log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline THURSDAY APRIL 23, 2026 GOA Facebook.com/thegoan The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 14 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME XI, NO. 305 Benaulim parking row: Min signals rethink on lease decision by GTDC 2 GOA Queues persist as GMC’s e‑OPD system faces internecine woes 3 Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 LIFE No algorithm, just aisles: Goa’s indie bookstore magic 6 SPORTS Rajasthan Royals prevail as LSG batting crumbles in 40-run defeat 14 elusive, 15 outstation vessels seized Khattar remainsbrother Goa cops arrest for poaching off Goa’s coast Look Out Circular issued; co-accused held for scripting, filming and circulating video SIX HELD ALONG COAST, NINE INTERCEPTED AT SEA; JOINT OPERATION EXPOSES INCURSIONS BY INTERSTATE BOATS THE GOAN I NETWORK MAPUSA In one of the biggest enforcement actions in recent months, the Goa Fisheries Department on Wednesday apprehended 15 outstation fishing vessels allegedly engaged in illegal fishing within the State’s territorial waters. Nine vessels were intercepted by the department’s patrol teams during routine surveillance at sea, while six more were caught along the Colva– Benaulim coastal belt with the assistance of local fishermen, highlighting increased vigilance both offshore and along the shoreline. Director of Fisheries Shamila Monteiro said preliminary inputs suggest that most of the seized vessels originated from neighbouring Karnataka. “As per the information received from our field officials, the catch largely comprises sardines. The exact quantity and composition will be ascertained once the vessels are brought to the jetty and in- >PAGE P3 Traffic Sentinel Scheme's revival stuck a year after private player finalisation >PAGE 8 WHEN AI THINKS FOR US: THE HIDDEN RISK IN OPEN-SOURCE INTELLIGENCE IN SHORT >> 60-year-old man dies of electrocution PANAJI: A 60-year-old from Cumbharjua, Minesh Vengurlekar, died of electrocution early Wednesday while fixing a power issue at home. He was declared dead at PHC Betki. Two booked for assault on elderly MAPUSA: An 81-year-old man from Panaji has filed a complaint alleging assault and criminal intimidation by two individuals in Bardez.   >> See pg 2 „„Most vessels suspected to be CURB ON from Karnataka ILLEGAL „„Sardines form FISHING bulk of seized catch, inspection pending „„Regular day-night patrols intensified by Fisheries Dept „„Boundary breaches often occur while chasing One of the fishing vessels seized along the Colva–Benaulim coastal belt on Wednesday.  Santosh Mirajkar fish shoals spected,” she said. Monteiro added that the operation was carried out in coordination with the coastal police, underlining a joint enforcement mechanism to curb illegal fishing activities. “We conduct regular patrols both in the morning and at night. Whenever illegal activity is detected, strict action is initiated, cases are registered, and fines are imposed as per the law,” she stated. Addressing how outstation vessels manage to enter Goan waters, Monteiro noted that fishermen often cross maritime boundaries while pursuing shoals of fish. “In many cases, they follow the fish and unknowingly cross the demarcated line,” she explained, while maintaining that such violations still attract penal action. Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar commended the department’s swift action, calling it a sign of heightened Zuari Bridge twin towers get nod amid green concerns CRZ CLEARANCE GRANTED DESPITE PENDING EIA; EXPERTS WARN OF ECOLOGICAL RISKS THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI In a move likely to raise environmental concerns, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has granted Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance to the long-delayed twin towers project atop the new Zuari Bridge despite the mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study still being incomplete. At its meeting held last month, the authority also resolved to recommend the Rs 270-crore project to the Goa State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) for environmental clearance (EC), based on clarifications submitted by the Public Works Department (PWD), the nodal agency. The project, proposed by Dilip Buildcon, was initially slated to begin post-monsoon and be completed within three „„Rs 270-crore project flagged as critical ecologi‑ recommended for EC cal buffers „„PWD submis‑ „„Proponent told sions cited as to secure PCB, basis for recom‑ forest and other TWIN mendation approvals TOWERS „„Earlier direc‑ „„Project CLEARANCE includes twin tive mandated EIA before further towers, elevated approvals walkway, visitor facilities „„Project site falls in mul‑ tiple ecologically sensitive „„Additional