NEWS UPDATES

GFP Chief Vijai Sardesai warned that the opposition will “paralyze” the Goa Assembly if the government fails to resolve issues concerning Diocesan Society-run schools and their employees. He accused the government of interfering in education and minority institutions and demanded a clear policy on the around 138 schools run by the society. Sardesai said they will work with anyone willing to make a common cause on the issue. • Supreme Court rejects Tarun Tejpal's plea to exempt from surrendering and directs him to surrender within 2 weeks. Goa High Court by a judgment dated 6 August had convicted Tejpal for raping a junior colleague in 2013 and sentenced him 10 year rigorous imprisonment. Tejpal has challenged HC's judgment before the Supreme Court. • Minister Babush Monserrate says surname changes follow a legal procedure and cannot be stopped entirely. He said misuse by a few individuals should not be used to label the entire system as flawed. • A raid is underway at Saiccha Minerals office owned by Tarak Arolkar at Peddem, Mapusa. Arolkar was arrested in connection with an alleged Rs 40 lakh land fraud case involving a plot in Assagao, Bardez. Further details are awaited. • Mangaluru Excise Police have busted an alleged liquor smuggling racket involving illegal transportation of liquor from Goa to Kerala via Mangaluru. Two persons have been arrested and 438 litres of Goa liquor seized in the operation. • GPCC Working President Sunil Kawthankar has alleged that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) was aimed at deleting the names of Congress voters from electoral rolls. He also alleged that BLOs faced political pressure while carrying out the exercise in parts 10, 16 and 18, of Panaji constituency and claimed that names of genuine Congress voters were removed. • GPCC Working President Sunil Kawthankar has alleged political interference in the functioning of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in Parts 10, 16 and 18 of Panaji constituency. He claimed local MLA and Revenue Minister Babush Monserrate and BJP leaders are influencing BLOs instead of allowing them to follow Election Commission guidelines. Congress has condemned the alleged interference and urged BLOs to strictly adhere to the prescribed electoral process. • Congress spokesperson Amit Palekar has alleged manipulation of electoral rolls, saying failure to remove ineligible names or inclusion of bogus voters amounts to an offence under the Representation of the People's Act and criminal law. He questioned how such names were missed during the SIR and warned that officials could be held accountable. Palekar said complaints will be filed before the Chief Electoral Officer and action pursued over alleged fake affidavits, if required. • Following delays linked to the NEET (UG) issue, Goa begins the first round of admissions for first-year MBBS and BDS seats today. Admissions for nursing and allied health courses will be held from August 26 to 28, while pharmacy admissions are set to commence on August 28 based on NEET/JEE scores. • Sources say a raid is underway at Suleman Siddiqui’s residence in Karwar since this morning. Further details are awaited. GFP Chief Vijai Sardesai warned that the opposition will “paralyze” the Goa Assembly if the government fails to resolve issues concerning Diocesan Society-run schools and their employees. He accused the government of interfering in education and minority institutions and demanded a clear policy on the around 138 schools run by the society. Sardesai said they will work with anyone willing to make a common cause on the issue. • Supreme Court rejects Tarun Tejpal's plea to exempt from surrendering and directs him to surrender within 2 weeks. Goa High Court by a judgment dated 6 August had convicted Tejpal for raping a junior colleague in 2013 and sentenced him 10 year rigorous imprisonment. Tejpal has challenged HC's judgment before the Supreme Court. • Minister Babush Monserrate says surname changes follow a legal procedure and cannot be stopped entirely. He said misuse by a few individuals should not be used to label the entire system as flawed. • A raid is underway at Saiccha Minerals office owned by Tarak Arolkar at Peddem, Mapusa. Arolkar was arrested in connection with an alleged Rs 40 lakh land fraud case involving a plot in Assagao, Bardez. Further details are awaited. • Mangaluru Excise Police have busted an alleged liquor smuggling racket involving illegal transportation of liquor from Goa to Kerala via Mangaluru. Two persons have been arrested and 438 litres of Goa liquor seized in the operation. • GPCC Working President Sunil Kawthankar has alleged that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) was aimed at deleting the names of Congress voters from electoral rolls. He also alleged that BLOs faced political pressure while carrying out the exercise in parts 10, 16 and 18, of Panaji constituency and claimed that names of genuine Congress voters were removed. • GPCC Working President Sunil Kawthankar has alleged political interference in the functioning of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in Parts 10, 16 and 18 of Panaji constituency. He claimed local MLA and Revenue Minister Babush Monserrate and BJP leaders are influencing BLOs instead of allowing them to follow Election Commission guidelines. Congress has condemned the alleged interference and urged BLOs to strictly adhere to the prescribed electoral process. • Congress spokesperson Amit Palekar has alleged manipulation of electoral rolls, saying failure to remove ineligible names or inclusion of bogus voters amounts to an offence under the Representation of the People's Act and criminal law. He questioned how such names were missed during the SIR and warned that officials could be held accountable. Palekar said complaints will be filed before the Chief Electoral Officer and action pursued over alleged fake affidavits, if required. • Following delays linked to the NEET (UG) issue, Goa begins the first round of admissions for first-year MBBS and BDS seats today. Admissions for nursing and allied health courses will be held from August 26 to 28, while pharmacy admissions are set to commence on August 28 based on NEET/JEE scores. • Sources say a raid is underway at Suleman Siddiqui’s residence in Karwar since this morning. Further details are awaited.

CRIME

Atala Absconding; Look-Out Circular Issued in Goa Drugs Case

Despite a non-bailable warrant, Israeli national Yaniv Benaim, alias Atala, failed to appear before the court to face trial in a drug case.

25th Aug 2026 • 1 hour ago • 99 views

Despite a non-bailable warrant, Israeli national Yaniv Benaim, alias Atala, failed to appear before the court to face trial in a drug case.

Atala was arrested by the Goa Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) on April 5, 2025, for the alleged illegal possession of cocaine and charas valued at around ₹8.6 lakh. He was granted conditional bail by the North Goa Special NDPS Court on August 20, 2025.

However, allowing an appeal filed by the State of Goa, the High Court cancelled Atala's bail in July this year and directed him to file a fresh bail application before the trial court. The trial court subsequently dismissed his fresh bail application on August 14 and issued a non-bailable warrant after noting his absence.

Atala again failed to appear before the court on August 24. The ANC submitted that he is absconding, that efforts are underway to trace him, and that a Look-Out Circular (LOC) has been issued.
The trial court has fixed September 2 as the next date for Atala's appearance.

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