Goa Desk

A major controversy has erupted in Goa following allegations of a large-scale sexual exploitation racket, with a Indian National Congress leader claiming that the number of victims could exceed 100. The case has gained political traction after the arrest of a councillor’s son, prompting demands for a deeper and transparent investigation. ⚖️ Arrest and Investigation According to officials, the accused—reportedly the son of a local councillor—has been taken into custody, and th

In a key development in the Goa nightclub fire case, a local court has denied bail to the Luthra brothers, owners of Birch by Romeo, who are accused in a forgery-related मामला linked to the incident. The brothers are currently lodged in Colvale Central Jail following their arrest as part of the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities connected to the nightclub’s operations. According to prosecution authorities, the accused were involved in forgery and submission of

A new anthology titled Appetite offers a layered and thought-provoking exploration of Goa, going beyond postcard-perfect imagery to examine deeper questions of identity, migration, and belonging. 📚 A Multifaceted Literary Work The collection brings together a diverse mix of stories, essays, and poems by multiple writers, each presenting a unique perspective on Goa’s evolving social and cultural landscape. Rather than celebrating only its beaches and tourism appeal, Appetite 

A new short film by researcher Imran Samad is drawing attention to the urgent need for greater awareness and conservation of dolphins, particularly the endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphin found along the coast of Goa. 🎬 A Film with a Purpose The short film focuses on the lives of these intelligent and highly social marine mammals, showcasing their behavior, communication patterns, and close-knit group dynamics. Through powerful visuals and storytelling, the film aims to

In a major development for the hospitality sector, Hard Rock International has decided to terminate its agreement with its India franchise partner , leading to the closure of 10 Hard Rock outlets across the country , including a prominent location in Bengaluru. 🚪 Multiple Outlets to Shut Down Following the termination of the franchise agreement, several Hard Rock Cafe outlets  operated by the Indian partner will cease operations. The decision is expected to impact major metr

Panaji : A new literary anthology titled Appetite is drawing attention for its nuanced exploration of the social, cultural and political complexities of Goa. Through a diverse collection of stories, essays and poems, the book examines the region beyond its widely known tourist image, offering deeper reflections on belonging, settlement and identity. The anthology brings together multiple voices, including writers, poets and essayists, who present their perspectives on Goa’s e

The Bombay High Court at Goa has sought a response from the state government in connection with a petition filed by former municipal councillor Pooja Naik challenging the cancellation of her caste certificate and her subsequent disqualification from the municipal council. The case came up for hearing on Monday after Naik, who served as a councillor in the Margao Municipal Council, approached the court against the decision that revoked her caste certificate. Following the canc

An inquiry has been ordered into the protest staged by Mirabag agitators in the visitors’ gallery of the Goa Legislative Assembly during its proceedings, Speaker Ganesh Gaonkar informed the House. The incident took place on Friday when a group of protesters from Mirabag raised slogans from the visitors’ gallery while the Assembly session was underway. The unexpected protest briefly disrupted the proceedings and drew immediate attention from legislators and security personnel

Tensions flared near the Goa Legislative Assembly on Monday as protests erupted against the proposed dam project on the Zuari River. Police detained four protesters who had gathered to voice opposition to the project, which has triggered growing concerns among residents. The demonstrators were part of a larger agitation taking place in Goa against the planned dam at Mirabag village in the Kushawati region. Villagers and activists claim the project could lead to the submergenc

In a move that will impact household budgets and businesses alike, oil marketing companies have increased the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)  across India. The price of the domestic cooking gas cylinder has been raised by ₹60 , while commercial LPG cylinders used by hotels, restaurants, and small businesses have become costlier by ₹115 . Second Price Increase in 11 Months This is the second hike in LPG prices in the last 11 months . The previous increase took place in

Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju has said that Governors should examine and decide on Bills passed by State legislatures within a reasonable period of time , emphasising the importance of timely action in the legislative process. The Goa Governor made the remarks while interacting with a group of journalists from Kerala who visited the Raj Bhavan during a press tour. The interaction took place at Lok Bhavan in Panjim last week. Importance of Timely Decisions During the discussio

Pramod Sawant  on Thursday criticised the protest staged by the Indian Youth Congress  during the recent AI Summit in Goa , calling it an act of “political recklessness” that tarnished India’s image on an international platform. 🏛️ CM’s Strong Reaction Addressing reporters, Sawant said the disruption at a global technology event sent the wrong message to international delegates and investors. “When the world is looking at India as a rising technology hub, such protests damag

A 20-year-old engineering student was found dead in her hostel room at the BITS Pilani Goa Campus, marking the sixth such incident reported from the institute in the past two years. 📍 Incident Details The deceased has been identified as Vishnavi Jitesh (20), a third-year engineering student. According to police, she was found unresponsive in her hostel room late on the night of February 1. Hostel authorities reportedly alerted the campus administration after she failed to re

Arambol (North Goa) : The quiet beachside village of Arambol — often dubbed “Mini Russia” for its sizeable Eastern European community — has once again come under scrutiny following the killing of two foreign women in January. Both victims were named Elena, and their deaths have revived longstanding concerns over the safety of overseas nationals living in Goa and the pace of investigations into crimes involving foreigners. Arambol, a former fishing village in North Goa, has ov

The Goa unit of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued notices directing occupants to vacate 24 immovable properties that were provisionally attached in connection with an alleged fraudulent investment scheme. The properties, collectively valued at approximately ₹3 crore, were attached under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Allegations of Fraudulent Investment Schemes According to the ED, the action stems from an ongoing investigation into

In a heartwarming gesture that has touched many across Goa, Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar personally funded a complex heart surgery for four-year-old Arav Narvekar from Parse village, ensuring the child received timely and life-saving medical treatment. A Family’s Struggle Arav, diagnosed with a serious congenital heart defect, required urgent surgical intervention. His family, however, was unable to afford the high cost of the specialized procedure. With mounting medical expenses

In a significant order underscoring the constitutional guarantee of a speedy trial, the Bombay High Court (Goa bench) has granted bail to a 28-year-old labourer accused in a rape and murder case, noting that the prolonged incarceration without conclusion of trial violated his fundamental rights. Six Years in Judicial Custody The accused, Upendra alias Rupendra Naik, a native of Odisha, has been in judicial custody for nearly six years. He is facing trial for the alleged rape

Panaji:  The upcoming elections to the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) gathered momentum on Tuesday as the Ami Panajekar panel formally filed its nominations, positioning itself as a reform-driven platform focused on urban governance, transparency, and accountability. Leading the charge, Utpal Parrikar, son of former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, reiterated his commitment to address long-standing civic concerns in the capital city of Panaji. Speaking to the media a

Panaji:  Tensions escalated in the State capital on Monday as villagers from Assolda and neighbouring areas, led by local MLA Cabral, staged a protest march in Panaji against the proposed jetty projects along the Zuari River. Demonstrators alleged that the planned facilities are aimed at facilitating coal transportation and handling, which they fear would severely impact the region’s environment and public health. Residents from Assolda, Xelvona, Xic-Xelvona, Hodar and surrou

Mayem (North Goa):  In a significant boost to local agriculture, farmers in Mayem village of Goa are turning to drone technology to combat a severe pest attack that has threatened standing crops across the region. The innovative intervention has not only helped contain the infestation but also restored hope among cultivators facing heavy losses. Over the past few weeks, farmers in Mayem reported a rapid spread of pests, particularly affecting paddy and vegetable crops. The in