log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline Facebook.com/thegoan The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) THURSDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2025 15 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME XI, NO. 153 GOA Role of ‘higher-up’ questioned in SIR-passport controversy >> See PG 5 Inquiry into ` 145-cr ABC project stalled, panel has not met since 2023 Goa Police relieves 68 officers after delayed transfers PANAJI: The Goa Police Headquarters has relieved 68 personnel, including four sub-inspectors, who had remained at their old stations for years despite transfer orders issued between 2020 and 2025. An urgent order from the Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) states that all 68 officers “stand relieved with immediate effect” and must report to their new postings. They have also been instructed to submit joining reports to the respective accounts sections, as their salaries will now be drawn only from their new place of posting. IN SHORT >> HC seeks police reply on Suleman detention PANAJI: The High Court of Bombay at Goa has directed the Goa Police to file an affidavit in response to a petition by land-grab accused Suleman Siddique Khan, who has alleged that he was subjected to “illegal detention”.  >> See pg 2 Mandrem resort faces beach wedding fine PANAJI: The Tourism Department on Wednesday issued a show cause notice to a Mandrem beach resort, after the property allegedly conducted an unauthorised beach wedding on November 17 despite being warned to stop the event.  >> See pg 6 Now, Calangute faces church circle name row MAPUSA: Just as the controversy over naming the Calangute beach circle was beginning to die down, another dispute has erupted over a circle near the church. Locals have objected to the name “Balle” displayed at the newly beautified circle in front of St Alex Church in the beach village. >> See pg 5 Fake officials rob `  cr from cash van 7 BENGALURU: Unidentified men posing as central government officials intercepted a cash van in Bengaluru and allegedly fled with about Rs 7 crore on Wednesday, police said. The incident occurred when the vehicle was transporting cash from a bank branch. 2 GOA Calangute steps up demolition of roadside encroachments in Phase 2 5 Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 INFO Foods to eat on an anti-allergy diet 10 Police bank on ‘golden hour’ to crack Baina dacoity case OFFICERS GRILL STAFF, WIDEN CCTV SEARCH, AND TRACK ESCAPE ROUTES IN BID TO NAB UNKNOWN ASSAILANTS THE GOAN I NETWORK VASCO Mormugao police have begun an intensive investigation into the armed dacoity reported at Chamundi Arcade in Baina, where a family was attacked with iron rods and valuables worth around Rs 35 lakh were looted in the early hours. According to police sources, the entire staff employed by victim Sagar Nayak were taken in for questioning on Tuesday morning. “The staff including his peon, drivers, labourers, office boys and loaders were taken by the Mormugao police team when they arrived to work,” said a source. Officers reportedly conducted rigorous questioning and cross-verification of details, with South Goa SP Tikam Singh Verma remaining present until late night as the inquiry progressed. The staff is believed to have been taken to Margao or Verna for fingerprinting and forensic CM orders tighter night vigil, says NSA may be invoked if required PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting with senior police officials to review the law-and-order situation following the recent Baina and St Cruz robberies, with the culprits still at large. He directed police to intensify night patrolling, enforce nakabandis and conduct random checks to prevent repeat crimes. Sawant said detection must improve and crimes should not recur. He added the government may invoke the National Security Act, if required, to curb rising crime in the State. >> See pg 3 verification. Police teams have also widened the CCTV search, scanning footage from the crime site and surrounding parts of Baina for clues. Investigators began collecting footage from shops and establishments along the Vasco–MES College stretch to trace movements of any suspicious individuals or vehicles possibly linked to the crime. Sources said the police gained a significant advantage in this case due to the narrow time gap between the crime and the police re- Govt to restrict ‘leave and licence’ to locals only: CM SAYS TRANSPORT VERIFICATION DOCS MISUSED BY OUTSIDERS; VOWS ACTION ON DUAL NUMBER PLATES THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The State government is set to issue new guidelines restricting the use of ‘leave and licence’ agreements in the transportation sector exclusively to Goan residents. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced the move on Wednesday after a meeting with representatives of the Pernem-Bardez Truck Association, who had raised concerns about unfair competition and regulatory violations. Sawant clarified that only individuals residing in Goa will be permitted to provide “leave and licence” documents, which are commonly used for verification in transport and labour-related processes. He stressed that commercial vehicles such as trucks and taxis should not be allowed to use these agreements to claim local benefits. “The intention is clear – WHAT THE CM SAYS... „„Government will initiate a crackdown on misuse of permits and verification papers „„Strict action planned against vehicles using dual number plates „„Aim is to tighten enforcement and prevent evasion of state transport norms „„Directions already issued to authorities for immediate checks and penalties government schemes and permissions must benefit Goans first,” Sawant said, adding that misuse of such documents by non-residents has created loopholes in enforcement and undermined local livelihoods. A circular detailing the new rules will be issued shortly, laying down clear eligibility criteria for submission of these documents. The Chief Minister also announced that the government will initiate strict action against vehicles operating with dual number plates, a practice flagged by transport stakeholders as a way to bypass regulations. “We will not tolerate violations that affect the interests of Goan transport operators,” he asserted. The Pernem-Bardez Truck Association welcomed the announcement, stating that the misuse of verification documents and dual registration practices had long been a source of unfair competition. Once the circular is issued and enforced, stakeholders expect tightening of regulatory oversight to ensure benefits intended for locals are not hogged by others. Nayak shuttled between Chicalim and GMC hospital for treatment VASCO: Businessman Sagar Nayak was shuttled between the Chicalim Sub-District Hospital and the GMC Hospital at Bambolim, after sustaining severe injuries in the armed dacoity at Chamundi Arcade, Baina, in the early hours of Tuesday.  >> See pg 3 MP SEEKS BRAVERY AWARD FOR BAINA GIRL WHO SHIELDED PARENTS >> See pg 3 sponse, offering what officers refer to as the “golden hour” of investigation. Unlike previous burglary cases where incidents came to light only the next morning—after relatives found families tied up and houses ransacked—this case was reported almost immediately. The dacoity occurred between 2 am and 3 am, and police teams reached the site by around 4 am, leaving the gang barely an hour to flee. This early start, investigators believe, has given them a better chance to chase actionable leads, analyse fresh evidence and track possible escape routes as the probe continues. A case has been registered under Sections 331(3), 109, 351(3), 126(2), 310(2) read with 3(5) of the BNS, 2023, along with Section 8 of the Goa Children’s Act, against a group of unknown assailants who assaulted the victims, including a minor girl. SPORTS Neck injury casts shadow over Gill’s availability for second Test 15 Lights, Carnival, Action! IFFI 2025 to kick off with colourful parade THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The 56th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), the country’s premier cinematic showcase, will open on Thursday with a spectacular inaugural ceremony styled on the lines of Goa’s famed carnival parade along the river-hugging DB Marg. The nine-day festival, scheduled from November 20 to 28, promises to be a vibrant celebration of cinema, culture and creativity. This year’s theme, “Sound of Cinema,” sets the tone for an edition that aims to surpass benchmarks of inclusivity and innovation established in previous years. Organisers have curated a rich bouquet of competitive and special segments, blending global cinematic excellence with India’s storytelling traditions. The opening parade is expected to be a visual extravaganza, transforming Goa’s streets into a living tapestry of cinematic soul. Majestic tableaus from Andhra Pradesh, Haryana and Goa will lead the procession, followed by dazzling creations from iconic Indian studios and a special NFDC tribute marking 50 years. A highlight will be “Bharat Ek Soor,” featuring a hundred folk artists weaving together dances from across the nation into one rhythmic spectacle. Adding sparkle and nostalgia, beloved characters like Chhota Bheem, Chutki, Motlu Patlu and Bittu Bahanebaaz will delight audiences. Beyond the parade, IFFI 2025 offers 15 competitive and curated segments, including International Competition, Best Debut Feature Film of a Director, and the prestigious ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal. Special showcases such as Macabre Dreams, Docu-Montage, Experimental Films, UNICEF and Restored Classics will provide diverse cinematic experiences. The festival itinerary also features the 19th edition of Waves Film Bazaar, Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT), the Knowledge Series, a CinemAI Hackathon, and IFFIesta, a cultural showcase. Masterclasses, panels and interactive programmes will bring together filmmakers, industry >Continued on P9 Nitish to take oath as Bihar CM for record 10th term today PTI PATNA J a n a t a Dal-United supremo Nitish Kumar was chosen leader of the National Democratic Alliance in Bihar during a meeting of newly elected MLAs of the alliance partners here on Wednesday, state minister Shrawon Kumar said. Kumar will take oath as the chief minister for a record 10th time at Patna’s historic Gandhi Maidan on Thursday. Soon after his election as leader of the NDA in Bihar, Kumar along with other senior leaders of the alliance partners went to meet Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, to tender his resignation as the head of the outgoing government. The JD-U chief is also expected to submit a letter of support from all NDA constituents