log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline SATURDAY OCTOBER 25, 2025 Facebook.com/thegoan The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 14 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME XI, NO. 127 Instagram.com/thegoanonline KOHLI, ROHIT BRACE FOR POSSIBLE LAST DANCE IN AUSTRALIA >>14 RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 FESTIVAL OF SAVINGS, SEASON OF JOY Utsav Goa may move SC for joint inspection in Mhadei dispute MAPUSA: The Legislative Assembly’s House Committee on the Mhadei river diversion has suggested that the Goa government must approach the Supreme Court to obtain an order for a joint inspection of the Kalsa-Bandura project. Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira stated that House Committee has accepted his recommendation for the government to file a petition in SC. He was speaking after the meeting of the House Committee on the Mhadei River water dispute, chaired by WRD Minister Subhash Shirodkar on Friday.  >> See pg 3 IN SHORT >> Passing Konkani test must for govt jobs: CM PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said that it will now be made mandatory to clear a test in Konkani language for all government job recruitments. He also said that even candidates holding a 15-year residence certificate will not be eligible to be employed if they fail the Konkani paper. Discount on minimal use of power: Sudin PANAJI: Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar has said consumers using less electricity will receive a 20% discount, while those misusing power between 5 pm and 9 am will incur a 20% surcharge. The measures will come into effect from December. Woman doc ends life, accuses 2 cops of rape SATARA: A woman doctor of a hospital allegedly committed suicide in Satara, leaving behind a note accusing two police personnel of rape and mental harassment, police said on Friday. WEATHER >> Max: Min: Humidity: 31.2 C 24.6 C 86% TIDES Low: 06.37 High: 00.56 18.32 11.41 SAVINGS OF ₹30 PER CEMENT BAG STATION HEADS SUBMIT REPORT CONFIRMING THAT ALL TRANSFERRED PERSONNEL HAVE BEEN RELIEVED THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Months after repeated warnings from the top brass, the 506 police personnel who defied transfer orders have finally been relieved from their old postings and directed to join their new places of assignment. Sources said that compliance reports have reportedly been submitted by the respective station and unit in-charges confirming that the personnel who were earlier held back despite transfers are now relieved to join their new place of postings. “The station/ unit in-charges have submitted reports to their superiors confirming relieving of all the transfer personnel,” sources told The Goan. Superintendent of Police 025 New Goan association in Qatar to hold elections on Nov 28 Colva Union UK marks golden anniversary in London PM AWAS YOJANA (GRAMIN) IN ADDITION TO ASSISTANCE OF UPTO ₹1.3 lakh Finally, rebel cops relieved, directed to join new posts (Headquarters) Dharmesh Angle recently issued a wireless message warning that non-compliance with transfer orders and failure to relieve them would invite disciplinary action against the station in-charges. This year, 506 officers and personnel including three inspectors, 24 sub-inspectors, 39 assistant sub-inspectors, ON ,2 page 6 & 7 Now my dream of owning a home is coming true, with added savings! O CT 2 4 60 head constables, and 380 constables, had allegedly failed to comply with their transfer orders. Two earlier reminders issued on September 15 and 19 had instructed immediate compliance, but were ignored, prompting the latest warning. CBC 15502/13/0041/2526 Bachat GST RELIEF FOR BENEFICIARIES OF Earlier, a review meeting held in April had revealed that nearly 850 officers and personnel had not reported to their new posts, some because they were never relieved, and others who simply refused to move. Despite warnings, salary freezes, and strict deadlines issued by Director General of Police Alok Kumar, open defiance had continued across the force. Kumar had also officially confirmed to the media that those serving beyond five years in the same posting were liable to be transferred, while the department would strictly monitor if these personnel/officers are relieved. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had also cautioned that ignoring transfer orders would lead to strict action. SAVINGS OF UP TO ₹600 ON SAND-LIME BRICKS WORTH ₹10,000 2 more succumb in shipyard tragedy, death toll rises to 5 One continues to battle burn injuries THE GOAN I NETWORK MARGAO The death toll in last Friday’s tragic explosion and flash fire at Vijay Marine Services, Loutolim, has risen to five, following the death of two more injured workers. The incident occurred while labourers were engaged in welding and repair work on an under-construction 80-metre landing craft vessel. According to police sources, seven workers were injured in the blast that shook the shipyard on Friday evening. Two of them were declared “brought dead” at the South Goa District Hospital shortly after the mishap. Hospital authorities revealed that the deceased had sustained severe burn injuries, making identification possible only through their clothing. A week on, key questions stay unanswered MARGAO: A week after the tragic explosion and “flash fire” at Vijay Marine Services, Loutolim, claimed five lives on October 17, key questions remain unanswered. What triggered the blast? Were safety lapses to blame? And who bears responsibility — the arrested safety officer or the company’s management? Despite a probe ordered by the Chief Inspector of Factories & Boilers, investigations remain incomplete and compliance directives appear to have been ignored.  >> See pg 2 Of the remaining victims, one worker with a bone dislocation has since been discharged, while another continues to battle severe burns at the hospital. The condition of the latter is said to be stable but critical. The Maina-Curtorim Police have so far arrested the site supervisor of Vijay Marine Services, identified as Raju Boro, a resident of Quelossim and a native of Assam, in connection with the incident. He was later re- Cong gets caution call on Oppn alliance buzz Bus catches fire after collision in Andhra, 20 dead PTI DIVYAKUMAR’S SOCIAL MEDIA POST ADVISES LEADERS TO FOCUS ON STRENGTHENING PARTY THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The Congress in Goa served a dampener of sorts on the speculation over an Opposition alliance shaping up days after the recent Narkasur effigy competition in Fatorda unexpectedly became a stage for political theatre with its leaders appearing together with politicians from the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP), and Goa Forward Party (GFP).   Congress media cell functionary Divyakumar’s advisory to party leaders in a social media post to refrain from public statements on alliances underscores the party's caution on the issue.  Divyakumar  posted a video on microblogging site 'X' with GPCC chief Amit Patkar and South Goa MP and Viriato Fernandes in the frame and said: "All is well. The final decision regarding the alliance will come at the right time by the party. Until then, all Congress workers should focus on strengthening the party and All is well. The final decision regarding the alliance will come at the right time by the party. Until then, all Congress workers should focus on strengthening the party and not get distracted by rumours or speculation from other parties — Divyakumar in a video on 'X' WHAT TRIGGERED THE REACTION Congress MLAs in a photo-op alongside Manoj Parab, and Vijai Sardesai at a Narkasur event in Fatorda which was seen as a united front against the BJP not get distracted by rumours or speculation from other parties." The post is seen as a directive to party leaders and workers to focus on grassroots rebuilding over speculative partnerships, reflecting the party’s desire to avoid repeating past alliances were either hastily formed or poorly managed. Meanwhile, the presence of Congress MLAs Yuri Alemao, who is Leader of the Opposition,  and Altone D’Costa alongside RGP’s Manoj Parab, and GFP’s Vijai Sardesai at the Narkasur event in Fatorda was interpreted by many as a soft launch of a united front against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).  Some political analysts suggest that such an alliance could be a strategic necessity for the fragmented opposition to match the electoral prowess of the ruling BJP. However, the Congress leadership is >Continued on P8 leased on bail, DySP Sidhant Shirodkar confirmed. Police sources indicated that further arrests have not been ruled out, as investigations continue into possible negligence and safety lapses at the worksite. DySP Shirodkar also informed that dying declarations of the deceased workers were recorded while they were receiving treatment, which may play a crucial role in the ongoing investigation. FRIDAY GIRDLOCK: Traffic moves at a snail's pace from Divja Circle towards Panaji. Motorists bore the brunt with many complaining of bottlenecks along the route.  