log on to thegoan.net FRIDAY DECEMBER 6, 2024 GOA @thegoanonline Auto sales surge by 4%: SUVs drive growth while festive highs fade REVIEW: Mahindra BE 6e: A futuristic leap in electric mobility IN SHORT >> Car owner held in former Mandrem sarpanch assault PERNEM: Mandrem police have arrested the car owner and is on the lookout for five others in connection with the assault on former Mandrem sarpanch Mahesh Konadkar on Wednesday.   >> See pg 3 CB to investigate investment fraud PANAJI: The Crime Branch (CB) has taken over the investigation into a multi-crore investment fraud involving prime accused Myron Rodrigues, his wife Deepali Parab and other accomplices all of whom have been evading arrest for over a year.  >> See pg 3 Special drive to cover APAAR enrolment PANAJI: With less than ten per cent student getting enrolled for a lifelong 12-digit APAAR ID, the State Directorate of Education has directed all the schools to conduct mega drive on December 9-10 to ensure maximum student coverage.  >> See pg 3 Youth booked for molestation MAPUSA: Mapusa Police have registered a case against a youth accused of assaulting, molesting and threatening a minor girl, who is a Class 12 student, following a complaint lodged by the girl’s mother.  >> See pg 3 Sancoale panch held for obstructing meet VASCO: Sancoale panch Tulshidas Naik was arrested and later released on bail on charges of obstructing official proceedings during a meeting at the Sancoale panchayat.  >> See pg 5 One killed, another hurt in Nerul mishap PORVORIM: A pillion rider was killed and the bike rider sustained injuries in a road mishap at Nerul on Thursday morning.  >> See pg 5 WEATHER >> Max: 29 C Min: 25 C Humidity: 75% TIDES Low: High: 08:12 02:17 19:46 12:52 The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 14 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME X, NO.169 Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 3 14 2 10 Fadnavis returns as Maharashtra Stray dog menace continues to plague CM; Shinde, Pawar are deputies South Goa beaches Sal’s paradox: Salcete’s lifeline honoured on national stage, yet drowning in sewage page 7 Facebook.com/thegoan GOA 22 real-time air quality monitors installed to combat dust pollution PANAJI mid tight security arrangements for the ongoing Exposition of the Relics of St Francis Xavier, the Basilica of Bom Jesus and See Cathedral have recorded a footfall of 6,92,336 devotees and pilgrims since the event began on November 21. CCTV cameras have been installed to monitor every movement (reported by The Goan on December 4). “From November 21 till date (December 5), 6,92,336 devotees and pilgrims have visited the church complex. Six AI-based cameras with face-detection capabilities have also been installed to track movements. These cam- A 2nd Test: Rohit shifts batting position as India seeks to extend lead against Aussies Remedy to reduce muscle soreness PM, UNION MINISTERS ATTEND SWEARING-IN CEREMONY, OPPOSITION STAYS AWAY; MINISTRY EXPANSION LIKELY NEXT WEEK; FADNAVIS CHAIRS MAIDEN CABINET MEET PTI MUMBAI Scripting a powerful comeback, Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday evening took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister, while leaders of the BJPled Mahayuti alliance, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, were sworn in as deputy chief ministers at a grand ceremony in south Mumbai's sprawling Azad Maidan. Immediately after the ceremony, the triumvirate drove together to Mantralaya, the state secretariat, also in south Mumbai, where Fadnavis, 54, chaired the maiden cabinet meeting of the new regime and also addressed a press conference. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several Union ministers and chief ministers of various states besides thousands of supporters of the Mahayuti alliance were present at the swearing in ceremony, held almost a fortnight after results In his first decision, CM approves aid for bone marrow transplant patient MUMBAI: Signing his first file after taking charge of office, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday approved a proposal to provide financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for a patient awaiting bone marrow transplant. Pune-based Chandrakant Kurhade’s wife had sought help from the Chief Minister’s relief fund for her husband’s treatment. The chief minister put his signature on the file before he chaired the first cabinet meeting. Maharashtra Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and his deputies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar at Mantralaya in Mumbai on Thursday. of the state assembly elections were declared on November 23. Most prominent opposition leaders