to the governor for the formation of the new government. INFERNO BLITZ: Firefighters battle intense flames inside a scrapyard warehouse in Zuarinagar during a pre-dawn blaze. Massive blaze guts multiple scrapyards in Zuarinagar SHORT CIRCUIT SUSPECTED; MULTI-STATION RESPONSE CONTAINS BLAZE ACROSS EIGHT YARDS; NO CASUALTIES REPORTED THE GOAN I NETWORK VASCO A massive fire ripped through a cluster of scrapyards in Zuarinagar in the early hours of Wednesday, reducing several warehouses to ashes and sending thick black smoke billowing across the sky. Despite the scale of the blaze, no injuries were reported in the incident. The blaze, visible from several kilometres away, triggered a multi-station firefighting response as the inferno rapidly spread across adjoining scrapyards situated in close proximity. According to preliminary information, the fire is suspected to have originated in one scrapyard, possibly due to a short circuit, before quickly engulfing neighbouring yards storing industrial and metallic waste. >Continued on P9 Delay in diversion approvals hits SC presses for uniform organ donation policy Porvorim elevated-corridor work KEY COURT DIRECTIONS PTI WITH MACHINERY IDLE AND NO SAFE WORK ZONE, OFFICIALS PREDICT COMPLETION MAY SLIP BEYOND 2026 AGNELO PEREIRA THE GOAN I MAPUSA Work on the six-lane, 5.15-km elevated corridor on NH-66 has slowed down considerably, with PWD (NH) officials admitting that the government’s failure to approve crucial traffic diversions has emerged as the biggest hurdle affecting progress. Senior PWD officials directly involved in the project revealed that the department has been unable to implement the planned traffic diversions needed to safely launch segments and raise the superstructure. With regular traffic continuing to flow along the work zone, construction teams are facing severe safety and operational constraints. “There is no doubt the work has slowed down. There are safety constraints and no diversions available. The traffic is flowing along the carriageway where the superstructure is being raised,” a senior PWD official told The Goan. He added that while around 55 per cent of the project has been completed, the pace of work is now significantly behind schedule. According to the official, the revised target for completion is October 2026, but at the current pace the deadline may be pushed to December 2026 or even early 2027. “We are lagging behind… We are in talks with the traffic police and the SDM, hoping something can be worked out,” he said. >Continued on P9 NEW DELHI he Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a slew of directions to the Centre to frame a national policy and uniform rules in consultation with States to ensure a transparent, and efficient system for organ donation and allocation. A bench comprising Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran passed the directions on a PIL filed by the Indian Society of Organ Transplantation. The CJI, in its order, requested the Centre to persuade Andhra Pradesh to adopt the 2011 amendments to the Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994. T „„Frame a national policy with uniform, bias-free organ allocation criteria „„Ensure all states adopt the 2011 amendment and 2014 transplant rules „„Set up SOTOs in states/UTs where absent „„Draft welfare guidelines to protect live donors from exploitation „„Amend birth–death forms to record brain death and offer donation option It also directed that states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Manipur, which have not yet adopted the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Rules, 2014, to do so expeditiously, stressing the “importance of the issue. The bench asked the Centre to develop a national policy with “model allocation criteria” for organ transplants. This policy must address and mitigate issues of gender and caste bias and establish “uniform criteria for donors across the country” to end the state-wise discrepancies. Noting that states like Manipur, Nagaland, Andaman and Nicobar, and Lakshadweep lack a State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTO), the bench asked the Centre to constitute these bodies under the National Organ Transplantation Programme after consulting the states. On the issue of saving live donors from exploitation, it asked the Centre to evolve guidelines for the welfare of live donors, ensuring they are cared for post-donation and to prevent their commercialisation and exploitation. It also directed the government, in consultation with the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), to amend birth and death registration forms (Form 4 and 4A) to specifically indicate if a death was a “brain death” and whether the option to donate organs was provided to the family. On Tuesday, the PIL petitioner commenced with the arguments surrounding the lack of uniformity around the applicability of the 2014 rules across the nation as certain states such as Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka rely on their own existing laws instead. Senior lawyer K Parmeswar, appearing for the petitioner, said the lack of a consolidated national database for donors and recipients as of date was alarming and slowing down the process across states. He said organ transplant till date remains only accessible to a certain class of people, as class and gender disparities remain.