6 killed, over 70 injured in pre-dawn stampede at temple festival in Goa
Panaji: Six persons including two women were killed and more than 70 sustained injuries after a stampede broke out during a temple festival at a village in North Goa district in the wee hours of Saturday, officials said. The Goa government ordered a magisterial inquiry into the tragedy at Shirgao village, and also transferred five Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
North Goa temple stampede: Collector, SP shunted out
PANAJI: Hours after six devotees lost their lives in a stampede during a temple festival in Goa, the state government on Saturday ordered the transfer of five senior officials, including the North Goa collector and the superintendent of police. In order to ensure free and fair inquiry, the government has transferred District Collector Sneha Gitte, Superintendent of Police (North) Akshat Kaushal, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Bicholim) Jivba Dalvi, Deputy Collector (Bicholim) Bhimnath Khorjuvekar and Police Inspector Dinesh Gadekar with immediate effect, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told reporters. Addressing a press conference in Panaji, Sawant said a fact-finding committee, headed by State Revenue Secretary Sandeep Jacques and comprising senior police officer Varma Sharma, Parimal Abhishekh, State Director of Transport, and Tikam Singh Varma, SP, South Goa, as its members has been constituted. Sawant said the panel will visit the stampede site at Shirgao village and prepare a report after speaking with all the concerned persons, including the Superintendent of Police, Collector, and officials of Fire and Emergency Services. The committee will submit its report by Sunday morning. Sawant said the death toll remains six. Injured people were admitted to Goa Medical College and Hospital and five of them are on the ventilator, while eight persons are undergoing treatment in North Goa District Hospital.
Goa Stampede: CM Sawant Orders Magisterial Inquiry After 6 People Killed At Temple Festival
The incident occurred around 3 am on Saturday at Sree Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao village, about 40 km from Panaji.
Six killed, 30 injured in stampede at Goa temple festival
The incident occurred around 3 am at Sree Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao village, around 40 km away from Panaji, a police official said; he said 40 to 50 people fell on the slope, resulting in the stampede, which was confined to that spot
6 killed, 30 injured in stampede at Goa temple festival
At least six people were killed and 30 injured in a stampede during a temple festival in North Goa, India. The incident occurred at the Sree Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao village, around 40 km from Panaji, as thousands of devotees thronged the narrow lanes to the temple for the annual festival.
6 dead, over 15 injured in stampede at Lairai Devi temple in Goa
PANAJI: At least six persons were killed, and several sustained injuries after a stampede broke out during a temple festival in North Goa, officials said on Saturday. The incident occurred at Sree Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao village in the wee hours of the day, a senior police officer said. Thousands of devotees from Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka had gathered at the temple for the festival, he said, adding that the exact cause of the stampede would be ascertained after a probe. At least six persons were killed in the stampede, and several devotees have sustained injuries, officials from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said. State Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said at least 30 people sustained injuries, of which eight are in critical condition and two were referred to the Goa Medical College and Hospital in Bambolim. Eight injured persons were admitted at the district hospital, while 10 were treated for minor injuries, he added. Rane said the health department has taken immediate and comprehensive steps to manage the situation. We coordinated with the 108 ambulance service, ensuring that five ambulances were dispatched to the site immediately after the incident, while three more are stationed at the North Goa district hospital, he said. Rane said additional doctors were roped in, and a dedicated ICU with ventilators was set up to provide consolidated care. All necessary arrangements have been made, and we are closely monitoring each patient, he said. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also visited the injured at the North Goa district hospital. Deeply saddened by the tragic stampede at the Lairai Zatra in Shirgaon this morning. I visited the hospital to meet the injured and have assured all possible support to the affected families. I am personally monitoring the situation to ensure that every necessary measure is being taken. Prime Minister Modi spoke with me and took detailed stock of the situation, offering his full support during this difficult time, Sawant later posted on X. VIDEO | Goa CM Pramod Sawant ( @DrPramodPSawant ) visited North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa to meet the injured as several people have been feared dead and injured in a stampede at a temple festival in Shirgao village last night. (Source: Third Party) #Goa pic.twitter.com/DjA0G4mYNA Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 3, 2025
Vascon Engineers Bags Rs 225-Crore Construction Project In Goa
The order involves construction of two terminal buildings along with ropeway tower works at Panaji and Reis Magos in Goa.