were conspicuous by their absence at the glittering event, which was preceded by a musical show by Ajay-Atul, the music composer duo of brothers Ajay Gogavale and Atul Gogavale. No other ministers were sworn in. The ministry will be expanded next week, ahead of the winter session of state legislature in Nagpur, a BJP leader said. Those present at the ceremony included Union ministers Amit Shah, J P Nadda, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari and Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Chief ministers of various NDA-ruled states were also present, including Yogi Adityanath, Nitish Kumar, Himan- Festive season to test balance of sound, silence along coast RESTAURANTS, CLUBS GEAR UP FOR CHRISTMAS, NEW YEAR; AUTHORITIES CLAIM THEY ARE READY TO MEET CHALLENGES AGNELO PEREIRA THE GOAN I MAPUSA As December unfurls its festive charm, Goa's vibrant coastline braces for its annual influx of partygoers. Restaurants and clubs are sprucing up their venues, preparing to toast the Christmas season and ring in the New Year. With an eclectic mix of local and international DJs on the cards, the party atmosphere is set to pulsate with energy. Adding to the revelry, mega-events like India Bike Week and the Sunburn festival promise a high-octane crescendo of entertainment. But beneath the glittering celebrations lies a contentious issue: the relentless assault of loud music that often breaches permissible decibel levels, pushing the patience of residents to the limit. Monitoring the noise To tackle this perennial problem, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has taken proactive measures. Chairman of the GSPCB, Mahesh Patil revealed that 12 full-time sound monitor- ing stations deployed along the coastal belt monitors the sound continuously for 24 hours. These stations operate round-the-clock, providing real-time data that is vigilantly tracked by officials. “The system is equipped to alert both GSPCB officials and local police the moment noise levels exceed the mandated limits,” Patil explained. This year, the High Court has also mandated restaurants and nightclubs to install similar monitoring systems. The message is clear: non-compliance will lead to closure. Patil highlighted recent action taken against violators, citing the shutdown of THE GOAN I NETWORK >Continued on P5 Other side of the beat ‘FOOLPROOF’ SECURITY „„185 police officers and personnel are stationed at the Basilica, while 359 officers are deployed at the See Cathedral „„349 CCTV cameras have been installed at the church complex, with plans to increase the number to 600 „„Special teams have been formed to curb issues caused by hawkers, beggars, and unlicensed vendors eras help maintain a database of known chain snatchers and pickpockets,” PRO (SP) Rahul Gupta said. The Relics will remain available for veneration at the decennial Exposition until January 5, 2025. On further deployment details, the officer said that 185 police officers and personnel are stationed at entry and exit points and strategic locations at the Basilica while 359 of- ficers are deployed similarly at the See Cathedral. Fifteen watchtowers, 10 bunkers and two rooftop surveillance points have been set up across the church complex. A total of 167 uniformed police personnel are manning these security posts, Quick Reaction teams deployed at strategic points and commandos from the Anti-Terrorist Squad are on round-the-clock duty. To curb issues caused by hawkers, beggars and unlicensed vendors, special teams have been formed with 90 uniformed personnel deployed at churches, religious monuments and parking areas. “Currently, 1,234 uniformed personnel are on duty with an additional 320 staff deployed during peak days, such as the THE INCIDENTS „„On Thursday, a 60-year-old British national was attacked by a pack of five stray dogs when he was strolling along Mobor beach „„On Wednesday, a 76-year-old Russian woman was bitten by a stray dog while walking on Mobor beach „„Earlier in the week, a senior citizen from Karnataka was attacked by three stray dogs near a temporary shack Online travel agencies directed not to list unregistered hotels >Continued on P5 The Anjuna Police Station, located in the heart of the party zone, often finds itself at the epicentre of action during this bustling season. Police Inspector Suraj Gawas, a seasoned officer familiar with the area's dynamics, remains optimistic. “Goa is ready to host the tourists as always. We are fully prepared to handle any law-and-order challenges,” he said. However, the confidence of the authorities is met with scepticism by locals, who brace themselves for sleepless nights. The Anjuna-Vagator coastline, infamous for its roundthe-clock