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Panaji: With protection money allegedly being demanded by miscreants from London and locally from \u2018Fish selling agents\u2019, the Opposition in Goa has slammed the BJP government stating that law and order has collapsed.<\/p>\n
Recently the Crime Branch sleuths booked three persons for allegedly demanding protection money from \u2018fish selling agents\u2019 in North Goa.<\/p>\n
According to the police, one Satheeb Ramchandran, a resident of Ratnagiri in Maharashtra having an office at Malim jetty, Betim in North Goa, complained about the protection money being demanded from him and others.<\/p>\n
In his complaint he stated that three persons demanded Rs 50,000 per month as protection money from him and other fishing agents operating in the area.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe accused persons threatened to kill the complainant and to damage\/burn his fish truck if the amount was not paid to them,\u201d the police said.<\/p>\n
Prior to this complaint, Goa Forward Party MLA Vijai Sardesai had alleged that fish selling agents from South Goa were getting phone calls and threats from London to pay \u2018protection money\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am told that fish selling agents are getting calls from London to give protection money. They threaten them to give Rs 50,000 every month to continue their business,\u201d Sardesai said, adding that the extortionists tell them that they have got backing from the top.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to know what type of Amrit kaal is this, where protection money is sought from fish selling agents,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n
\u201cHafta collection never happened in Goa, it was taking place in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Today it has come to Goa,\u201d Sardesai said.<\/p>\n
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, speaking to IANS, said that the Goa government has compromised the safety of people.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow many times should the opposition shout that law and order has collapsed in Goa. The Chief Minister, who also holds the Home portfolio, has failed miserably. The government is oblivious to what is going on. Protection money, bribery at state entry points, goondaism, drug trafficking, cyber crime, with people\u2019s safety being compromised,\u201d Alemao said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Chief Minister continues to be busy with event management. For the National Games Rs 18 crores were spent on showcasing the Chief Minister, Prime Minister and the ruling party. This is abuse of resources,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Sources said that these phone calls may have been received by a few people and not all who are in this business. \u201cSince the last many years I have been doing business in the South Goa fish wholesale market, but we have not come across such demands. Some people may have received these phone calls, but personally I have not received any such call,\u201d one of the top wholesalers from South Goa told IANS.<\/p>\n
There are four major fishing harbours in the coastal state, where many trawler owners are engaged in this business. Goa also imports fish from Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. There are thousands of fish selling agents in the state, who purchase the fish from wholesalers\/trawlers and sell them to fish vendors and restaurants.<\/p>\n
(IANS)<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n