In a repeat of his controversial remarks from 2023, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated on Tuesday that more than 90% of crimes in the state are committed by migrants. During the Zero Hour in the Legislative Assembly, Sawant emphasized the need for crime-prevention plans and awareness.

Key Statements

Sawant remarked:

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"If we are to do crime-prevention plans… we need to create awareness. First and among the foremost things that the police department has done is verification of labourers and tenants. Nobody should rent their homes to unknown persons, without having their antecedents verified by the police."

He highlighted that the verification of tenants and labourers is crucial for preventing crime and enhancing security in Goa.

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"People come here for work in large numbers and then they get involved in robberies, rapes, dacoities… If you examine the crimes committed in Goa, then more than 90% is due to migrants. I am saying it again. More than 90% [crime] is due to migrants. Which is why we are stressing on tenant and labour verification," the CM added.

Legislative Assembly Discussion

Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) MLA Viresh Borkar raised concerns about the law-and-order situation, citing a rise in crime over the last three years. He pointed out recent incidents, including:

  • A shooting involving a casino director
  • Drug smuggling in Colvale jail

Borkar noted that while the Goa police's crime detection rate is 98.92%, the conviction rate stands at only 5.85%. He questioned the government's lack of action regarding the installation of more CCTVs to deter crime.