amenities CRZ zones planned under bridge at Agassaim „„Mangroves at site years of commencement. However, during its December 24, 2025 meeting, GCZMA had explicitly directed the proponent to submit the EIA report and present a detailed assessment of environmental impacts and applicable CRZ norms before any further approvals. During the meeting, the authority acknowledged that the India-bound ship among 2 seized by Iran in Hormuz AGENCIES NEW DELHI A Gujarat-bound cargo ship was among two vessels attacked and seized by Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Wednesday, hours after US President Donald Trump extended the two-week fragile ceasefire. The incident is bound to escalate tensions between Iran and India after two India-flagged ships attempting to cross Hormuz, a vital energy corridor, were attacked last week. The two ships - Panamaflagged MSC Francesca and enforcement. “This operation shows that our agencies are active and vigilant. Illegal fishing in Goa’s waters will not be tolerated, and strict action will be taken in accordance with the law,” he said. Illegal fishing by outstation vessels – particularly from Karnataka and Maharashtra – has been a persistent concern for Goa’s traditional fishing community, which has repeatedly flagged declining catches and Trump extends Iran ceasefire indefinitely WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said the United States was indefinitely extending its ceasefire with Iran as a new round of peace talks was on hold. >> See pg 9 India gets LNG boost as tanker departs from US NEW DELHI: Government-owned GAIL (India) Ltd said its LNG carrier ‘Energy Fidelity’ was flagged off from Sabine Pass terminal on April 20. The 174,000-cbm vessel is en route to India to bolster cleaner fuel supply. The ceremony was led by India’s Consul General in Houston, D C Manjunath. Liberia-flagged Epaminodes - are now in IRGC custody and have been taken to Iran, Iranian state television >Continued on P9 EIA report is yet to be submitted. Nevertheless, it proceeded to recommend the project for EC, subject to strict compliance with the provisions of the CRZ Notification, 2011 (as amended). “All provisions of the CRZ notification must be strictly adhered to. The applicant, >Continued on P9 ON PAGE 2 HIGH‑SEAS OP OFF S GOA EXPOSES LAX COASTAL ENFORCEMENT VIOLATIONS NEAR SHORE LAY BARE MONITORING FAILURES TRADITIONAL LIVELIHOODS UNDER STRAIN AS ILLEGAL LED FISHING FLOURISHES damage to marine resources. In recent months, the fisheries department has intensified patrols, leading to multiple seizures and penalties against violators. Earlier drives have also resulted in the detention of mechanised trawlers operating during restricted periods and within prohibited zones, especially during the monsoon fishing ban and in nearshore areas reserved for smallscale fishermen. THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI While YouTuber Gautam Khattar remained elusive for the second day, the Crime Branch arrested his brother Madhav Khattar, alleging that he helped script, record and circulate the controversial video containing derogatory remarks on St Francis Xavier that sparked outrage in Goa. A Look Out Circular against Gautam has also been issued with the Bureau of Immigration alerted to prevent him from leaving the country. Madhav was taken into custody in Haridwar on Tuesday after CB officers, who had been camping there and monitoring Gautam's movements, tracked him down following overnight surveillance. Superintendent of Police Rahul Gupta, who has been personally monitoring the probe, told the media on Wednesday that the co-accused is being brought to Goa for further questioning. The case, initially registered at Vasco Police Station, was transferred to the CB as several complaints are being filed against Gautam for making hate speeches to create communal discord in the State. Khattar's Instagram account restricted PANAJI: Gautam Khattar’s Instagram account has been restrict‑ ed in India following a legal request. Officials said he faces charges of maligning the image of St Francis Xavier and deliver‑ ing hate speeches aimed at disturbing communal harmony. Sawant assured that the government will not allow anyone to disrupt Goa’s social fabric. “The inquiry is being conducted with utmost seriousness. The truth will be brought out and strict legal action will follow,” he said. ON PAGE 3 NUVEM LOCALS FILE PLAINT AGAINST MINISTER, MLAS WOULD’VE PULLED KHATTAR DOWN BY THE COLLAR: BJP VETERAN QUEPEM VILLAGERS MARCH TO POLICE STATION, SEEK APOLOGY FROM KHATTAR CANDLE LIGHT PROCESSION AT LOHIA MAIDAN TODAY The SP further said that organisers of the event were summoned for questioning on Tuesday, during which the CB learnt that Madhav had accompanied his brother to Goa for the programme and was