, Jorvis Moraes has been granted bail by High Court. Moraes was arrested in August 2022 shootout at Bansai, Curchorem. ED attaches assets in Goa, Maharashtra PANAJI: Enforcement Directorate has attached immovable assets in Maharashtra and Goa worth Rs 12.80 cr, belonging to late Shrikant Sawaikar and his family in Bank loan case. WEATHER >> Max: Min: Humidity: TIDES 34 C 24 C 83% Low: 03:23 15:30 High: 09:48 21:16 the matter, we are of the opinion that in the light of the law laid down by the Supreme Court in Keisham Meghachandra Singh (supra) the Speaker in acting as a Tribunal under the Tenth Schedule to the Constitution is bound to decide the disqualification petitions within a reasonable period,” the High Court said adding, however, that it had “no manner of doubt that the disqualification petition… will be decided expeditiously… and the law laid down in >Continued on P5 PATCH WORK? A stretch of road that caved in at St Inez on Tuesday. Of late there have been several incidents of roads caving in and around Panaji due to the Smart City works.  Narayan Pissurlenkar As mishaps keep rising, cops in dilemma over tough measures THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI A disconcerting pattern of mishaps that has re-emerged after a brief lull led to six tragic deaths within a span of two days. But while the Traffic Department is compiling quarterly reports on these accidents, officials are grappling with a vexing quandary – whether strict enforcement on the roads is tantamount to harassment or it ultimately benefits citizens who flout the motor vehicle rules. Tuesday morning’s fatal collision between two two-wheelers near Banastarim bridge incidentally occurred along the same location where the traffic officials once kept a close vigil on over-speeding. The speed radar was relocated after several citizens took to social media alleging harassment by the police. “Many have been found over-speeding along this highway. However, just a month back, we withdrew the speed radar owing to intense criticism on social media accusing the traffic officials of harassment,” a senior police official >Continued on P5 Dept caught on the wrong foot? PI transferred to non-existent post THE GOAN I NETWORK Gold ornaments worth `4.25 cr stolen from train UP murderer not in Goa, claim cops >Continued on P5 ent case. “We are not inclined to direct that the disqualification petition of the petitioner should be decided in a time bound manner as we are satisfied that there exists exceptional circumstances for which there are good reasons as to why it would not be appropriate to fix an outer limit within which the disqualification petition filed by the petitioner should be decided,” the High Court bench of Justices M S Karnik and Valmiki Sa Menezes, ruled. “Taking an overall view of All pre-primary schools asked to register with Education Dept IN SHORT >> MARGAO: A passenger travelling on the Hamsafar Express to Kerala on the Konkan Railway route complained that unknown persons robbed gold ornaments worth Rs 4.25 crore. The incident is believed to have occurred when the train reached Canacona. Konkan Railway police station DySP Gurudas Kadam informed that the complainant -- from Panvel -- was working for a goldsmith having business at Mumbai and Kerala. The complainant was sleeping on the upper berth, while the bag was locked with a chain. Co-passengers alerted the victim who was asleep when the miscreants made good their escape taking advantage of the railway crossing and under the cover of darkness. multiple illicit drugs 2,464 LSD Blots (61.97 grams), 10.47 gms MDMA powder, 76.6 gms Hashish Moist Powder, 60.5 grams Hydroponic Weed (Ganja), 3.42 gms Hashish, 25 Psilocybin Mushroom Capsules (05 grams) were seized. During a careful search of inner spaces, various types of lab equipment, huge stock of raw paper used for preparing LSD blots, paper cutting machines, droppers and several undipped square-cut paper PANAJI The Bombay High Court at Goa on Tuesday declined to issue directions to the Speaker to dispose off the disqualification petitions pending before him within a time frame instead expressing its “hope and trust” that the Speaker who had taken a stand would be disposing the petitions expeditiously. Hearing a petition filed by former Goa state Congress president Girish Chodankar who approached the High Court alleging that the Speaker had violated the outer limit of 90 days, a precedent that was set by the Supreme Court in the case of Keisham Meghachandra Singh vs. Speaker Manipur Legislative Assembly & Ors, the High Court felt that while the Speaker is bound to decide the disqualifications “within a reasonable period,” there existed “exceptional circumstances” because of which it would not be appropriate to direct the Speaker in the pres- HIGH COURT OBSERVATIONS „„We are not inclined to direct that the disqualification petition should be decided in a time-bound manner „„We are satisfied that there exists exceptional circumstances for which there are