‘Territorial dispute’ over sand extraction leads to shooting in Goa, Opposition raises law and order concerns

According to police, the incident took place at around 2.30 am when the duo had gone to extract sand from the Terekhol river near Uguvem. The FIR said an unidentified gunman fired at Goud and Paswan with the intention to kill. Paswan was shot in the neck, while Goud suffered gunshot injuries to his right arm and near the stomach. Both are undergoing treatment at Goa Medical College and Hospital.

A police officer, requesting anonymity, said, “One of the victims has undergone surgery and is reported to be critical. It appears to be a fight over territory for sand extraction. The victims were accompanied by six more people on a boat when they came under attack from the accused.”

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said he has ordered an inquiry, and strict action would be taken against all the accused.

Rahul Gupta, SP North Goa, said, “We have detained some people and an investigation is ongoing. The accused will be arrested soon.”

Opposition parties said the incident exposed the “complete collapse of law and order” under the BJP government.

Amarnath Panjikar, media department chairman of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee, said, “It is appalling that Goa, which was once known for peace and safety, has now turned into a land of crime, violence and lawlessness — all because of the BJP’s patronage to illegal activities.”

Congress’s Yuri Alemao, the Leader of Opposition, said it was shocking that disputes in Goa are increasingly taking the shape of crime. “In recent times, we have witnessed numerous incidents of goondaism, assaults, dacoities and robberies. The government has failed to curb these crimes. The police department needs to be proactive in responding to such incidents, but nothing is happening. It is clear that there is no fear of police among criminals,” he said.

AAP leader Sunil Signapurkar said, “The government has failed in maintaining law and order. Criminals no longer fear the police.”

In a recent hearing, the High Court of Bombay at Goa had asked the state government to suggest measures to address the issue of illegal sand mining in the coastal state.

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