log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline SATURDAY MAY 2, 2026 GOA 19 Goans to contest in Swindon Council polls Our Goa, where faith needs no explanation IN SHORT >> Bus conductor gets 10 yrs jail for rape PANAJI: The Fast Track Special POCSO Court, Panaji sentenced a 22-year-old bus conductor, Shankar Madar, to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for the sexual assault of a 17-year-old girl in 2025. The court found that the accused sexually assaulted the minor inside a bus parked near the Vasco bus stand.   >> See pg 3 Govt petitioned to inspect Cutbona jetty MARGAO: As curtains are set to come down on the fishing season by May end, calls have been made to the authorities to conduct an inspection of the Cutbona fishing jetty to address the sanitation issues at the state’s biggest fishing hub.   >> See pg 2 Briton booked for carrying GPS device VASCO: A British national was booked by Dabolim Airport Police on charges of carrying a GPS device while travelling from Goa to Delhi, in violation of provisions under the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act. The incident came to light at Dabolim Airport when the passenger, identified as Samir Ciaran, was intercepted during security checks. Filmmaker Gowariker named IFFI director NEW DELHI: Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, known for films such as ‘Lagaan’, ‘Swades’ and ‘Jodhaa Akbar’, has been appointed festival director for the 57th edition of IFFI. Gowariker succeeds filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, who headed the 55th and 56th editions festival, held annually in Goa. EC orders repoll in 15 Bengal booths KOLKATA: The Election Commission ordered repoll in 15 polling stations of two Assembly constituencies in West Bengal to be held on May 2, following reports of electoral malpractices.  >> See pg 7 WEATHER >> Max: Min: Humidity: 35.3 C 27.5 C 69% TIDES Low: 03.24 15.35 High: 10.05 21.25 The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 14 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME XI, NO. 314 Concerns over delay in sewer tech across Margao low-lying areas Page 8 Facebook.com/thegoan 2 GOA 90% done, but final sprint key for Porvorim corridor deadline 3 Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 LIFE Project Antara: Aiming for the sky, literally! 6 Commercial LPG price hiked by `993, jumps to all-time high  EATERIES TO BE HIT  NO CHANGE IN DOMESTIC LPG PRICE PTI NEW DELHI In a move that sent shockwaves through kitchens and businesses alike, the price of commercial LPG soared on Friday by an unprecedented Rs 993 per 19-kg cylinder -- the steepest jump ever recorded. This marks the third consecutive monthly hike, as the ripple effects of the escalating West Asia conflict tighten their grip on global energy markets. In Delhi, the cost of a 19-kg cylinder -- lifeblood for hotels and restaurants -- has surged to a staggering Rs 3,071.5, up from Rs 2,078.50 just weeks ago. The relentless climb began after the Iran war erupted, with prices rising in quick succession: Rs 114.5 on March 1, Rs 195.50 on April 1, and now this crushing blow. For restaurants and eateries, the impact is immediate and unforgiving. As fuel costs burn higher, the burden is set to spill over onto consumers, threatening to make dining out and food delivery a pricier indulgence. Amid this turmoil, domestic LPG prices -- used in household kitchens --remain Petrol, diesel price hike not ruled out NEW DELHI: An increase in petrol and diesel prices in the near future is not ruled out, government sources said on Friday, as losses mount from a four-year-old freeze in retail rates despite the sharp rise in global crude oil prices. International crude oil prices this week climbed to a four-year high of $126 per barrel before cooling down slightly, but remained above $110 a barrel. Government sources said the possibility of a petrol and diesel price hike in the near future is not ruled out. Earlier in the day, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), making a statement on behalf of the industry, said petrol and diesel price as also domestic LPG rates are not being increased despite a surge in international energy cost. unchanged for now, holding at Rs 913 per 14.2-kg cylinder after a Rs 60 hike in March. But with global oil prices surging nearly 50% due to disrupted supply chains, uncertainty looms large. Oil marketing giants -- Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum -continue their monthly revisions, tethered to volatile in- ternational benchmarks and exchange rates, leaving little room for relief. The political storm is already brewing. The Congress has launched a sharp attack on the government, with Rahul Gandhi branding the hike an “election bill” and warning that petrol and diesel could be next in line. Meanwhile, aviation fuel OVER 40 ARRESTS IN 3 WEEKS Goa turning into a hotbed of fake call centre Ops SPREAD ACROSS VILLAS AND HIGH-END APARTMENTS; OVER `1.5 CRORE SEIZED THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI A series of fake call centres posing as US-based service providers and extracting money through gift card schemes or other tactics has been unearthed across Goa, with police exposing operations running out of rented villas and apartments. In just over three weeks, the State has witnessed a surge that appears systematic, with at least six raids, over 40 arrests, and seizures exceeding Rs 1.6 crore. Police sources told The Goan that these cases reveal a model that is mobile, easily replicated, and quietly embedded within residential neighbourhoods. The latest crackdown on April 28 saw Crime Branch (CB) teams carry