PANJIM: The daylight kidnapping attempt by three masked men, one armed with a pistol, on Wednesday has left Margao shell shocked. The peace was shattered when an attempt was made to kidnap a jeweler after he reached his son to school. In this edition of Street Voices, we asked people if the broad daylight kidnapping attempt exposes the dark underbelly of Margao?
It is shocking that such an incident should happen in broad daylight in Margao. Hats off to the people who intervened even when the assailants had a gun. If such things happen in Margao, where has the law and order reached? The Home Minister is the Chief Minister. What is he doing? Is he paying any attention what the police are doing? If the DGP is good he should act tough with such elements.
Some people think it maybe a fake gun. But it was a loaded gun, evident from the fact that the magazine fell to the ground. These are genuine assailants wearing masks. That Margao is not safe is evident from the fact that the incident took place in the heart of the town during rush hour. So we do not know who will be kidnapped. If we recall in 2020, Jeweller Swapnil Walke was murdered in daylight. That time people were saying that CCTV cameras should be installed. Now the focus has gone back to CCTV camera installation. But this is not happening.
From what is happening today, it is evident that Margao’s law and order has totally collapsed. The same is the case all over Goa. Aquem was the most peaceful area. Recently there were theft, now even murders may take place. I appeal to the police to take pro-active steps to reduce crime. People are afraid to reside in Aquem in particular and Margao in general. Because they are no sure what will happen next.