Over 50 Tourists From Goa Stuck In J&K After Pahalgam Terror Attack: Officials
Panaji, Apr 23: More than 50 persons from Goa who were on a vacation to Jammu and Kashmir were stranded at hotels in Srinagar after the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam and efforts were on to bring them back, officials said on Wednesday. Terrorists struck at a prime tourist location in Pahalgam in south Kashmir on Tuesday, killing at least 26 persons, mostly tourists, and injuring several others, according to officials. The terrorists opened fire at tourists who were milling [] The post Over 50 Tourists From Goa Stuck In J&K After Pahalgam Terror Attack: Officials appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
20 ha cashew plantation revival in 2025, 1.5k ha in next 2 years
Staff Reporter Panaji With 12.5 per cent of the land under cashew crop in the state with the Goa Forest Development Corporation (GFDC), chairperson Deviya Rane on Monday said the GFDC is making intensive efforts to rejuvenate old cashew plantations to increase yield. The Poriem MLA said that GFDC has been steadily rejuvenating cashew plantations []
Fresh stray sterilisation drives for North & South Goa soon
Staff Reporter Panaji The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH&VS) is launching a fresh round of sterilisation drives targeting stray dogs in both North and South Goa. The AH&VS director Nitin Naik said that staff will be deployed daily to carry out neutering operations in both districts, with dedicated officials working region-wise. In []
Francis courageously addressed critical world issues, says Pillai
Staff Reporter Panaji Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai said that Pope Francis will be remembered as a spiritual teacher of the highest order, who tirelessly spread the message of human love, global harmony, and peace. Terming him as a bold reformer, Pillai said that Francis courageously addressed critical global issuesbe it terrorism, climate change, or []
A true shephard, he championed cause of marginalised: Ferrao
Staff Reporter Panaji Pope Francis call to care for Mother Earth was highly appreciated and sparked a global movement, said Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao. Calling his demise an immeasurable loss to the entire Church, Ferrao said Francis was a true shepherd of Gods people, who dedicated his life to spreading []
CM reviews govt schemes, budget implementation
Special Correspondent Panaji Chief Minister Pramod Sawant chaired a meeting with Chief Secretary and Secretaries to various government departments at the Secretariat, on Monday to review the implementation of various government schemes and budget implementation. Discussions were also held on streamlining execution and ensuring effective delivery of services to every Goan. Later, Sawant said that []
Multiple police teams probing Dona Paula armed robbery
Staff Reporter Panaji Police have formed multiple teams to investigate the armed robbery at a Dona Paula bungalow in the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday in which gold ornaments and cash were looted. The robbers tied the owners of the house, an elderly couple from a well-known business family, to a bed and assaulted []
Study flags Goas overfishing of vulnerable shark
Recommends enhancing monitoring systems, conducting detailed market surveys Abdul Wahab Khan Panaji : A study has flagged the overfishing of vulnerable shark, identifying Goa and Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh as critical hubs in a trade that threatens marine biodiversity and coastal livelihoods. Titled as Identifying leverage points for sustainability in Indias shark supply chains, the []
Enforce registration of dogs to curb abandonment, manage stray nos
Mission Rabies issues recommendations following toddlers death in stray dog attack Panaji: In the aftermath of the tragic incident in which a 20-month-old girl lost her life after being mauled by a pack of stray dogs in Ponda, Mission Rabies has issued a set of urgent recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies. It also called []
Goa looking at erecting a strong start-up-orientated ecosystem: CM
Panaji: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, addressing the gathering at the 43rd Foundation Day of the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) held in Ahmedabad virtually, said India is pacing fast on the path of becoming a foremost startup nation and that Goa too is looking at erecting a strong start-up-orientated ecosystem. Sawant praised Gujarats development []
Police book 1,000-odd offences along Goas coast in past 3 months
Panaji: Tourist police posted along the states beaches have acted against over 1,000 violations in the past three months, including drinking, driving and dumping garbage, and handed over the suspected persons to the local police stations for necessary action. Superintendent of Police (Tourist police) Akshat Kaushal said, 545 cases are related to garbage dumping, 265 []
Plant biodiversity along Sal, Zuari rivers on decline
Abdul Wahab Khan Panaji A study published in the Plant-Environment Interactions journal (2025) has called on the states River Rejuvenation Project to look beyond just beautification and instead address the need for deeper interventions, while flagging the decline in plant species diversity along Goas Sal and Zuari rivers due to increasing human activity and water []
Mango moment: Mankurad prices finally sliding
Shahin Bepari Lambe Panaji In some good news for mango lovers, prices of the prized Mankurad variety of the fruit have started to drop in the local markets. The small to medium-sized mangoes of the variety are now being sold at Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,500 per dozen, which is a sharp drop from the []
Prajat Halankar powers into semis
Staff Reporter Panaji Prajat Halankar continued his fine run at the Bandodkar Panjim Gymkhana Tennis Open 2025, outclassing Raju Kundaikar 6-3 in the mens singles quarter-finals. One of the tournaments most consistent performers, Prajat is set to return to thecourt later Thursday, teaming up with Avadhut Palekar for the mens doubles quarter-final. Palekar, meanwhile, heads []
