log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline TUESDAY MARCH 24, 2026 GOA WILL THE WORLD BECOME TB-FREE BY 2030? MULGAO COMES ALIVE WITH ‘PETHECHI ZATRA’ IN SHORT >> HC quashes FIR on illegal meat PANAJI: The High Court of Bombay at Goa has quashed an FIR registered by the Mapusa Police against two residents in an alleged illegal extraction and storage of meat case, holding that the basic ingredients of the invoked offences were not made out.  >> See pg 3 LPG shortage hits Vasco eateries VASCO: What begins as a distant geopolitical conflict has now landed squarely in the kitchens of Vasco, where a crippling shortage of LPG cylinders has pushed nearly 80 per cent of small eateries and roadside hotels to the verge of closure. >> See pg 5 Model Code delays Sanjivani tender PANAJI: The imposition of the Model Code of Conduct in South Goa for the ensuing Ponda by-election has delayed the finalisation of the tendering process for the revival of the Sanjivani Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Limited (SSSK) at Dharbandora. Sources said the department is currently unable to proceed with finalising the successful bidder due to election-related restrictions.  >> See pg 7 Jets collide in New York, 2 pilots killed NEW YORK: An Air Canada jet carrying more than 70 passengers collided with a fire truck while landing at New York's LaGuardia Airport, killing the pilot and copilot and injuring several others, officials said. The fire truck was crossing the tarmac just before midnight after being given permission to check on another plane reporting an odor onboard. The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 14 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME XI, NO. 275 Stall measurement drive for sopo triggers tension at Margao market >PG 6 Facebook.com/thegoan 2 GOA GIDC to empanel firms to boost urban planning in units 3 WEATHER >> Max: Min: Humidity: 33.4 C 23.1 C 80% TIDES Low: High: 08.12 16.51 01.16 15.21 RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 INFO Step back into action: How to heal shin splints at home Curchorem sex case: Police action comes under scanner RESIDENTS SLAM ATTEMPT TO DOWNPLAY, HUSH UP ISSUE; SEEK THOROUGH INVESTIGATION THE GOAN I NETWORK PI invokes POCSO after GFP, Congress mount pressure SANGUEM The alleged sex scandal that has rocked Curchorem has raised serious questions over delayed police action, possible attempts to suppress the issue, and whether authorities acted only after sustained public pressure. SANGUEM: The Police Inspector at Curchorem Police Station invoked provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act only after intervention from Goa Forward Party (GFP) leader Vijai Sardesai, even as the Congress stepped up pressure over the handling of the case. Police were initially seen as reluctant to apply the stringent POCSO sections, prompting Sardesai to directly contact DGP Alok Kumar. Following this intervention, the Police Inspector agreed to invoke the Act.  >> See pg 2 ACCUSED REMANDED TO 4-DAY POLICE CUSTODY >> See pg 2 The issue first came to light following a report in a local vernacular media that pointed to an explicit scandal allegedly involving Soham Naik (20) of Madegal-Cacora, the son of a municipal councillor. There were serious allegations, even claiming that a number of minors may have been victims in the scandal. Despite the gravity of the report and growing concerns about people, no immediate action was taken. This prompted concerned citizens to march to the Curchorem Police Station, demanding swift action and the arrest of the accused. Police, however, initially expressed their inability to act, citing the absence of a formal complaint from any victim. This response triggered widespread outrage, with citizens questioning the inaction in such a sensitive matter. Many argued that the police could have initiated suo motu proceedings based on the media report itself. It was only after mounting public pressure that the police inspector summoned the re- porter concerned to the police station, gathered available details, and proceeded to register an FIR in the case. The delay has led to allegations that there may have been attempts to downplay or hush up the issue. Residents repeatedly questioned why no immediate case was registered despite the seriousness of the allegations. Adding to the controversy are claims of possible political pressure, as the accused is reportedly linked to a politically influential family. While there has been no official confirmation of interference, the perceived delay in action has led locals to suspect external influence. As police failed to make an immediate arrest, public anger intensified. Large groups of residents again gathered at the police station, demanding the arrest of the accused and issuing a 24-hour ultimatum, warning of a road blockade if their demands were not met. Following pressure, police finally arrested the accused late Sunday evening, reinforcing the perception that it was the collective voice of the community that compelled authorities to act. The accused has been booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 67A of the Information Technology Act in connection with the circulation of objectionable material. Local leaders and residents have expressed dissatisfaction over the handling of the case and have demanded a thorough and transparent investigation. 