good reasons as to why it would not be appropriate to fix an outer limit „„In the light of the law laid down by SC the Speaker is bound to decide the disqualification petitions within a reasonable period „„We have no manner of doubt that the disqualification petition… will be decided expeditiously… and the law laid down is followed in its letter and spirit PANAJI Could the transfer of lady Police Inspector Sandhya Gupta be a ploy to quell the controversy surrounding the alleged failure to register an FIR in a rape case? While no new line duty positions have been established at the police headquarters, the department last Saturday ordered her ‘transfer’ to PHQ for line duty. The action was taken based on a preliminary inquiry that she delayed registering FIR, against the fact that since the victim was made to return from the women police station, a case was finally booked at Old Goa police station. Sources said the “transferred” PI completed handing PANAJI With the Goa government implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in phases, the Directorate of Education has begun the process to streamline the process of registration of nursery schools under the national policy. Accordingly, Director Shailesh Zingde has directed that all pre-primary, anganwadis, balwadis and nursery, play-way, kindergarten schools, crèche, etc apply for operating and/or continuation of their preschool under the NEP 2020 with the department. The department has set a deadline to complete the formalities by June 15, 2023 failing which appropriate action will follow. In the circular, Zingde stated that currently children in the age group of 3-6 years are not covered in the existing 10 plus 2 structure as Class I begins at the age of 6. “In the new proposed 5+3+3+4 structure, a strong base of early childhood care and education from age 3 is also included, aimed at promoting better overall learning, development and well-being of these learners,” he said. Tears roll as Pawar decides to quit NCP Party leaders stunned Workers threaten hunger strike PTI MUMBAI ationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar on Tuesday announced he has decided to step down as chief of the party he founded and helmed since 1999, in a dramatic move that could have a bearing on national and Maharashtra politics ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The announcement by Pawar at an event in Mumbai to release the updated version of his Marathi autobiography stunned leaders and workers of his party, and many were N NCP workers stage a protest after NCP chief Sharad Pawar’s announcement to step down as party president in Solapur on Tuesday. seen crying and pleading with the 82-year-old wily Maratha strongman to reconsider the surprise decision. A meeting of a committee of party leaders -- which Pawar said should decide on the election for his successor -was held at his residence later, after which his nephew Ajit Pawar announced that his uncle will need two to three days to “think over” his decision. The decision by one of the tallest Opposition leaders in the country who could bring their parties together against the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections also comes amid intense speculation over Ajit Pawar's next political move. “I am with you, but not as NCP chief,” Pawar, the master of twists and turns known for his deft political manoeuvring, told the emotional party workers. He had formed the NCP after he was expelled by the Congress for raising the issue of Sonia Gandhi's foreign origin. The announcement by the NCP president, a key Congress ally, came less than a fortnight after his daughter and Lok Sabha member Supriya Sule indicated there will be two political “blasts” in 15 days, one in Delhi and another in Maharashtra. THE GOAN I NETWORK The department is also caught in a tight situation over a verbal spat between Deputy Superintendent of Police (Valpoi) Sagar Ekoskar and the nowsuspended PI (Valpoi) Prajyot Phadte her charge to the PI Mira D’Silva on Tuesday, who replaced her following the controversy. However, with no post created at PHQ, there isn’t any duty in real. “Usually an officer does not face a transfer on dereliction of duty, and if he/she faces such a situation, the transfer is at the Goa Reserve Battalion and not PHQ where there is no such post. Several such instances in the past saw sus- pension,” an officer posted at the PHQ said. While the superiors have refrained from commenting on the issue, the department is also caught in a tight situation over a verbal spat between Deputy Superintendent of Police (Valpoi) Sagar Ekoskar and the now-suspended PI (Valpoi) Prajyot Phadte. Sources said that officers at the PHQ were indeed aware of the tussle between the two officers. With the matter now in the public domain, the redfaced department is likely to inquire into what transpired the argument and whether abusive words were hurled at each other. “These officers could face action for disorderliness,” said a senior officer.