Vaishistha Behl shines for Sunshine
Staff Reporter Panaji Vaishistha Behl delivered a sensational all-round performance to help Sunshine Worldwide HS, Old Goa clinch a narrow five-run win over Don Bosco HS, Panaji in the U-14 President Cup clash at Panaji. Batting first, Sunshine were bowled out for 216 in 33 overs, with Vaishistha playing a stunning lone hand smashing []
No new sanads to be issued for converting farmlands, says CM
Staff Reporter Panaji Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced on Wednesday that henceforth no new sanad (a certificate granting permission for non-agricultural use) will be issued for farmlands, as per the Goa Restriction on Transfer of Agricultural LandAct, 2023, When mediapersons pointed out that despite notifying the new agriculture policy by the government, paddy fields are []
10,000 seats up for grabs: UG admissions via SAMARTH to commence on April 11
Staff Reporter Panaji The online admission process for undergraduate (UG) courses will commence from April 11 onwards, the Directorate of Higher Education (DHE) said. Around 10,000 seats will be filled across the different programmes in various colleges. The admissions will be conducted on the SAMARTH e-Gov platform and online applications will be accepted from 11 []
IPL cricket betting racket busted,34 held, Rs 40 lakh articles seized
Staff Reporter Panaji The Crime Branch of Goa Police on Wednesday said it has busted a major IPL cricket betting racket through two separate raids, arresting 34 accused persons, including the main accused Lucky Kalra, a native of Rajasthan. Laptops, mobile phones, and other equipment worth Rs 40 lakh were also seized. Over the past []
Central agencies grill Atala over possible links to intl drug trade
Staff Reporter Panaji Officials from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) have separately interrogated Israeli national Yaniv Benaim alias Atala (50), who was recently arrested by the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) of Goa Police in a drug-related case. Sources said both central agencies questioned Atala regarding his possible links to national and []
State, IOCL join forces to supercharge EV infra
Staff Reporter Panaji The Goa government has partnered with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to set up a network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and advanced battery swapping facilities across the state. The initiative also includes developing essential roadside amenities such as toilets and changing rooms along national highways. To support the initiative, the []
Goa govt partners with TERI for Khazan revival, ecotourism
Staff Reporter Panaji The Goa government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) to collaborate on the revival of Khazan lands and the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Natural Resource Management and Ecotourism in the state. The Centre will focus on coastal and marine resource management, []
BJP sets target to increase vote share to 52% in 2027 polls
Staff Reporter Panaji The Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) Goa unit has set an ambitious target to increase its vote share from the current 33.36 percent to 52 percent in the 2027 Goa legislative assembly elections. The party is also aiming to win over 27 seats in the 40-member assembly. Speaking at the North Goa BJP []
Freeing up space: Disposal fairs planned to auction old vehicles
Staff Reporter Panaji In a bid to free up resources and improve efficiency, the state government will dispose of off-road and underutilised government vehicles through auction for which disposal fairs to be organised in Porvorim, Mapusa, and Margao. Vehicles older than 15 years will be scrapped, while those below 15 years will be auctioned. Briefing []
Law to regularise irregularstructures on private lands
Staff Reporter Panaji The state government announced on Tuesday that it will promulgate an ordinance or bring in a bill to regularise irregular structures built in private properties. However, the government has taken a firm stand on the removal of encroached structures on government lands and along roadsides. The move comes in the wake of []
Govt revamping investments scheme to enhance usefulness
Staff Reporter Panaji The government is revamping the Goa State Incentives to Encourage Investments Scheme 2017 to improve the usefulness of the initiative to local industrial units. The umbrella scheme to incentivise industry is being revised under the Raising and Accelerating MSMIE Performance (RAMP) project, for which Goa has been sanctioned Rs 61.6 crore by []
Rights panel directs construction of crematorium in Sanguems Bhati
Staff Reporter Panaji The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has directed the South Goa collector, the panchayats director and the range forest officer to hand over land to the Bhati village panchayat in Sanguem taluka and ensure the construction of a crematorium within 60 days. The order was issued following a complaint filed by Bhati []
Bhoomkar sisters to clash in quarters
Staff Reporter Panaji Bhaavya Bhoomkar kept her impressive run alive across three categories at the Bandodkar Panjim Gymkhana Tennis Open 2025, storming into the semi-finals of the girls U-14 and reaching the quarter-finals in both the girls U-18 and ladies singles events. She is now set to face her elder sister, top seed Tithee Bhoomkar, []
Goas local onions output hit amid labour crunch, competition from cheaper imports
Bhiva Parab Panaji Its the season of gaothi kande or uliche kandeGoas prized locally grown onionsbut these once-ubiquitous kitchen staples have now become a rare sight in village markets and roadside stalls. With fewer farmers cultivating this traditional variety, gaothi kande are gradually being replaced by cheaper, readily available onions from outside the state. The []
Govt to address MSME supply woes with April 11 buyer-seller meet
Staff Reporter Panaji With over 60,000 registered micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the state and many among them facing difficulty in supplying components and equipments to large companies the government announced a buyer-seller meet on April 11, for large and small industry to come together and do business. The buyer and seller meet []
