Panjim, 20 November 2025: Violent crime has surged in Goa and the law-and-order machinery has completely collapsed. Therefore, the Aam Aadmi Party delegation today met the Governor demanding the resignation of the State Home Minister & CM Pramod Sawant.
The delegation included AAP MLA Venzy Viegas, Working President Valmiki Naik, Working President Gerson Gomes, and Women’s Wing Vice President Suvarna Harmalkar. AAP leaders expressed deep concern before the Governor, stating that during the tenure of the BJP government led by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, crime has grown unchecked and the fear of the law has vanished.
While speaking, MLA Capt. Venzy Viegas said:
“Goa, once known for its peaceful and safe environment, is now witnessing brutal crimes every day. It is clear that criminals have no fear of the police. Crime incidents are rising and the police investigation system is failing. Everywhere, we see a steep rise in criminal activity. We saw the Mungul case, then the shootings, and now robberies. There is failure in the background check process. The Chief Minister’s photos with police officials in so-called review meetings are nothing but a ‘show-off’. That is why we met the Governor today. We requested him to call the Chief Minister for a face-to-face meeting and direct him to strengthen the law-and-order machinery. The Governor has the constitutional authority to intervene and must exercise it.”
On this occasion, National Spokesperson Valmiki Naik added:
“We have repeatedly demanded that police must assert control over criminals. But that is clearly not happening. Whenever a crime occurs and the Chief Minister is asked about it, he simply says—‘I have instructed the police to take strict action’—and drives away. When we go to the police, they say ‘investigation is underway, cannot comment now.’ Beyond this, nothing concrete happens.
Crime is rising so fast that it has overtaken media headlines. As a result, ordinary Goans feel unsafe even inside their own homes. Meanwhile, the government feels safe only because it has its bought majority to protect itself. Today we informed the Governor about Goa’s grim reality. Our key demand now is that Goa needs a full-time Home Minister.”
AAP then presented the Governor with details of recent major crimes:
* Baina Robbery: Armed robbers attacked a home in Baina, Vasco, looted valuables, and grievously injured the family.
* Dona Paula Robbery: In a high-end society, security guards themselves targeted a reputed family despite CCTV surveillance.
* Mapusa Robbery: Robbers tied up a respected doctor’s family and looted gold and cash worth lakhs.
* Murder of Umakant Khot: In Morjim–Varchawada, 63-year-old farmer Umakant Khot was brutally killed for opposing illegal land sale and hill cutting.
* Assault on Rama Kankonkar: A young activist was brutally attacked in broad daylight for raising his voice against wrongdoing.
* Pernem Shooting: Labourers were injured in a shooting incident linked to illegal sand extraction.
* Madkai Firing: An unidentified assailant opened fire on a four-wheeler in Karnale, Madkai.
* Mungul Gang War: A gang fight involving gunfire broke out in Mungul, Fatorda.
* Pirna Murder: A 19-year-old youth was murdered in Pirna.
* Saligao Double Murder: In a rented room in Saligao, a businessman and his employee were found with their throats slit.
AAP questioned the efficiency of Goa Police, pointing out that the situation is worsened by police misconduct. In Navelim, a young man named Edberg Pereira was brutally beaten inside the police station. AAP highlighted that such incidents are frequent. In the Pernem shooting case, IRB personnel were found involved. In high-profile cases — especially the Rama Kankonkar incident — allegations have emerged regarding the involvement of Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte. It appears that the police are functioning under heavy political pressure. Instead, the police have begun taking action against activists, politicians, and citizens protesting the attack on Rama Kankonkar.
AAP Working President Gerson Gomes said “Goa, known for decades as a peaceful and safe tourist destination, has lost its sense of security under the BJP government. Both residents and tourists now feel unsafe. Criminals are acting fearlessly, damaging Goa’s reputation. The current government has turned the state into a safe haven for criminals.”
AAP Women Wing Vice President Suvarna Harmalkar said “Given the deteriorating situation under CM Sawant We urged the Governor to summon the Chief Minister and take immediate steps to secure his resignation as Home Minister.”
AAP Delegations put forward following demands to the hon. governor
1. To free the police from unnecessary political interference, enabling them to function quickly, impartially, and without fear or favour.
2. To strengthen investigative systems — faster arrests, transparent trials, and visible convictions.
3. To launch statewide public safety campaigns — regular patrolling, community policing, night surveillance, and collaboration with volunteers for the protection of senior citizens.
