South Goa police check railway stations, illegal hutments

Margao: In response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, the South Goa police launched extensive combing operations across the district. In Margao, the focus of the police force was particularly on unauthorised settlements and railway stations.
On Friday, the Margao police conducted a tenant verification drive in the hutments near the Konkan Railway station at Aquem. The operation revealed glaring illegalities in the area, including unauthorised construction and dubious occupancy.
Margao police inspector Suraj Samant, who led the operation, told reporters that while some residents completed tenant verification forms, many could not be verified as they were absent during the inspection. “The entire settlement appears to be illegal,” Samant said. “The property owner constructed unauthorised huts and provided power and water supply through a single meter connection, raising serious security concerns.”
The inspection, conducted in collaboration with electricity department and public works department officials, resulted in the immediate disconnection of power supply to the settlement. Margao police said they would write to the Margao Municipal Council seeking demolition of these unauthorised structures.
Police expressed particular concern about the security risks posed by these unauthorised settlements. “These hutments have become hotspots for various criminal activities, including chain snatching and thefts, especially during night hours when occupants often create disturbances under the influence of alcohol,” Samant added.
Meanwhile, the Konkan Railway police heightened security measures at the Margao railway station, implementing stricter checking procedures for passengers and luggage.
Police urged residents to cooperate with the ongoing security measures and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.