NSO fast-tracks data: Survey results in 3 months, says director general
Staff Reporter Panaji In a positive news to policy makers, results of different National Statistics Office (NSO) surveys will henceforth be disclosed within three months, said NSS, Director General, Geeta Singh Rathore, on Tuesday. Rathore said that, the decision to publish survey findings within a timeline is one of the decisions taken during the 18thnational []
1st quarter of 25 sees 23 dengue cases, down from 76 last year
Staff Reporter Panaji The first quarter of the new year has seen a decline in the number of confirmed dengue cases, with only 23 cases being reported as against 76 cases during the corresponding period last year. The month of March saw seven confirmed cases, of which five were reported in North Goa while two []
11,000 kg of gunpowder illegally stored at firm's blast-hit godown in Goa: Police
PANAJI: Investigation into a fire-triggered blast at the warehouse of a private small calibre ammunition making factory in South Goa last week has indicated that nearly 11,000 kg of gunpowder was illegally stored at the facility, police said. In a media statement on Wednesday, a police spokesperson said around 11,000 kg of gunpowder was stored in one of the magazines without obtaining the requisite licence from authorities by M/s Hughes Precision Manufacturing Pvt Ltd, which owned the factory. The fire at the warehouse, stocked with explosives, sparked a massive explosion destroying 14.5 tonnes of gunpowder, police earlier said on March 21. No casualty was reported in the incident which occurred at around 10.30 pm on March 20 on the premises of M/s Hughes Precision in Naqueri-Betul village in South Goa. The blast, however, created cracks in the houses of people living nearby. A manufacturing plant of the company is located at Verna Industrial Estate in South Goa. The police said a complaint against the firm was filed by South Goa Deputy Collector based in Quepem town, accusing the management and other staff of not complying with standing instructions or guidelines issued by authorities during the grant of licence for transportation, storing of propellant (gunpowder). This non-compliance with guidelines led to the fire incident, according to the complaint. The spokesperson said the police inquiry conducted so far has indicated the company stored 11,000 kilograms of gunpowder without obtaining permission from the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry's Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO). The PESO later suspended the company's licence to store gunpowder at the warehouse. The Cuncolim police, conducting the probe, have booked the company management officials under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provisions related to endangering human life or personal safety, and causing damage to property.
Coastal belt, bus stands, rail stns on police radar for drugs
Panaji: The Anti Narcotics Cell (ANC) of the Goa police, as part of its efforts to crackdown on drug menace, is conducting surprise checks with the help of a police sniffer dog along the coastal belt as well as at the interstate bus stands and railway stations. SP ANC Tikam Singh Verma said that the []
GRE seeks stricter rules to curb illegal fishing activities
Panaji: Goenchea Ramponkarancho Ekvott (GRE) has urged the state government to make amendments to the Goa, Daman and Diu Marine Fishing Regulation Act of 1980, mainly to combat illegal fishing activities effectively. GRE on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to the Fisheries Department with their demands. We urge you to bring more stringent amendments to the []
Lazy Boys emerge Goa Handball League champions
Staff Reporter Panaji Lazy Boys etched their name in history, clinching the Goa Handball League 5.0 title in debut season. Organized by the Goa Handball Academy, the tournament featured six fiercely competitive teams, but it was Lazy Boys who emerged as the standout force, showcasing grit, resilience, and exceptional team spirit. Led by their captain []
In Goa, over 50k women in SHGs under Central scheme: Union Min
Staff Reporter Panaji Over 50,000 women in the state have been included in Self Help Groups (SHGs) under the Deendayal AntyodayaYojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) scheme of the Centre. The scheme is a flagship poverty alleviation programme of the Government of India and is one of the worlds largest initiatives to improve the livelihoods of []
Now, aggregator taxis can rely on apps to calculate fares, issue receipts
Staff Reporter Panaji The state government has amended its Motor Vehicles Rules to recognise mobile applications as legitimate fare meters for taxi services. The notification, published on Thursday, marks a major shift in how ride-hailing services can operate in the popular tourist destination. The new rules, effective immediately, eliminate the mandatory requirement for physical printers []
AI Hackathon 2025 to boost mineral discovery
Staff Reporter Panaji Startups in the state aswell as entrepreneurs, students from the Goa Engineering College, Farmagudi and private engineering colleges are being invited to participate in the mining ministry promotedAI Hackathon 2025,a mineral hackathon focused on critical minerals using Artificial Intelligence (AI). The hackathon is aimed at fostering innovation in exploration, processing, research and []
Goan music, cuisine and art woo visitors to Goa pavilion in Lisbon
Staff Reporter Panaji The Department of Art & Culture made its debut at the prestigious BTL Lisbon 2025 (Bolsa de Turismo de Lisboa), presenting Goas rich and diverse cultural heritage on an international stage. The Goa Pavilion featured Goan art, literature, pottery, feni, and traditional delicacies such as bebinca and cashew nuts. Live pottery demonstrations []
Restore drainage system along Porvorim flyover site: Plea in HC
Panaji: A petition filed before the High Court of Bombay at Goa by Moses Pinto has raised concerns over the lack of a proper drainage system at the Porvorim flyover construction site, urging urgent intervention by authorities and the project contractor. The petitioner has stated that the existing drainage system has been filled with mud []
