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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

Goa Catholic Association Calls Anti-Conversion Bill 'Election Stunt'

All Goa Catholic Association has strongly opposed the proposed Anti-Conversion Bill

28th Aug 2026 • 1 hour ago • 92 views

The All Goa Catholic Association has strongly opposed the proposed Anti-Conversion Bill, alleging that the government is using the issue to divide people and divert attention from other pressing concerns.

All Goa Catholic Association President Cyril Fernandes termed the proposed legislation an “election stunt” and a tactic to divert public attention from other issues.

“The government is trying to divide people by bringing in the Anti-Conversion Bill. This is an election stunt and a tactic to divert attention from other issues,” Fernandes said.

Fernandes questioned the government’s priorities, stating that if it was genuinely serious about bringing an Anti-Conversion Bill, it should have first brought legislation to protect land.

He further said that if the government was truly committed to the issue, it should have had the courage to introduce such legislation.

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