allegedly involved in coordinating his visit. "Organisers have further stated that they were in touch with Madhav for coordination and logistical arrangements for Gautam’s presence at the event. Madhav had agreed to Gautam’s presence on the condition of flight tickets, accommodation and Rs 51,000," the officer said. The probe also found that Madhav recorded the video in which Gautam made the remarks against St Francis Xavier and later helped disseminate it on social media platforms. >Continued on P9 GST fraud of `410 cr busted, kingpin held PTI NEW DELHI The Commercial Taxes Department on Wednesday said it has arrested a man involved in generating and routing fraudulent ITC across multiple states and has unearthed a GST fraud worth Rs 410 crore. In a statement, the Commercial Taxes Department said its Enforcement Wing (south zone) arrested Mohammed Tauqeer (42) when he attempted to abscond. "Mohammed Tauqeer has been arrested for his active role in floating bogus firms and facilitating large-scale fake Input Tax Credit transactions. The accused was produced before the Special Court for Economic Offences here, which remanded him to judicial custody for 14 days," the department said. Further investigation has revealed that Mohammed Tauqeer and his accomplice, Shaik Jakeer Hussain, alias Basha, are the principal masterminds operating behind the network, it said. It added that the duo had floated multiple bogus business entities and systematically issued fake tax invoices. DIVINE JOURNEY: The sacred kalash of Devi Lairai being carried in a procession during the Kaul ritual as part of the annual festivities in Shirgao, on Wednesday. Narayan Pissurlenkar Cabinet pushes mining debt relief into election season THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The Goa Cabinet on Wednesday extended the Debt Relief Scheme for mining‑affected borrowers until 2027, a year when the State heads to the polls. The move ensures continued financial support for families and businesses hit by the iron ore mining ban, and carries clear political weight as the government seeks to reassure a constituency undergoing economic disruption for long. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who chaired the meeting, said the extension was aimed at providing stability to borrowers who have struggled since mining opera- tions had halted way back in 2012. “This is to sustain relief to them and ensure that the affected families are not left struggling,” he said. The scheme, first introduced to cushion the impact of the mining ban had been extended multiple times and >Continued on P9 New rules, monitoring authority for online gaming PTI NEW DELHI he government on Wednesday notified long-awaited rules to operationalise the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, paving the way for a digital-first regulator — the Online Gaming Authority — and introducing a “regulation-light” framework that does not mandate registration or prior classification for most online social games. The rules will come into effect from May 1, 2026. A key feature is the introduction of ‘user safety features’ — safeguards aligned with a game’s risk profile. These include age verification and T „„Online gaming rules effective from May 1, 2026 „„Online Gaming Authority to regulate sector „„Light-touch framework for most social games „„No mandatory registra‑ tion for non-money games „„Real money games remain banned „„User safety features gating, time limits, parental controls, user reporting tools, counselling support, and fair-play monitoring. Service providers must disclose these RULES AT A GLANCE made mandatory „„Age-gating, time limits, parental controls intro‑ duced „„90-day window for game classification „„Test to identify online money games defined „„Esports require manda‑ tory registration „„Digital certificate valid up to 10 years „„Grievance redressal mechanism mandatory „„Banks to monitor gam‑ ing-related transactions features and their grievance mechanisms when seeking determination or registration. The framework also sets out a classification test to determine whether a game qualifies as an ‘online money game’, which is explicitly banned under the Act. This process may be triggered through a suo motu review by the authority, where a provider offers e-sports, or when the government flags certain categories of games based on the nature or scale of financial transactions involved. Key factors for classification include whether participation involves payments or deposits, the expectation of monetary winnings, the revenue model, and how rewards or in-game assets are monetised outside the platform. Determinations must be completed within 90 days. IT Secretary S Krishnan said the framework is designed to remain light-touch. Most non-money games, he noted, >Continued on P9