out back- „„Operates via hidden through hard-to-trace online networks, using methods like gift cards tools like VPNs „„Routes commu„„Uses fake nication through call centres to THE DARK encrypted/ impersonate obscured WEB OF FAKE services legitimate companies CALLS „„Deploys „„Targets malware or victims through threats to pressure internet-based victims into paying calling apps and masked „„Runs from ordinary numbers locations (flats/villas) to „„Demands payments avoid suspicion to-back raids within hours -- first at an apartment in an elite society in St Inez and then at a villa in Dona Paula -- dismantling two linked operations and arresting 19 persons. At St Inez, the flat had been converted into a compact call centre allegedly operated by Ahmedabad-based Yash Dessai (29) and Karan Mala (23), along with others. Recruits from Assam, Delhi >Continued on P9 prices for domestic airlines were left unchanged on Friday, providing stability for local carriers and sparing flyers any immediate cost increase. A month after jet fuel prices for them were more than doubled, state-owned oil firms hiked aviation turbine fuel (ATF) rates for international airlines by USD 76.55 per kilolitre, or 5.33 per cent, to USD 1,511.86 per kl. The ATF for domestic airlines will continue to be priced at Rs 1,04,927.18 per kl as state-owned oil companies have decided to absorb the rise in global prices to protect airlines and consumers. Even on April 1, when rates for international carriers were more than doubled to USD 1,435.31 per kl, oil companies had increased jet fuel price for domestic airlines by 25 per cent, adopting a calibrated approach in passing on the increase that had become necessary because of the West Asia war-linked surge in international energy prices. The decisions on ATF by state-owned oil companies will come as a relief to domestic carriers like Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet. IMD forecasts above-normal rainfall in May PTI NEW DELHI India is likely to experience above-normal rainfall in May even as temperature patterns remain mixed across regions, with some parts expected to face above-normal heatwave conditions, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its latest monthly outlook. "During May 2026, maximum temperatures are expected to be normal to below normal across many parts of the country," the IMD said in a press release issued by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. However, it added that "above-normal temperatures are likely in many parts of southern peninsular India, some parts of the northeast, and northwest India." The weather agency said minimum temperatures are expected to remain above normal over parts of the country. On heatwave conditions, IMD warned that "above normal heatwave days are likely over some parts of the foothills of the Himalayas, east coast states, Gujarat and Maharashtra," indicating continued risk of extreme heat in select belts. Strait of Hormuz traffic drops by over 90 per cent DUBAI: Shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz has seen a dramatic decline amid escalating tensions in West Asia, following United States and Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran's retaliatory action in the region, with traffic falling by more than 90 per cent since the onset of the conflict, according to assessments by maritime security officials. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, a Royal Navy-led monitoring body, has reported over 40 incidents between March 1 and April 27, including attacks, vessel damage, harassment, and near-misses involving merchant ships navigating the region. "Ships or their crew were either directly damaged or suffered collateral impact, while several vessels were also forced to turn back," the monitoring team said. SPORTS Badminton: Indian men storm into Thomas Cup semis 14 Losses in investment scams could touch `1,000 crore: Govt Don’t fall for fast money, says CM THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Expressing serious concern over the growing number of investment scams in Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday claimed that Goans may have collectively lost over Rs 500 crore, with the figure potentially rising to Rs 800 to Rs 1,000 crore as more cases surface. “I have been closely monitoring it. The Economic Offences Cell is handling several such cases. Goans have lost more than Rs 500 crore due to various investment scams, including chit funds. This could even go up to Rs 800 to Rs1,000 crore,” Sawant said. Sawant pointed out that many investors were lured by promises of fixed returns and schemes offering “double income”, often floated by operators based outside the State or even abroad. “People’s hardearned money is being looted by individuals sitting in Dubai, London, or other States. And those Goans who invested are now crying,” he said. The Chief Minister noted that while victims are blaming the government for failing to act, authorities were often unaware of such schemes until CM’S TAKE „„Investors lured by ‘fixed returns’ and ‘double income’ schemes „„Many operators based outside Goa or abroad „„Money siphoned off from hard-earned savings „„Victims now blaming govt „„Action difficult after money already invested without complaints after the fraud had occurred. “The government was never informed when people were investing in such fraudulent schemes. If we had prior information, we would have acted. The government cannot do anything after the money is already invested without any complaint,” he said. Urging caution, Sawant appealed to the public to exercise due diligence before investing. “Goans have money, I know. But my