Narayan Pissurlenkar Bambolim crash claims lives of 2 young Kerala naval officers THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Two young naval officers from Kerala were killed in a road accident in the early hours of October 21 when their motorcycle crashed along the Bambolim stretch of the National Highway-66. Details shared by Agassaim police reveal that the incident occurred near Holy Cross, opposite Sainik Aramgarh, around 4.35 am. The police team that rushed to the site shifted the victims to the Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim, in separate ambulances, but doctors declared them 'brought dead on arrival.' Police later identified the deceased as Harigovind P (21) and Vishnu Jayaprakash (21), both serving Navy officers attached to INS Hansa, Vasco. It is learnt that the victims >Continued on P8 KURNOOL A Bengaluru-bound private bus caught fire in Kurnool district after colliding with a two-wheeler, with the blaze being triggered after the motor bike with its fuel cap open was dragged underneath the bus, leaving 20 people dead. Most of the victims were charred beyond recognition, police said. The dead included two children and the biker, while 9 suffered injuries. Condolences poured in, with President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Chief Ministers N Chandrababu Naidu (AP) and A Revanth Reddy (Telangana) expressing anguish over the early morning incident. Survivors recounted tense moments ahead of their miraculous escape, albeit with injuries, while the not so lucky ones perished in their sleep. Passengers broke window glasses to escape to safety. The ill-fated bus was carrying 44 passengers at the time when the the accident took place. “According to information given by one of the bus drivers, the bike was lying on the road.  >> See report on pg 8 Now, children’s Booker prize for Slow work may push Porvorim flyover deadline to 2027 fiction worth £50,000 unveiled AGNELO PEREIRA THE GOAN I MAPUSA PTI LONDON The charity behind one of the world's most significant literary prizes announced a new 50,000-pound Children's Booker Prize for fiction, to be selected by a combined panel of child and adult judges. The Booker Prize Foundation, behind the prestigious annual prize for fiction also worth 50,000 pounds, said the first edition of the children's award will open for nominations in 2026 to be awarded The first edition of the award will open for nominations in 2026 to be awarded annually from 2027. It will be for children aged 8 to 12, written in or translated into English and published in the UK or Ireland annually from 2027. It will celebrate the best contemporary fiction for children aged eight to 12, written in or translated into English and published in the UK and/or Ireland. The Children's Booker Prize is the most ambitious endeavour we've embarked on in 20 years and we hope its impact will resonate for decades, Gaby Wood, Chief Executive of Booker Foundation said. It aims to be several things at once: an award that will champion future classics written for children; a social intervention designed to inspire more young people to read; and a seed from which future generations will grow. T he progress of the sixlane elevated corridor project at Porvorim has slowed considerably over the past three months, raising concerns that its completion deadline may be extended by nearly a year – from the current target of November 2026 to sometime in 2027. According to an official from the contracting company executing the project, work has reduced by almost 50 percent in recent months, with half the machinery and labourers lying idle. YARD RUNS OUT OF ROOM: The casting yard at Guirim packed with pre-cast segments for the Porvorim elevated corridor.  Agnelo Pereira “For the last three months, the work on the project has slowed by nearly half. Our labourers are also lying idle, putting pressure on costs,” the official said, requesting anonymity. The slowdown comes despite a recent inspection by Tourism Minister and Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte and Deputy Speaker and Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza, who reviewed the ongoing works and suggested measures to ease traffic flow along the NH66 corridor where the elevated road is being built. One of the proposals discussed was to carry out segment-hoisting operations only at night, between 9 pm and 5 am, keeping the road open for traffic during the day. While this would help motorists, engineers warn that it would double the construction time. “If work is carried out both day and night, launching segments for one 50-metre span takes about ten days. Restricting it to night shifts would take nearly twenty days for the same task,” the company official explained. Each 40-metre span of the corridor requires 14 pre-cast segments, while a 50-metre span needs 17. To maintain efficiency and safety, the contractor has requested partial closures of certain road stretches to allow uninterrupted hoisting operations. >Continued on P8