RGP MLA Viresh Borkar questioned Goa’s law-and-order situation and police preparedness, citing a significant gap between the State’s crime detection and conviction rates.

During the Assembly proceedings, Borkar pointed to government data showing a 98.92% crime detection rate but only 5.85% conviction rate. He questioned whether the wide gap indicated shortcomings in investigation, prosecution or enforcement.

Borkar also raised concerns over recent incidents, including the alleged smuggling of drugs into Colvale Jail and the recent Porvorim shootout near the Goa Assembly complex and a local police station. He said the Government repeatedly highlighted the high detection rate but had not adequately addressed the low conviction rate.

Responding to the concerns, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said police efforts focus on detecting offences and bringing accused persons before the law, while prosecution and court proceedings determine the final outcome.

Sawant said 12,795 cases are on record, of which around 9,000 remain pending, and that the large number of pending cases affects Goa’s overall conviction rate.


On rape cases, Sawant said there was no increase in such offences and explained that several cases involved live-in relationships that later turned sour, including disputes over marriage.

He clarified that consent by a minor is not legally recognised and said some cases come to light during pregnancy tests and are subsequently treated as medico-legal cases.


The Chief Minister said cyber fraud, particularly through mobile banking, is evolving rapidly and requires greater public awareness. He urged citizens not to respond to unknown calls or dial unfamiliar numbers at the instructions of callers.

He said police and other authorities were using various methods to track cyber fraud and urged victims to report such incidents promptly so that cases could be investigated.

On drug-related offences, Sawant said the Government was serious about enforcement under the NDPS Act and stated that the conviction rate in such cases was around 28%.

Sawant said the Government is implementing a comprehensive crime prevention plan that includes filling vacant police posts, strengthening CCTV surveillance and intensifying tenant and labour verification.

He said surveillance would be strengthened through around 700 CCTV cameras, while 1.02 lakh tenant verifications had already been carried out.

Nearly 250 Police Sub-Inspectors have been recruited and sent for training, after which they will be posted to their respective assignments. Recruitment for other vacant posts has also been advertised, while promotions are being expedited.

“The remaining vacant posts will be filled within a month. I will give instructions to the DGP,” Sawant said.

Sawant reiterated his claim that around 90% of crimes are committed by migrants and stressed the importance of mandatory tenant verification.

He maintained that Goa remains a safe State and said legislators have a responsibility to ensure that its image is not damaged.

As a tourism-dependent State, Sawant said it was important to send a clear message that Goa is a safe and secure destination, warning that a negative perception about law and order could affect tourist footfall.