request is do not invest it anywhere without applying your mind,” he >Continued on P9 Labour registration must for firms with over 10 workers GOVT LAUNCHES 5 NEW WELFARE SCHEMES THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The Goa government has made it mandatory for all private companies and industries employing more than 10 workers to register with the Labour Department, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced on Friday. Speaking at the International Labour Day function in Panaji, Sawant said the move is aimed at ensuring better implementation of labour welfare schemes and wider coverage of workers across the State. “Industries with more than 10 labourers have to compulsorily register with the department. Industries or companies will have to take the initiative and get them registered,” he said. The Chief Minister revealed that around 1.40 lakh workers are currently registered with the department, of which only about 10,000 are construction workers, indicating gaps in coverage. He pointed out that despite a substantial labour welfare fund being available; LABOUR PRIDE: Workers take out a silent march to mark International Labour Day in Panaji on Friday.   Narayan Pissurlenkar WELFARE SCHEMES FOR LABOURERS „„Medical aid up to Rs 60,000 for elderly workers, parents „„Financial support for competitive exam coaching „„Tuition fee reimbursement up to Rs 60,000 „„Coverage under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana „„Additional medical aid up to Rs 60,000 beyond DDSSY „„Death benefit of Rs 50,000 to worker’s family benefits are not adequately reaching workers. “There is a huge labour welfare fund, but the benefits are not reaching the labour or working class,” he said, urging industries to ensure 100 per cent coverage. >Continued on P9 Govt-owned land at Farmagudi How dacoits were a step ahead of cops at every turn ELUDING THE NET: THE BANGLADESHI GANG proposed for IIT campus: CM THE GOAN I NETWORK FINAL CLEARANCE AFTER CENTRAL TEAM’S VISIT THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday announced that the State has proposed government-owned land at Farmagudi for setting up a permanent campus of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Goa. Speaking to media persons, Sawant said that the land near Goa College of Engineering (GEC) has been proposed to the Centre and the same would be finalized once their team visits and examines it. As earlier reported by The Goan, the government has identified around 4.5 lakh square metres of land within the GEC campus and has submitted a fresh proposal to the Centre for approval. The Union Ministry of Education has relaxed the earlier requirement of 10 lakh square metres of land for setting up an IIT, following a request from the State government. This has paved the way for reconsidering smaller, more feasible land parcels for the project. Meanwhile, the government has constituted nine-member committee headed by the South Goa District Collector, to address all issues related to the land identified for the permanent campus. As per the notification issued by Under Secretary (Revenue) Vrushika Khauthankar, the committee has been tasked with assessing the feasibility of the identified land for the IIT campus. It will also verify land ownership >Continued on P9 PANAJI evealing the precision, mobility and cross-border escape tactics of the seasoned Bangladeshi dacoity gang, the Goa police on Friday detailed how these illegal immigrants executed two high-value robberies in North Goa and slipped out of the State within hours, prompting a multi-State manhunt that stretched to the Bangladesh frontier. At a press conference held at the headquarters in Panaji, Director General of Police Alok Kumar said the accused were identified early but managed to escape by constantly staying ahead of pursuing teams R „„The gang constantly stayed ahead, escaped just before interception „„In Hyderabad chase, they slipped away ‘by hours’ during close trails „„Exploited CCTV blind spots, gaps in surveillance „„Quickly shifted between transport hubs to avoid tracking „„Used buses/trains instead of predictable routes „„Avoided digital communication, limiting traceability „„Moved in small, mobile groups to stay less visible „„Used temporary shelters, preventing fixed-location tracking „„Operated masked with no eyewitnesses, delaying identification „„Repeatedly changed locations across multiple States and eventually fleeing to Bangladesh after committing the crimes. “Two robberies were reported in the North District -- one in Dona Paula (April 2025) and the other in Mapusa (October 2025). During the investi- gation, the accused were identified early, but the main accused initially remained at large,” he said. The DGP added that the Goa police mounted an extensive operation that went far beyond State borders. Teams were not only coordinating with interstate police forces, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Border Security Force (BSF), but were also physically deployed across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal, Odisha, Meghalaya, Delhi and other locations to track the accused persons’ movements. “The investigation required prolonged and patient effort. It involved sustained coordination, intelligence gathering and surveillance across several states,” he said, as the Goa Crime Branch this week obtained the custody of five of six accused -- Suman Hauldhar alias Pannu (35), Saifful Islam (31), Sohail Sheikh (35), Md Nasir (48), Noor Islam alias Nadim Khan (56) and Zakir (40) from the Delhi Crime Branch. The Ganeshpuri-Mapusa robbery proved a critical turning point, accelerating the >Continued on P9