party culture, remains a hotspot for violations of noise laws. PANAJI Stray dog attacks on South Goa beaches have once again sparked concern as three senior citizens including two foreign nationals were bitten in separate incidents over the past week. According to Drishti Marine, a 60-year-old British national was attacked by a pack of five stray dogs. The incident occurred on Thursday morning when he was strolling along Mobor beach, and one of the dogs bit his left leg. Lifesavers patrolling the area immediately administered first aid. A day earlier, a 76-year-old Russian woman was bitten by a stray dog while walking on the same beach. Lifesavers promptly provided her with first aid and advised her to seek further medical treatment. These followed another attack at Benaulim beach when a senior citizen from Karnataka was injured after being attacked by three stray dogs Elderly siblings found dead in house at Aldona While tourists and partygoers revel in the music, the Law and order challenge THE GOAN I NETWORK the ceremony. This team is a blend of experience and dynamism, and it is due to this team's collective efforts that the Mahayuti has got a historic mandate in Maharashtra. This team will do everything possible to fulfil the aspirations of the people of the state and to ensure there is good governance. I assure all possible support from the Centre in furthering development in Maharashtra, Modi MAPUSA In a tragic incident, two siblings, Sebastian Cardoz (68) and his elder sister Evelyn Cardoz (72), were found dead in an old house at Quitula in Aldona late Thursday evening. Police discovered a suicide note at the scene, leading them to suspect a tragic case of murder-suicide. Sebastian's body was found hanging, while Evelyn's body was lying on the bed. Police believe that Sebastian may have killed his sister before taking his own life. There are also suspicions that the siblings may have been poisoned before the deaths occurred. The suicide note found with Sebastian’s body contained a chilling message. According to sources, Sebastian wrote that he was ending his life and that, since no one would be left to care for his sister, he was taking her with him. Mapusa Police Inspector Nikhil Paleykar stated that the exact cause of death will be determined following post-mortem examinations. "It would not be appropriate to comment further at this point," Paleykar said. Sources suggest that the two establishments – House of Chapora and Salud – for failing to meet these requirements. 3 SENIORS ATTACKED IN SEPARATE INCIDENTS ta Biswa Sarma, Mohan Yadav and Pramod Sawant. Also present were actors Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Ranbir Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit, cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar and industrialist Mukesh Ambani. Congratulations to Shri Devendra Fadnavis Ji on taking oath as Maharashtra's Chief Minister. Congratulations to Shri Eknath Shinde Ji and Shri Ajit Pawar Ji on taking oath as the Deputy Chief Ministers of the state, Modi said on X after SFX Exposition records over 6.9 lakh devotees till date THE GOAN I NETWORK SPORTS INFO opening and closing days, holidays, weekends, and the feast day, which concluded on December 3,” Gupta added. A total of 349 CCTV cameras have been installed at the Basilica, See Cathedral, parking areas and fairgrounds for constant surveillance. Plans are underway to increase this number to 600. A special team of 20 police officers from North and South Goa districts, familiar with known offenders, has been deployed in plain clothes to monitor the Exposition. Moreover, 400 traffic police personnel are ensuring the smooth flow of vehicles while 30 officers from the Special Branch and other units are gathering intelligence to support local police efforts. >Continued on P5 THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Against the backdrop of a growing number of accommodation facilities including some operating illegally, the Tourism Department has decided to crack a whip and di- CURB ON ILLEGAL BUSINESSES rected Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) to refrain from listing unregistered hotels on their platforms. Speaking to reporters in the near a temporary shack. Drishti Marine, which has been tackling increasing cases of dog bites, continues its routine duty of rescuing visitors from drowning. In the first half of 2024, from January to June, Drishti recorded about a dozen dog bite cases >Continued on P5 capital on Thursday, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte stated that simplified procedures are already in place to ensure tourism-related businesses comply with government regulations. >Continued on P5