10 Panel set up to handle seized cash cases for Ponda by-poll THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The South Goa District Election Office has set up a District-Level Committee to review and resolve cases involving seized cash and valuables in connection with the upcoming by-election in the 21-Ponda Assembly constituency. The committee will be chaired by Vikas Kamble, Chief Executive Officer of the Zilla Parishad. Inacio Faleiro will serve as the convener, while Akshata Shikerkar has been appointed as a member. Officials have confirmed that no polling stations in the constituency have been identified as vulnerable or critical ahead of the by-election scheduled for April 9. To ensure a free, fair, and smooth electoral process, the district administration, along with the police, has deployed comprehensive measures. These include flying squads, static surveillance teams, and sector magistrates. Meanwhile, an inspection was conducted at the Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium in Navelim as part of the election preparedness. During the visit, officials assessed arrangements for the strong room, control rooms, and counting hall to ensure all preparations are in place. SPORTS Impact Player rule not good for all-rounders: Axar Patel Govt likely to promulgate ordinance THE GOAN I NETWORK MARGAO As the Bill proposing delimitation of municipal ward based on population could not be decided and approved in the recently held Assembly session cut short in view of the Model Code of Conduct, the government is likely to promulgate an Ordinance to ensure that population will form the basis of the delimitation of municipal wards. PWD Minister Digambar Kamat told the media that the government has decided to revert the ward delimitation criteria from voter-based to population as the percentage of voters is expected to go down after the SIR process. “In the past, the criteria for the delimitation of wards was changed from population to voter-based. However, with the voter percentage expected to come down drastically post-SIR, the government has decided to revert to population as the basis for ward delimitation”, he said. Saying that the Bill seeking to revert the criteria from voter-based to population was scheduled to be taken up in the recently held Assembly Trump extends ultimatum over Hormuz showdown queue up to pay homage to saints during the annual ‘Procession of Saints’ at Goa Velha. A large number of people from all walks of life thronged to seek blessings.   Narayan Pissurlenkar SAYS US IN TALKS WITH TOP IRAN LEADER PTI UG admissions: Server crash sparks chaos, confusion among students THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI A sudden server crash caused by heavy traffic delayed the start of the online admission process for undergraduate courses in Goa by nearly two hours on Monday, leaving hundreds of students and parents anxious as they struggled to access the portal. The Directorate of Higher Education (DHE) had announced that the portal would go live at 12 noon for admissions in government and aided colleges. However, students attempting to apply through the official link of the DHE Goa reported repeated server errors and were unable to proceed with the application process. Officials later confirmed that the sudden surge in traffic led to the crash. DHE Director Bhushan Sawaikar said the technical issue was resolved within a short time and the portal was restored by around 1 pm. “Students need not panic. The first round of admissions >Continued on P9 DUBAI US President Donald Trump on Monday said the US was talking with a top “respected” Iranian leader and claimed the Islamic Republic was eager for a deal to end the war. He also extended a deadline for Iran to reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on its power plants, saying it has an additional five days. Trump's turnaround, which held out the possibility of resolving the war now in its fourth week, served to drive down oil prices and jolt stocks. It offered a reprieve after the US and Iran traded threats over the weekend with potentially catastrophic repercussions for civilians across the region. Trump told reporters that Iran wants “to make a deal,” and claimed US envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-inlaw Jared Kushner had held Be prepared like during Covid: PM NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the difficult global conditions caused by the West Asia conflict are likely to persist for a long time and called upon the nation to remain prepared and united, just as it had stood together during the Covid pandemic. Modi addressed concerns related to the impact on fuel, fertilisers, national security in the Lok Sabha. 2 Indian LPG tankers sail through Hormuz NEW DELHI: Two more Indian-flagged LPG tankers, carrying roughly a day's supply of the country's cooking gas, have safely navigated through the war-hit Strait of Hormuz and are expected to reach Indian shores over the next two days. talks with an Iranian leader on Sunday. He did not say who was representing Iran, but said the US has not talked to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. Trump said if a deal is reached, the US would move to take Iran's enriched uranium, which is critical to its disputed nuclear program. Iran has adamantly refused such 14 Population-based ward delimitation for civic elections FROM 48 HOURS TO FIVE DAYS… FAITHFUL TRIBUTE: Devotees China hikes price after fuel shortage BEIJING: China has increased fuel prices as part of preparations for a fuel crisis amid fears that the US-Israel-Iran war may prolong, leading to shortages of gasoline and diesel. China's top planner the National Development and Reform Commission has announced temporary measures from Tuesday. Instagram.com/thegoanonline demands in the past, insisting it has the right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes. Turkiye and Egypt, meanwhile, said they had spoken to the warring parties, the first sign of coordinated mediation from the regional heavyweights. Iran's parliament speaker denied there have been any negotiations with the US. Earlier, ward delimitation criteria shifted from population to voter counts. With voter proportions likely dropping sharply after SIR, the government now plans to once again return back to populationbased