NEWS UPDATES

Senior Congress leader M K Sheikh says GFP is already in alliance with Congress, adding that “not only doors but even windows” of the party are open for Vijai Sardesai. Sheikh says Congress is awaiting Vijai’s move and has already extended a fresh invite to GFP. On AAP, he said any proposal to join the alliance should be placed before Congress leaders. • Congress and Goa Forward have begun talks; alliance and merger both options are under consideration, highly placed sources in both parties tell Prudent; while replying to a social media post criticising AAP - GF alliance, Goa Forward spokesperson Prashant Naik stated, I think your concern has reached its destination. Something positive will happen soon. • Goa Forward Party president Vijai Sardesai has approved the appointment of Shaikh Munir as General Secretary of the party’s Minority Wing, with immediate effect. • I have not made any inappropriate statement. When I was asked to resign as Minister, I only told the party high command and the Chief Minister that the works in my constituency should be completed. It has now been almost three and a half years, and many of the works have not been completed, which is worrying for me.I am still with the party. There is no question of someone else getting the ticket. But if that happens, the people of Curchorem will tell me what to do: Nilesh Cabral. • Panaji Women Police have registered an FIR against Merces-based gym owner for allegedly raping a woman on the pretext of marriage and allegedly impregnating her. Senior Congress leader M K Sheikh says GFP is already in alliance with Congress, adding that “not only doors but even windows” of the party are open for Vijai Sardesai. Sheikh says Congress is awaiting Vijai’s move and has already extended a fresh invite to GFP. On AAP, he said any proposal to join the alliance should be placed before Congress leaders. • Congress and Goa Forward have begun talks; alliance and merger both options are under consideration, highly placed sources in both parties tell Prudent; while replying to a social media post criticising AAP - GF alliance, Goa Forward spokesperson Prashant Naik stated, I think your concern has reached its destination. Something positive will happen soon. • Goa Forward Party president Vijai Sardesai has approved the appointment of Shaikh Munir as General Secretary of the party’s Minority Wing, with immediate effect. • I have not made any inappropriate statement. When I was asked to resign as Minister, I only told the party high command and the Chief Minister that the works in my constituency should be completed. It has now been almost three and a half years, and many of the works have not been completed, which is worrying for me.I am still with the party. There is no question of someone else getting the ticket. But if that happens, the people of Curchorem will tell me what to do: Nilesh Cabral. • Panaji Women Police have registered an FIR against Merces-based gym owner for allegedly raping a woman on the pretext of marriage and allegedly impregnating her.

CRIME

Rs 35 Crore Gone: Goa’s Senior Citizens Fall Victim to Digital Fraudsters

Since 2023, cyber fraud targeting senior citizens has seen a significant rise in the state, with victims losing more than ₹35 crore to onlin

17th Sep 2026 • 139 views

Rs 35 Crore Gone: Goa’s Senior Citizens Fall Victim to Digital Fraudsters

For many senior citizens in Goa, what begins as an unexpected phone call, a tempting investment offer or a frightening message about a “digital arrest” has ended in the loss of their life savings.

Since 2023, cyber fraud targeting senior citizens has seen a significant rise in the state, with victims losing more than ₹35 crore to online fraud, extortion, digital arrest scams and investment-related frauds, according to official police data.

The figures highlight how cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting the trust, fear and lack of familiarity with rapidly changing digital technology among elderly citizens.

In several cases, fraudsters reportedly pose as police officers, government officials or representatives of financial institutions, convincing victims that they are facing legal trouble or offering them lucrative investment opportunities. Once trust is established, victims are persuaded to transfer large sums of money.

For senior citizens, such losses can be particularly devastating as the money often represents years of savings, retirement funds or financial security.

The police data serves as a warning for families to stay alert and regularly speak to elderly relatives about emerging cyber scams. Authorities have repeatedly advised citizens not to share OTPs, banking details or personal information with unknown callers and to verify suspicious claims before transferring money.

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