FIR against Kankonkar over swami comment
Panaji: Police registered an FIR against activist Rama Kankonkar for allegedly hurting religious sentiments after he posted a video on social media against a religious leader. Several followers of Sadguru Brahmeshanandacharya Swami Maharaj, gathered at the Panaji police station late Wednesday evening demanding for his arrest. They also filed a complaint against Kankonkar for making []
Undergo regular screenings for early detection of kidney diseases: Doctors
Padmavati Prabhu Panaji: This year on World Kidney Day, doctors have advised that at-risk individuals undergo regular screenings for early detection of kidney diseases, enabling patients to lead longer lives even with the condition. Kidney diseases in the risk populations can be detected through urine tests and blood examinations. The urine examination is conducted to []
Goan youth rescued from Myanmar scam returns
Panaji: An engineering graduate from Goa, who was lured on the promise of job opportunity in Southeast Asian countries and made to indulge in cybercrime and other fraudulent activities has been repatriated. The Goan youth was brought back to the state on Tuesday night by a cyber crime police team, said Cyber Crime SP, Rahul []
Congress cannot be trusted: Atishi says AAP wont enter alliance for 2027 Goa polls, party replies
PANAJI : Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi on Monday said that the party would contest the 2027 elections in Goa and Gujarat alone without opting for an alliance with Congress. The former Delhi chief minister was on a day-long visit to the coastal state to inaugurate the party's office in Margao. Talking to reporters, Atishi said, We are getting ready to contest the elections (Goa and Gujarat) on our own. Till now, there are no talks of an alliance. On reasons for ruling out an alliance with the Congress, Atishi said it was very clear that Congress cannot be trusted. She said that the people of Goa voted the BJP to power in 2022, but at the same time, the Congress won 11 seats, and 8 of its MLAs later joined the saffron party. The Congress is the main opposition party with only three MLAs, and AAP has two legislators, she said. Atishi said, When the two AAP candidates won the 2022 elections, there were rumours that they would not survive in the party even for two months. But they are still with the party because they have not come to make money from politics. Asked if the AAP is not interested in an alliance with like-minded parties, she said. When eight out of 11 MLAs join the BJP, what is like-minded? The AAP has shown that our two MLAs got elected and are still standing with the party. The BJP also tried to lure our MLAs. We are not interested in politics where winning elections and making money is the sole aim. Our interest in politics is to deliver for the people, she said. Speaking about the party's loss in the Delhi assembly polls, Atishi said that the question is not what will happen to the AAP but what will happen to the people of Delhi. BJP has already announced that they will close 250 Mohalla clinics. They have already announced that they will stop free medicine, she said. She said party leader Arvind Kejriwal had warned that if AAP loses, power cuts will start, the quality of education will again become bad in government schools, and this is already happening. Systematically, the works of the AAP government were stopped. If you look at the Delhi elections, from manipulation to misuse of machinery and intimidation of voters, they tried everything. Delhi has never seen this kind of election. But despite all this, there was only a 2 per cent difference between BJP and AAP, she said. Atishi alleged that the BJP has not fulfilled its elections promise of providing Rs 2,500 to the women of Delhi. The prime minister had assured that on March 8, on Women's Day, all women will get the first instalment in their bank account. Forget about getting the instalment, the registration for the scheme has even not started, she claimed. It goes to show that BJP has no intention of delivering on the promises they made, she said. Meanwhile, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Amit Patkar said it is pre-mature to discuss about the alliance at this point of time. It is premature to discuss about the alliance, two years ahead of the elections. The prime focus of all the parties is to strength their base in each constituency. The Congress has started working in all 40 constituencies. We will expand our base, Patkar said, taking to PTI. AAP and Congress as well as other like-minded parties are already fighting as a united opposition in the assembly and raising issues of the people, he pointed out.
Man held with Rs 11.67 crore hydroponic weed in Goa; biggest drug haul in state
PANAJI: A man has been arrested in Goa for possessing hydroponic weed valued at Rs 11.67 crore, police said, claiming it is the biggest seizure of drugs in the history of the coastal state. The man was arrested on Saturday from Guirim village, located between Panaji and Mapusa cities, a police crime branch spokesperson said. We seized 11.672 kilograms of hydroponic weed valued at Rs 11.67 crore from him. This is biggest seizure of drugs in Goa's history. He has been booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the spokesperson said. Hailing the police, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in a post on X on Saturday said, Congratulations to the Crime Branch Goa Police for Goa's Biggest-Ever Drug Bust! In a major breakthrough, the Crime Branch has successfully busted a drug racket, arresting an individual in possession of 11.672 kg of hydroponic weed worth Rs 11.67 crores. This is a testament to the relentless efforts of our law enforcement agencies in keeping our state drug-free, he said. The Goa government remains committed to a zero-tolerance policy on drugs, the CM said, adding that intelligence networks will be strengthened and surveillance enhanced to crack down on such crimes to safeguard the youth and society. Hydroponics is a type of cultivation without soil in an artificial environment by using water-based mineral nutrient solutions.