delimitation session, Kamat said the government will come out with an Ordinance to give effect to the population-based ward delimitation criteria. He further said that the number of Margao Municipal Council wards will be increased from 25 to 27 wards in the upcoming polls. Asked about the sopo controversy, Kamat said he has told the Margao CO that no one should pay more and the contractor should not collect less than what is prescribed. Referring to Manohar Ajgaonkar’s opposition to the assessment of the market stalls, Kamat said Ajgaonkar had called him to complain about the hike in sopo fees. “I had told that the best way to clear all issues is by carrying measurement of the stalls”, he said. Short session: Viresh targets Speaker with breach notice THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI In a fresh development over the recently curtailed budget session of the Goa Legislative Assembly, the Revolutionary Goans Party MLA Viresh Borkar has moved a breach of privilege notice against Speaker Ganesh Gaonkar, alleging serious procedural violations and a “pre-determined” conduct of proceedings. The notice, submitted under Rule 76 of the Rules of Procedure, pertains to the March 16 sitting, when the Budget Session was curtailed following the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct ahead of the April 9 Ponda by-election. “Evidence has emerged that the outcome of the proceedings was predetermined and scripted in advance in connivance with the executive, making the entire day of March 16 a single coordinated operation of which the Speaker was the central instrument,” he charged. In his complaint, Borkar alleged that the Speaker failed >Continued on P9 Dabolim diarrhoea RGP’s exit from fray may consolidate, but not settle contest cases still on rise Plea filed challenging Ponda AGNELO PEREIRA THE GOAN I MAPUSA THE GOAN I NETWORK VASCO The diarrhoea outbreak at the Prabhu Violetta residential complex in Dabolim showed a marginal rise on Monday with two fresh cases reported, taking the total count to 162, even as several flats in the complex remain locked with residents temporarily moving out fearing contamination. Health teams continued their surveillance with doorto-door visits across the complex; however, officials found many flats closed, indicating that a number of families have vacated their homes amid ongoing concerns over water safety and sanitation. The outbreak, had already triggered panic in the area, with several families shifting to rented accommodations or staying with relatives as a precautionary measure. Residents have maintained that the situation appears to be under control only because of this largescale temporary relocation. Medical teams from the Primary Health Centre, Cortalim, along with officials from the Directorate of Health Services, are continuing to monitor patients, provide treatment and track fresh symptoms among those still residing in the complex. I n a dramatic turn on the final day of nominations, the Ponda by-election has evolved into a far more layered political contest than initially anticipated, with shifting alliances and strategic retreats reshaping the battlefield ahead of the April 9 vote. PONDA BY-POLL COUNTDOWN While all three national parties – the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) – have fielded candidates, it is the unexpected moves by regional players that have injected fresh intrigue into the race. RGP’s calculated gamble In a surprising pivot, the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) has opted out of the fray, choosing instead to extend support to the Congress candidate – a decision that marks a sharp departure from its long-standing adversarial stance. The move is particularly striking given the history of friction between the two parties, with Congress leaders previously dismissing RGP as a “B-team” of the BJP. That the RGP has now chosen to bolster the Congress by-poll, hearing likely today PANAJI: A petition has been filed before the High Court of Bombay at Goa challenging the Ponda by-election, scheduled to be held on April 9. The Court is likely to take up the matter on Tuesday. The plea comes on the day nominations closed on Monday. While the contents of the petition remain undisclosed, it is learnt that one of the objections pertains to the timing of the by-poll, with the Assembly elections less than a year away. The Election Commission of India had, on March 15, announced the by-poll for the Ponda constituency, which fell vacant following the demise of Minister Ravi Naik on October 14, 2025. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. suggests a pragmatic recalibration rather than ideological convergence. Party president Manoj Parab acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, even as he point- ed out the absence of formal alliance talks. Political observers interpret this as a strategic sacrifice aimed at consolidating anti-BJP votes in a high-stakes by-poll where fragmentation could prove decisive. Three file nominations for Ponda by-polls   >> See pg 3 “RGP appears to have read the arithmetic clearly – that a divided Opposition would only ease the BJP’s path. By stepping aside, it is attempting to remain politically relevant while influencing the outcome indirectly,” a senior political analyst noted. Cong gains, but not without complications The Congress stands to benefit numerically from RGP’s support, especially among sections of the local electorate where RGP has cultivated a grassroots base. The recent induction of Dr Ketan Bhatikar, a former Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) candidate who narrowly lost in 2022, further strengthens its local connect. However, the Congress-led Opposition space remains far from cohesive. The stance of the Goa Forward Party (GFP) continues to be ambiguous, with internal >Continued on P9