PANAJI: An unidentified assailant opened fire on two laborers engaged in illegal river sand extraction in the Pernem region of North Goa early Tuesday morning. Police reported that the two workers, identified as 54-year-old Ramrishi Paswan and 37-year-old Lalbabu Goud, both originally from Bihar, sustained gunshot wounds around 2:30 AM. Paswan was injured in the neck, while Goud was shot in the stomach.
North Goa Superintendent of Police Rahul Gupta stated that preliminary information has been received, and a breakthrough is anticipated soon. The Crime Branch and Pernem police are conducting a joint investigation into the incident, which took place near the Terekhol river, a border area between Goa and Maharashtra known for its involvement in sand mining activities, which are prohibited in Goa.
The opposition has condemned the incident, viewing it as a sign of deteriorating law and order in the state. Congress media head Amarnath Panjikar criticized the ruling party, alleging that the government’s alleged patronage of illegal activities like sand extraction has led to an increase in crime and violence, failing to ensure the safety of citizens.