log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline MONDAY JUNE 8, 2026 GOA Facebook.com/thegoan The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 12 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME XI, NO. 351 Uproar at the Davorlim gram sabha over move to change zone of lake 2 GOA Sewage pipe leak at GMC sparks contamination fears in Bambolim 3 Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 INFO The humidity shield: How to keep your hair and scalp healthy Candlelight grief turns into roar for justice in Mapusa MAPUSA The flicker of candles illuminated the streets of Mapusa on Sunday evening as residents, youth and community leaders came together in a solemn show of solidarity for 22-yearold Samuel Braganza, whose death has sparked outrage, grief and calls for accountability across Goa. What began as a peaceful candlelight march soon transformed into a collective expression of sorrow and anger outside the Mapusa Police Station, where protesters demanded justice for the young man and sought action against those they believe failed him in his final days. Carrying candles and placards, participants walked quietly through the town before gathering at the police station, where they called for the suspension of police officers involved in the investigation and demanded that the case be handed over to the Crime >> pg 6 VOICING ANGER: Protesters outside the Mapusa Police Station during a candlelight march on Sunday evening. Branch. For many present, the march was not merely about seeking answers to Samuel’s death but about highlighting the emotional toll that public humiliation, social media exposure and institutional action can have on an individual. “The whole of Goa knows what Samuel underwent,” said Jitesh Kamat, a resident of Mapusa and president of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray). “What disturbs us even more is the manner in which the family was treated. Before filing an FIR, a preliminary inquiry is usually conducted. What did that inquiry reveal? Was this such a grave offence that it warranted the action that followed?” he asked. Kamat questioned whether the response to the alleged offence was proportionate and pointed to the post-mortem findings that reportedly recorded an injury on Samuel’s body. He demanded that officers involved in the investigation, including senior officials, be suspended pending a fair inquiry. DOUBTS RAISED OVER MANAGEMENT NETWORK THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The death of an undergraduate student from Mapusa, a day after he was allegedly shamed on social media for dumping garbage by the roadside and named in a police complaint, has ignited a statewide debate that extends far beyond questions of individual accountability. Beyond the immediate questions surrounding the student’s death lies a waste management network purportedly struggling to contain illegal dumping even as officials claim expanded surveillance, penalties and public enforcement measures. The student was allegedly caught on camera dumping garbage at a roadside in Mapusa, and the video was widely circulated online. An FIR was subsequently registered, and preliminary findings indicate that he cooperated with the police investigation. He was found dead the following day, prompting discussion over the consequences of publicly exposing alleged offenders and the social pressures Several speakers also reflected on the role of media and social media in amplifying the episode. Protesters expressed concern over the circulation of videos and images that allegedly exposed the young man’s identity, arguing that greater sensitivity should have been exercised. A neighbour of the deceased, Vijay Bhike, remembered him as a quiet and respectful young man. “He was a cool and sensible boy who never interfered in anyone’s affairs. The police, municipality and media all failed him. We have lost a young life. No family should have to go through this,” Bhike said. Others echoed similar sentiments, describing Samuel as a victim of circumstances that spiralled beyond control. Youth Congress leader Naushad Chowdhary demanded strict action against the officers involved and criticised >Continued on P7 PLACES WITHOUT BLACK SPOTS „„Corporation of the City of Panaji, Bicholim, Curchorem–Cacora, Pernem, Ponda, Quepem, Sanguem, Sankhali, Valpoi GPS TRACKING OF GARBAGE VEHICLES „„Pernem, Sankhali, Valpoi, Canacona, Cuncolim, Mapusa „„Mormugao: Old garbage collection vehicles do not have GPS tracking „„Quepem: Assured implementation within a short period; Sanquelim, Valpoi too „„Bicholim: Sought GPS tracking for waste collection vehicles from the Urban