Rs 25 crore for bldg wont cover dues: Mapusa bank depositors
Staff Reporter Panaji Amid the state governments move to take over the erstwhile Mapusa Urban Cooperative Banks head office building Nandadeep for Rs 25 crore, there is no sign of closure of the liquidation proceedings for the beleaguered depositors with deposits valued atRs 71.7 crore remaining unpaid as of date. Depositors on Friday told The []
16 dengue cases in Jan-Feb period; 70% drop from last yr
Staff Reporter Panaji Goa has witnessed a decrease in dengue cases in the first two months, compared to last year. The state has reported a total of 16 confirmed cases of dengue in January and February, this year, as against 55 cases during the corresponding period last year. This year, seven cases were reported in []
Join govts work-from-home initiative, CM urges women
Special Correspondent Panaji Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday appealed to the Goan women having good communication skills to enrol in the governments work-from-home initiative. We have partnered with Reliance Jio to make this possible and so far, 50 per cent of women have been selected for this scheme at the job fair in Sankhali, []
Liberation protagonist Evagrio Jorge honoured at birth centenary celebration
Staff Reporter Panaji Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA) on Thursday celebrated the birth centenary of Evagrio Francisco Jorge at his residence in Carmona, honouring the life and legacy of the distinguished freedom fighter, writer,and editor. Born on March 6, 1925, in Carmona, South Goa, Jorge was a staunch opponent of Portuguese rule and actively participated in []
Congress demands Ranes ouster for mass land conversions
Staff Reporter Panaji Stating that land converted between March 2023 and July 2024, was 10 times more than the land converted during 1986-2005, Congress on Friday demanded the sacking of Town and Country Planning (TCP) Minister Vishwajit Rane and Chief Town PlannerRajesh Naik. GPCC president Sunil Kawthankar blamed Rane for the mass land conversions that []
Unauthorised pre-primary schools under scanner
Special Correspondent Panaji Appealing to the parents not to enrol their children in unrecognised pre-primary nursery, kindergarten I and Kindergarten II schools, the directorate of education (DoE) on Friday said it will conduct a survey to check the legal status of such schools running around the state. The DoE also warned those running []
'Ministers busy counting money': Goa BJP leader accuses own government of corruption, incompetence
Former Goa minister and BJP leader Pandurang Madaikar on Thursday slammed his own government as corrupt and incompetent after a minister allegedly took a bribe from him. Stating that no work happens under the Pramod Sawant-led government, Madaikar alleged that all the ministers are usy counting money. Loot is going on.Nothing is moving. They are only busy counting money. All ministers are busy counting money. Nothing is happening in Goa, Madaikar said. Speaking to reporters after a one-on-one meeting with BJP national general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh in Panaji,Madaikar alleged that a minister from the Sawant-headed cabinet had taken a hefty bribe from him to complete a small work. I was also a minister, so I know very well how ministers work in the government. I gave Rs 15 to 20 lakh to a minister for a small work. But he has not done my work yet. He kept my file pending. Whenever I tried to contact him, he refused to do his work to meet us, India Today reported Madaikar as saying. However, Madaikar refused to name the minister to whom he had to pay the bribe but told reporters that the name would be revealed when he leaves the party. In response, Goa Chief Minister Sawant, without denying the charges levelled against his government by Madaikar, asked him to name the minister. He has not made an allegation against me. Ask him [who the minister is], The Wire reported the CM as saying. Madaikar's statements instigated sharp criticism from the opposition parties with Congress demanding an official clarification from the CM. It is a serious charge by their party colleague. Others who continue to be ministers have levelled allegations of corruption. This is not to be taken lightly. This allegation has to be seriously looked into. There needs to be an inquiry, said Congress leader YuriAlemao, reported Hindustan Times. Madkaikar served as the Minister for Power, Social Welfare and Non-Conventional Energy in the Manohar Parrikar ministryfrom 2017 to 2018. His wife contested the 2022 Assembly polls on a BJP ticket, but lost to the opposition Congress candidateRajesh Faldessai.
