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The 500m Drug-Free Zone circular was issued by the Education Department based on Government of India guidelines and those of the NCB to create awareness. The Anti-Narcotics Cell in Goa is strong and keeping a vigil on drug-related activities. People should not unnecessarily create confusion. The circular is aimed at monitoring suspicious activities on school campuses. People should not malign Goa’s image over drugs: CM Sawant • A huge iron rod fell from the ongoing flyover construction work at Dabolim, damaging a car’s headlights and bumper. Fortunately, no one was injured. Locals have demanded action against the contractor, alleging that safety nets were not installed and that people passing below are being put at risk. The incident could have resulted in a fatal injury if the rod had struck a pedestrian or two-wheeler rider. • A suspected bike thief allegedly died after being beaten by a mob of more than 50 people in Colva. The identity of the deceased is yet to be established. Maina-Curtorim Police have not yet registered an FIR, with the process currently underway. Police are investigating the incident and gathering further details. • The Directorate of Education has directed all schools in Goa to ensure a 500-metre radius around their campuses is maintained as a Drug-Free Zone, following recommendations from the Narcotics Control Bureau. School heads have been asked to ensure immediate compliance. • Mapusa JMFC Court has extended the police custody of Tarak Arolkar by two days. He was arrested by the Crime Branch in connection with an alleged Rs 40 lakh property fraud case. • Canacona Police have registered a case against one person from Canacona, for allegedly stabbing the complainant in the chest and assaulted his wife on the wrist with a knife at Palolem on August 25. The accused allegedly also abused and threatened the couple and their son. • When questioned about the opposition to the Anti-Conversion Bill, CM Sawant said 'Let the Bill be introduced in the Assembly first. The Cabinet has approved it. Let us discuss it in the Assembly'. The 500m Drug-Free Zone circular was issued by the Education Department based on Government of India guidelines and those of the NCB to create awareness. The Anti-Narcotics Cell in Goa is strong and keeping a vigil on drug-related activities. People should not unnecessarily create confusion. The circular is aimed at monitoring suspicious activities on school campuses. People should not malign Goa’s image over drugs: CM Sawant • A huge iron rod fell from the ongoing flyover construction work at Dabolim, damaging a car’s headlights and bumper. Fortunately, no one was injured. Locals have demanded action against the contractor, alleging that safety nets were not installed and that people passing below are being put at risk. The incident could have resulted in a fatal injury if the rod had struck a pedestrian or two-wheeler rider. • A suspected bike thief allegedly died after being beaten by a mob of more than 50 people in Colva. The identity of the deceased is yet to be established. Maina-Curtorim Police have not yet registered an FIR, with the process currently underway. Police are investigating the incident and gathering further details. • The Directorate of Education has directed all schools in Goa to ensure a 500-metre radius around their campuses is maintained as a Drug-Free Zone, following recommendations from the Narcotics Control Bureau. School heads have been asked to ensure immediate compliance. • Mapusa JMFC Court has extended the police custody of Tarak Arolkar by two days. He was arrested by the Crime Branch in connection with an alleged Rs 40 lakh property fraud case. • Canacona Police have registered a case against one person from Canacona, for allegedly stabbing the complainant in the chest and assaulted his wife on the wrist with a knife at Palolem on August 25. The accused allegedly also abused and threatened the couple and their son. • When questioned about the opposition to the Anti-Conversion Bill, CM Sawant said 'Let the Bill be introduced in the Assembly first. The Cabinet has approved it. Let us discuss it in the Assembly'.

POLITICS

Don’t Create Confusion Over Drug-Free Zone Circular: CM Sawant

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has defended the Education Department’s 500-metre Drug-Free Zone circular

28th Aug 2026 • 1 hour ago • 74 views

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has defended the Education Department’s 500-metre Drug-Free Zone circular, stating that it was issued in accordance with Government of India guidelines and directions from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) to create awareness and monitor suspicious activities around school campuses.

Sawant said Goa’s Anti-Narcotics Cell is strong and maintaining a vigil on drug-related activities. He urged people not to unnecessarily create confusion over the circular and cautioned against maligning Goa’s image over the drug issue.
“The circular is aimed at monitoring suspicious activities on school campuses. People should not unnecessarily create confusion or malign Goa’s image over drugs,” Sawant said.
Meanwhile, Education Department Director Shailesh Zingde clarified that while the circular has been issued, preventing the sale of drugs is not the responsibility of educational institutions or school heads.

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