Development Dept CHIEF MINISTER’S ASSURANCE „„Around a month ago, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured that all garbage collection vehicles in Goa would be equipped with GPS tracking systems MAPUSA’S WASTE MANAGEMENT FAILURE COMES UNDER SCANNER >> See pg 3 that possibly follow. But the tragedy has also forced uncomfortable questions about the State’s long-running failure to tackle a problem that has persisted despite repeated Police stations bear brunt as transferred cops defy orders Global cues, RBI stance and Iran tensions to guide D-Street this week IN SHORT >> Anjunem dam dips below 15% capacity VALPOI: The water storage level at Anjunem dam, which supplies drinking water to Sattari, Bicholim, and adjoining areas, has fallen below 15 percent of its total capacity, raising serious concerns about the quality and safety of the drinking water being supplied to thousands of consumers.  >> See pg 3 Kerala man held in `  .23cr trading fraud 4 PANAJI: The Cyber Crime police arrested an individual in connection with a largescale investment and trading fraud of Rs 4,23 crore approx, following a complaint filed by a resident of Corlim. The victim was reportedly promised high returns from IPO and stock market trading.  >> See pg 3 PANAJI A chronic shortage of women police personnel is becoming increasingly evident at police stations tasked with handling crimes against women and children, with Panaji police station emerging as a stark example of a wider staffing crisis. Official sources indicated the situation has worsened by transfer orders that remain unimplemented despite repeated directives from the higher-ups. The Panaji police station, considered the largest, has a women’s help desk that is frequently left unattended because of a shortage of women staff. The situation persists despite sanctioned posts on paper and repeated efforts by the department to fill vacancies through transfers. Sources said that two women constables attached to the Anti Human Trafficking Unit under the Women Police Station were transferred to Panaji police station on June 13, 2025, but nearly a year later, continue to serve in their previous assignment. Their continued retention has raised concerns within the department, especially as Panaji police station struggles with manpower shortages while the anti-trafficking unit has allegedly not conducted a rescue operation during the same period. The problem extends beyond those two constables, as sources further said that three other women constables posted at Valpoi police station, the Mapusa Escort Cell and Mapusa police station are also yet to be relieved despite transfer orders directing their posting to Panaji. Staffing shortages are even more pronounced at supervisory levels. Sources revealed that four women police sub-inspectors transferred to Panaji police station are effectively unavailable. Two proceeded on child care leave after reporting to the station, while two others have not reported for duty. The station also has no woman assistant sub-inspector, creating further gaps in a force increasingly required to handle cases involving women, children and vulnerable victims. Internal communications highlighting these shortages have been circulated repeatedly within the department, sources said, but have produced little change on the ground. At Porvorim police station, both sanctioned posts of women assistant sub-inspectors remain vacant, according to departmental records. The station also has no women head constables and >Continued on P7 >Continued on P7 T he Goa delegation led by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Sunday to discuss the long-pending issue of Scheduled Tribe reservation in the Goa Legislative Assembly. The delegation pressed for the implementation of ST reservation, with the CM conveying a positive assurance and cooperation from the Centre on the matter. STAFFING CRISIS & ITS FALLOUT „„Panaji police station women’s help desk often unattended „„2 women cops transferred to Panaji a year back but still at their old place „„No rescue operation conducted by anti-trafficking unit „„3 transferred women from Valpoi, Mapusa not relieved „„4 women PSIs meant for Panaji unavailable „„Panaji station has no woman ASI „„Porvorim station has both women ASI posts vacant „„Panaji, Old Goa, Porvorim, Mapusa Calangute need women PIs promises of reform. In Mapusa, one of the busiest commercial hubs that has spent years battling recurring garbage black spots, there are 48 black spots. Official records -- till the first quarter of the year -- reviewed by The Goan show that the Mapusa Municipal Council confirmed the ST reservation: Goa delegation meets Amit Shah WOMEN POLICE SHORTAGE COMES TO FORE THE GOAN I NETWORK 11 Suthar spins India into command on Test debut Mapusa tragedy lays bare festering garbage dumps n CALL FOR SUSPENSION OF COPS INVOLVED IN STUDENT’S DEATH; DEMAND FOR CASE TO BE HANDED TO CRIME BRANCH THE GOAN I NETWORK 9 SPORTS FLORAL WONDER: The exotic and visually captivating orchid (Rhynchostylis retusa) in full bloom across the forested regions. Rare ‘Sita’s Braid’ orchid blooms in Goa’s forests MAJOR ATTRACTION FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS, TOURISTS UDAY SAWANT THE GOAN I VALPOI The rare and visually striking ‘Sita’s Braid’ orchid (Rhynchostylis Retusa) has begun blooming across parts of Goa and the Western Ghats, captivating nature enthusiasts, photographers, tourists and botanists alike. The plant is currently in full bloom in forested regions, with its long cascading clusters of pink and white flowers enhancing the natural beauty of the landscape. Popularly known in English as the “Foxtail Orchid,” Rhynchostylis Retusa is the state flower of Assam. It is found in the forests of Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and several northeastern states of India. Owing to its ecological importance and cultural significance, the orchid is regarded as a symbol of biodiversity and natural heritage. Unlike parasitic plants, the Foxtail Orchid is an epiphyte that grows on tree trunks and branches for support without drawing nutrients from the host tree. The plant usually blooms between April and June, producing long drooping flower clusters adorned with numerous pinkish-white blossoms. The flowers emit a >Continued on P7 ON PAGE 2  ST reservation push fuels speculation across state  Heavyweights, aspirants may face uncertain future  Stakes high if Nuvem goes ST; move may redraw political map  Quota politics: Will BJP retain ST faces in general seats?  Sanguem ST community rallies behind reservation push  Canacona meet seeks ST quota rollout after Census Monsoon starts on a subdued Why labour verification cannot be ignored on trawlers note, falls 30% below normal VIKRAM NAYAK THE GOAN I VASCO IMD CONFIRMS INTENSITY REMAINS LOW THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The onset of the monsoon in Goa over the last three days has brought only very light to moderate rainfall, with no instance of heavy showers reported so far. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed widespread rainfall ac- tivity accompanied by thunderstorms, but said intensity has remained below heavyrain thresholds. From June 1 till June 7, the State recorded an actual rainfall of 71 mm against the normal 101.5 mm, marking a negative departure of 30.1 percent. The highest single-day rainfall during the period was 19.5 mm, recorded on Sunday. From Saturday morning to Sunday morning, rainfall was unevenly distributed across the State. Moderate rain was recorded in Canacona at 55.2 mm, followed by Mapusa at 40.2 mm, Mormugao at 37.2 mm, Margao at 28.2 mm, Sanquelim at 23.2 mm, and Panaji at 15.8 mm. >Continued on P7 a wake-up call for hundreds of boat owners who depend heavily on migrant labourers but often overlook one of the most basic safeguards available to them — labour verification. T he murder of fishing boat owner Manjunath Harikant has sent shockwaves through Goa’s fishing community. Beyond the tragedy of a life lost, the case has MURDER AT SEA, LESSON ASHORE also exposed a long-standing vulnerability within the traditional fishing industry — the casual approach towards tenant and labour verification. Harikant had allegedly been DEPENDENCE ON MIGRANT LABOUR Labourers employed on trawlers at Kharewaddo jetty.   (File photo) murdered by labourers on his vessel during a fishing trip, and his body dumped into the sea to erase evidence. According to sources, the two accused, who have since been arrested, had not been subjected to labour verification. The case has now become Across Goa’s coastline, fishing jetties such as Kharewaddo, Malim, Betul, Cutbona and several others support a thriving fishing industry. Kharewaddo alone has around 250 fishing vessels, and while a small fishing boat may need around 10 workers, larger vessels employ between 30-40 labourers. Hundreds of boats translate into thousands of workers, many of whom arrive from states such as Odisha and Jharkhand to sustain Goa’s fishing economy. Without them, the industry would struggle to survive. Boat owners admit they are so dependent on migrant labour that many owners arrange buses to bring workers from their home states, while some even provide flight tickets to ensure labour shortages >Continued on P7