Couple held in Goa for killing five-year-old girl on occult practitioner's advice
PANAJI: A couple has been arrested in Goa for allegedly killing a five-year-old girl from their neighbourhood and burying the body in their backyard, an official said on Friday. The accused Babasaheb Alar (52) and his wife Pooja (45) have told the police that an occult practitioner had advised them to sacrifice a kid to end their woes, the official said. Deputy Superintendent of Police (Ponda) Shivram Vaigankar told reporters that the parents of the child had complained that she went missing on Wednesday. CCTV footage showed that the kid entered the house of the accused but did not come out, said Vaigankar. During interrogation, the childless couple confessed to killing the girl on the advice of a person practising black magic, he said. The couple believed that sacrificing a child would bring an end to their problems, the official added. They also told police that they had buried the body in their compound. The couple have been booked for murder and destruction of evidence,
30% preference for women in industrial plot allotment
Staff Reporter Panaji Industries Minister Mauvin Godinho on Wednesday announced that women entrepreneurs in the state will henceforth get 30 per cent preference in the allotment of industrial plots with the government keen on encouraging more Goan women in business. Godinho said the government has decided to give priority to women applicants for small plots []
Madkaikars bribery charge stirs up a hornets nest
Special Correspondent Panaji Claiming that he has paid a bribe of nearly Rs 20 lakh to the personal assistant of a minister to get his file cleared, former Bharatiya Janata Party minister Pandurang Madkaikar has stirred up a hornets nest by stating that Goan ministers are more concerned with counting money than tackling the problems []
Study finds microplastics in mackerels, mullets
Abdul Wahab Khan Panaji A three-year study conducted in Goa has pointed to the concerning levels of microplastic pollution in two commercially significant fish species, the Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) and the mullet (Mugil cephalus). Both fish varieties are consumed in Goa, making them critical indicators of microplastic pollution in marine ecosystems. The study findings []
Opposition demands probe into ex-ministers corruption claims
Staff Reporter Panaji/Margao Opposition legislators called on law enforcement agencies, including the police, Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and Vigilance Department, to investigate corruption allegations made by former minister and ex-Cumbharjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar. Madkaikar, who is presently in BJP, claimed on Tuesday that corruption is rampant in the government, alleging he was asked to pay nearly []
BJP natl gen secy reviews govt functioning during Goa visit
Special Correspondent Panaji BJP national general secretary (organisation) B L Santhosh, who had visited Goa on Tuesday, met a number of state office bearers of the party, besides the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and the state BJP president Damodar Naik and reviewed the functioning of the party and the state administration. Later, Naik said that []
Varun Albuquerque conferred Honorary Consul of Russia
Staff Reporter Panaji Varun Albuquerque (39) has been conferred as the Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation inGoa. Albuquerque is a Director of the Alcon Victor Group that has diverse business interests ranging from real estate development to hospitality and healthcare. The notification on February 12 in the Gazette of India states that the President []
Govt will rebuild Porvorim temple at site chosen by devotees: CM
Staff Reporter Panaji Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday said the government is ready to reconstruct Porvorims Dev Khapreshwar temple at a location decided by either a committee or the devotees. The temple was recently demolished under strong opposition by locals and devotees to facilitate the construction of the elevated corridor at Porvorim. Porvorim MLA []
Porvorim flyover: Temple demolition triggers protest
Staff Reporter Panaji Porvorim witnessed tension through the day on Sunday as the authorities began demolition of the Dev Khapreshwar temple while translocating the massive heritage banyan tree at Vadakode along the highway NH66. Devotees and others protested in large numbers even as the police had a tough time to assuage the feelings of the []
Goas endangered species take centrestage at Carnival
Staff Reporter Panaji Protecting some of Goas endangered species was one of the focal points of this years vibrant Carnival float parade held in Panaji on Saturday. Tableaus from across Goa showcased the rich culture, heritage and traditions that define the state. Addressing the crowd, King Momo thanked and welcomed everyone in attendance. I want []
Protest a spontaneous reaction against distortion of history, says BJP
Staff Reporter Panaji The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday said that it had no role in the protest organised by the Bajrang Dal activists Friday night, outside the residence of the noted Konkani writer, Uday Bhembre, over his statement about Maratha king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his links with Goa. State spokesperson of the []
Tourists offenders in most rented vehicle cases booked in 14 mnths
Staff Reporter Panaji Over the last 14 months, Goa traffic police have booked over 27,000 violations committed by motorists using rent-a-car/bike, with majority of the violators being tourists, said a senior police officer. The officer said a total of 27,774 traffic rule violations related to rented cars/bikes were reported between January 2024 and February 2025. []
Study identifies 17 new hover fly species in Goas protected areas
Bhiva Parab Panaji A study has recorded 19 species of hoverflies in Goas protected areas, with 17 species and 12 genera being newly reported for the state. Hoverflies, also known as flower flies, play a crucial ecological role as key pollinators of both, wild and cultivated flora. The survey, conducted between March 2023 and March []
Staff Reporter Panaji Dempo SC will aim to return to winning ways when they take on Delhi FC in an I-League 2024-25 away fixture at the Mahilpur Football Stadium, Punjab, today. The Golden Eagles come into this encounter on the back of a heartbreaking 2-3 defeat at home to Sreenidi Deccan. Marcus Joseph continued his []
Remarks on Shivaji Maharaj: Bajrang Dal protests against Konkani writer
