Panaji, Jan 8 (IANS) Like the proxy political battle over drugs in Punjab between the Akali Dal and the BJP, in Goa too the issue of narcotics and drug peddling is fast rousing political parties out of their post-New Year stupor.
Several U-turns by ruling party legislators and a minister appear to have exposed the will of the ruling BJP to take on the drug menace, especially after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a battle against drugs in his radio address to the nation in December.
Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar, after declaring that he would shut down mega-scale EDM festivals if any suspicious activity or drugs were found at such events, lashed out at the deceased Isha Mantry, linking the death of the constume designer to binge-drinking, even before the post mortem examination.
"The Supersonic event shut down at 10 (p.m.). The incident happened at 11.30. What I know is that the girl was drinking alcohol till 11," Parulekar said, completely ruling out a drug overdose, as collectively alleged by the opposition.
Goa attracts three million tourists every year but is also known as a narco-tourism destination where drugs are available in plenty and cheap especially during the tourism season from October to March.
Not even Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and Civil Supplies Minister Dayanand Mandrekar, both of whom hail from tourism-savvy coastal constituencies, have escaped the accusations and counter-accusations.
After Congress spokesperson Sunil Kawthankar publicly alleged they had allowed drug trade to allegedly flourish in their constituencies, Parsekar had asked the Crime Branch to probe the allegations against him and his cabinet colleague.
Kawthankar, who was summoned by the Crime Branch late Monday, told IANS that he has submitted a list of dealers and their phone numbers to the police.
"Mandrekar and Parsekar have been legislators of their areas for more than 17 years. There is heavy drug trade in their areas. Instead of calling those I have accused for questioning, they have summoned me for raising my voice against drugs," said Kawthankar, who also claimed he was under illegal police surveillance.
Bharatiya Janata Party legislator Micahel Lobo from Calangute constituency, which hosts the most popular beach stretch and night hotspots near Calangute, Candolim and Baga, claims that mainly Nigerians gangs are largely behind drug peddling, which has now led the Nationalist Congress Party to ask whether he was giving a clean chit to drug gangs.
"Every time he lashes out against Nigerian drug dealers, but not a word about the local drug dealers who operate in his constituency," NCP spokesperson Trajano D'Mello told IANS.
More than year ago, a gang war between a Nigerian pusher outfit and native narcotics gangs spilled in the open on Oct 31 after a Nigerian was murdered, allegedly by local drug dealers.
Angry Nigerians then blockaded a national highway by dumping the body of their dead compatriot on it for several hours and even thrashed policemen trying to get them off the road.
Added to this, with the Goa government refusing to act on an explosive legislative committee report exposing a police-politician-mafia linkages involving a former home minister and a police officer, whether Prime Minister Modi's call for a war against drugs may actually be translated into action in BJP-ruled Goa remains a question.
Anger against Kangana Ranaut: Complaint to police for registering FIR; Demand to take back Padma Shri, the actress told the illiterate woman
There is an uproar in politics these days due to the statement given by Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut regarding the independence of the country. While many other leaders, including leaders of
Technology signs out tradition in Himachal assembly, saves money
Shimla, March 22 (IANS) Technology has literally signed out the tradition of desk-thumping in the Himachal Pradesh assembly. And the environment-friendly paperless process helps save approximately
Record-breaking corona in North Korea: 2.70 lakh cases were found in a day, 17 lakh active cases; There is not even a vaccine in the country
The havoc of Corona is increasing rapidly in North Korea. About 17 lakh people are corona positive here. On Tuesday, 2,69,510 new corona patients were found here. Six people have died within 24 hours
An ISI officer was killed in Pakistan's Punjab, and police raiding to find the accused
The two policemen killed in an attack by unidentified gunmen on December 3 in the Khanewal district of Pakistan's Punjab province were officers of the country's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). On
Parliament Security Breach: Special Cell confronted the accused, their custody is ending today
All the six accused who had breached the security of Parliament House were made face to face. The Special Cell team did this to match the information shared by the accused. All the six accused have
Don't invent an issue which does not exist: Jaitley to Congress
New Delhi, March 16 (IANS) Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday said collecting information about political leaders was "relevant" for security purposes and the Congress party should not
Ratan Tata's simplicity will win your heart: He had breakfast in his hotel, and did not even reveal his identity; when he made the payment, everyone was surprised.
The life of the country's reputed industrialist Ratan Tata was very simple. He used to stay in his hotel without revealing his identity. He even used to pay the entire bill. IBS Software's Executive
Sonam Kapoor: Sonam Kapoor will attend the coronation of King Charles III, and will increase the honor of India in the Royal ceremony
Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor may not be seen in films these days, but the actress often becomes a part of the headlines for her personal life activities. In this episode, information related to
IND vs ENG: After Rohit, Dravid also expressed confidence in Kohli, saying- 'A big innings is yet to come from his bat'
India entered the final by winning by 68 runs against England in Guyana on Thursday. Now Team India will face South Africa on 29 June. India has reached the final of the T20 World Cup for the third
Malegaon Case: Mechanic was being lured to take Sadhvi Pragya's name, ATS officers used to threaten him
After the acquittal of the accused in the Malegaon bomb blasts, the then-investigating officers have been exposed. The officers involved in the investigation were preparing fake witnesses against
