The rise of violent crime
Recent years have witnessed a surge in cold-blooded contract killings. Criminals strike in broad daylight, shaking the confidence of residents. One chilling example occurred in Margao, where a businessman was gunned down by hired shooters.
In 2023, Goa police arrested a gang of sharpshooters from Haryana involved in multiple crimes across northern India. They were found hiding in a rented villa in Anjuna. “Criminals are not only visiting Goa for leisure but are using it as a strategic base for illegal operations,” police investigations revealed.
The brazen daylight robbery at a jewellery shop two years ago, which claimed a life, further underscores the gravity of the situation. “We have been time and time again saying that with the prevalence of prostitution, drugs, rapes and murders, we have become a crime capital in the country. Goa is a capital of unemployment, too. If the government is not keen on cracking down on these criminal activities, that means they are enjoying the benefits of these activities,” says South Goa MP Capt Viriato Fernandes, an outspoken critic of the State’s governance.
The kidnapping menace
Kidnappings, too, have seen a disturbing rise. A recent attempt targeting a member of the Vernekar family in Aquem-Margao drew significant attention. “Our police force is deployed on non-core duties, and there’s a dearth of staff at major police stations. Without efforts to detect crime or verify the antecedents of migrants, the crime graph will only soar. FIRs must be registered promptly to ensure crime detection and resolution.”
Property disputes and greed
Goa’s scenic lands, once a source of pride, have become the epicentre of bitter disputes. Families, developers, and brokers clash over ancestral properties, with many cases escalating into violence.
The infamous Pooja Sharma case in Assagao shocked the State. A family’s house was demolished, and they were reportedly kidnapped during the process, all under the alleged protection of the men in uniform. Goa is still seeking answers as to who Pooja Sharma is and how she seems to operate above the law.
Adv Amar Naik highlights the chaos wrought by unregulated brokers: “Properties of Goans are being sold by non-Goans to non-Goans. Rising greed and unchecked brokerage have turned Goa’s unique land revenue code into a battleground.” “Land holdings are vanishing, and our children may be forced to leave the State. Is this what Goa stands for?” asks MP Viriato.
Organised crime finds a haven
With its relaxed lifestyle and growing infrastructure, Goa has also become a hideout for criminals. Gangs involved in drug trafficking, betting rackets, and extortion operate with alarming ease. For instance, in March, two sharpshooters from Haryana were arrested while hiding in a hotel in North Goa. The duo had killed Indian National Lok Dal Haryana unit’s head Nafe Singh Rathi on February 25 and then fled to Goa. There are many such criminals in Goa, who have been arrested and taken back by Delhi, Hyderabad, Karnataka, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh Police. As senior advocate Cleofato Almeida Coutinho points out, “There is a complete collapse of government machinery.”
Law enforcement in disarray
The Goa Police, tasked with safeguarding the State, faces widespread criticism. Allegations of corruption, inefficiency, and preferential treatment mar their reputation. Noted criminal lawyer Amey Prabhudessai observes, “The Goa Police should apply the same yardstick of the law to every citizen. Politically connected individuals are often let off, while ordinary citizens bear the brunt of enforcement.”
Further, police deployments often prioritise coastal belts over inland areas, leaving hinterlands vulnerable. Silva laments the lack of proactive policing: “Once upon a time, there were nakabandis at every corner. Today, they are restricted to strategic points. Many officers focus on promotions rather than working diligently.”
Adv Showmik Pai Angle acknowledges the staffing improvements in some stations but points out systemic flaws: “Despite having two PIs and several PSIs in some stations, crime persists.”
Advocate Seoula Vaz says, “What is required of the police is that they should actually behave and act like police, which they have failed to do. If you visit any construction or building site across the State, there is a law-and-order situation which immediately erupts because people are taking law into their hands and the police are refusing to act.”
The migrant debate
The role of migrants in Goa’s changing crime landscape is a contentious topic. While not all migrants are culpable, their unchecked influx has coincided with a spike in criminal activities. Advocates like Pai Angle and Naik argue for stricter regulation. “High and mighty criminals find Goa a safe hiding place,” says Naik. “There is a need for the police to keep a tab on migrants who reside in rented rooms and at the same should maintain a strict vigil on the large numbers of migrants that have flooded Margao town - especially the area around the garden or near the railway station. Only if the cops keep a hawk’s eye on the migrants it will instill fear in their minds and deter them from committing crimes,” Pai Angle adds.
However, some believe the problem lies closer to home. “It is the local Goans who sell their properties to outsiders. We cannot blame the government entirely,” says Naik. The resulting demographic shift, combined with unchecked tourism, has eroded Goa’s cultural fabric.
Noise, nightlife and nuisance
Beyond violent crimes, noise pollution from nightclubs and parties disrupts the lives of residents. “It’s not just the noise—it’s the feeling that law and order are slowly eroding. We don’t feel as safe as we used to,” one Anjuna resident shares.
“Here is a village in Goa which is flouting rules left and right. It is very sad to say it is a mockery of the Indian judiciary. We need tourism but not of this kind. We have the right to sleep in peace, guaranteed to us by the Indian Constitution,” says Dr Inacio Fernandes.
Nightlife, once a symbol of Goa’s vibrant culture, is now seen by some as a source of degradation. Capt Viriato expresses dismay at the declining standards: “Tourism in Goa has gone from first class to third class, driven solely by profit margins.”
A way forward
Despite these challenges, efforts are underway to restore order. Special task forces have been formed to address organised crime and property disputes. Legal reforms and community policing initiatives are being discussed to instil confidence in law enforcement.
“The beauty of Goa lies not just in its landscapes, but in its people. With the right measures—stricter policing, community involvement, and legal reforms—Goa can reclaim its identity as a peaceful paradise,” says Pai Angle.
Goa stands at a crossroads. Its transformation from a tranquil paradise to a hub of criminal activity is a wake-up call for its citizens, authorities, and leaders. The State’s essence—its peace, hospitality, and spirit—depends on the collective will to address these pressing issues. Only then can Goa truly remain a paradise, not just in name, but in reality.