Panaji: Bajrang Dal activists protested outside the residence of Konkani writer Uday Bhembre over his statement about Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his links with Goa. A group of activists staged a peaceful protest outside the 87-year-old writers residence in Margao city of South Goa on Friday evening, condemning his video titled Jagor, uploaded Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Parents across Goa oppose start of academic year in April
Submit memorandum to Education director Special Correspondent Panaji: Parents of school students from across the state on Thursday submitted a memorandum to director of education Shailesh Zingade stating that they want the new academic year to begin from the first week of June as was done all these years, and not from April 1. Stating []
Apply online through Centres portal to use electricity poles
Goa site on Gati Shakti non-functional: ISPs Panaji: In a bid to arrive at a solution to the issue of unauthorised installation of cables by internet service providers (ISPs) and cable operators on electricity poles, the government on Thursday directed all the telecom service providers and ISPs registered in the state to apply online through []
Goas e-waste generation sees alarming 7-fold rise in decade
Shoma Patnaik Panaji: With a high penetration of electrical and electronic equipment across different economic groups, Goas e-waste generation has increased seven-fold in the last decade, according to the governments latest inventory of e-waste. The inventory reveals that the state presently generates close to 7,000 tonnes per annum of e-waste as compared to 1,000 tonnes []
Goas red relic rips Gurugram: Vintage Mini Minor wins honour
Ramnath N Pai Raikar Panaji: The red coloured 1959 Mini Minor model of Morris car owned by Goan vintage car enthusiast Milind Angle has won an award in the Maharaja category at the 11th edition of the 21 Gun Salute Concours dElegance, which recently concluded in Gurugram. The event was held from February 21 to []
Compared to last yr, 28% dip in fatal accidents since Jan
Panaji: Police authorities have registered a 28 per cent drop in fatal road accidents in the first two months this year compared to the corresponding period last year. Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Kumar attributed this achievement to the police who have been focussing on quality prosecution, which has had a direct bearing on []
Haokip treble trembles Panjim Footballers
Guardian Angel ease past Pax of Nagoa 4-2 Benaulim/ Nagoa: Churchill Brothers and Guardian Angel secured wins in their respective matches in the Goa Professional League relegation zone on Thursday. At Benaulim ground, Churchill Brothers defeated Panjim Footballers 4-2. The deadlock was finally broken in the 50th minute when Alent Colaco played a precise through []
Karimabad to clash with Khorlim in North Zone final
Panaji/ Porvorim: Karimabad CC and Khorlim XI booked their spots in the North Zone final of the GCA Division A after securing dominant wins in their respective semifinals on Thursday. At Panjim Gymkhana, Karimabad CC powered past Pedne CSC with a 97-run victory, courtesy of a stellar all-round performance from Siddharth Karpe. Batting first, Karimabad []
Digital payment for traffic challans
Staff Reporter Panaji The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Traffic (Headquarters), has announced that from March 1, 2025, cash payments for traffic challans under the Motor Vehicles Act will be discontinued. Payments will be accepted only via digital modes, including debit/credit cards, QR codes generated on e-challan machines, and the online portal echallan.parivahan.gov.in. Violators will also []
Govt to lay underground cable: CM
Staff Reporter Panaji Stating that the issue of internet service providers (ISPs) and cable operators in the state has been resolved for now by providing them a six-month relief, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday said the government plans to lay a single underground cable in the near future for providing internet services. He said []
Power dept-induced internet outage affected 4 lakh users
Staff Reporter Panaji Around one lakh individual fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) cable lines in the state were affected by the February 25 internet outage, which was a result of a drive carried out by the electricity department, internet service providers (ISPs) said on Wednesday. With each line servicing a family of four, at least four lakh consumers []
Indias first fully stitched ship set to sail from Goas Mandovi river
Staff Reporter Panaji In a momentous recreation of maritime history, Indias first stitched ship, built using age-old techniques and conventional materials, was formally launched on Wednesday at Hodi Innovation Shipyard in Divar. Rear Admiral K M Ramakrishnan, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding Karnataka Naval Area (FOK), launched the ship in the presence of senior officers of []
Distressed Ponda youth stuck in Cambodia waits for help
Soiru Velip Panaji In the midst of deportation of illegal Indian immigrants by the United States, a Goan youth from Ponda taluka has remained stuck in Cambodia for over a year after he was caught by the local administration for entering the country illegally. According to Goa Commission for NRI Affairs, the youth was promised []
Tie-up with Taj Group to boost hospitality skilling, create jobs: CM
Staff Reporter Panaji The Goa government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL), Taj Group, to establish a hospitality skill development centre at Fort Aguada. The centre will train 1,000 students annually, enhancing employment opportunities for youth in the state. This collaboration paves the way for Indias largest []
Plea against Mollem land acquisition:HC puts SWR, land survey dept on notice
Staff Reporter Panaji The High Court of Bombay at Goa has issued notices to the South Western Railway (SWR) and the Directorate of Survey and Land Records (DSLR) on a petition filed by the Goa Foundation challenging land acquisition proceedings within the Mollem WildlifeSanctuary. The petition was filed in response to alleged encroachment into lands []
Main accused among 2 granted bail in Anjuna attempted eviction case
Staff Reporter Panaji The District and Sessions Court, North Goa, on Tuesday, granted conditional bail to Janardan Khorate, the main accused in a case of attempted forceful eviction of a family in Anjuna, citing the failure to provide him with the grounds of his arrest. The court also granted conditional bail to another accused Nikhil []
Goan mangoes yet to hit markets, vendors anticipate delayed season
Staff Reporter Panaji As mangoes from neighbouring states arrive in Panajis markets, Goan mangoes are still struggling to make their way to the shelves. However, local vendors are optimistic as early varieties of raw Goan mangoes have begun appearing, signalling the start of the pickle season. While mango lovers are eager to indulge, the official []
