Again, CM blames ‘outsiders’ for most crimes in state

Panaji: A month after saying that 90% of the crimes in the state are committed by migrant labour, chief minister Pramod Sawant reiterated his statement on Thursday and said that most crimes in the state are committed by people from outside the state.
An analysis of the crimes shows that most Goans are involved in family property disputes or family fights, he said. “One or two Goans may be involved in assault cases resulting from these disputes, but usually they are not involved in murders,” the chief minister said at the inauguration of the Mardol police station.
The state is witnessing increased in-migration, he said, adding, “People accused of crime in other states come to Goa and stay on rented premises and commit crimes.”
He, however, refused to name the states whose residents are involved in crimes in Goa.
The chief minister called on citizens to take up the responsibility of reducing crime in the state by carrying out tenant verification, which he said is not being done. Last month, the CM had urged contractors to ensure that their workers have a labour card issued by the labour department to help reduce the crime rate.
“People should know what types of crimes are happening in the state to avoid becoming victims.”
Unlike in the past, police have a public-friendly image today, and there is no need to fear visiting a police station, he said, speaking about the various activities launched by Goa police, like know your neighbour, connect with senior citizens, and Samadhan, a community outreach programme.
They have also launched activities in schools and other places to create awareness about crimes reported in the state, said Sawant.
Goa police have an over 94% crime detection rate, which is the highest in the country, he added.