Mapusa: Four recent arrests involving illegal foreign nationals have alarmed Pernem locals, who are demanding that authorities take measures to counter the influx of illegal immigrants in the coastal belt.
Earlier this week, two Afghan nationals travelling on fake Indian passports were arrested upon arrival at Manohar International Airport, Mopa.
Adding to concern, Alexandr Arkhipov of Kazakhstan, who had been detained under the Foreigners Act for overstaying without a valid visa, escaped from a detention centre in Mapusa on Monday and made his way to Mandrem, allegedly with local assistance. He was re-arrested in Mandrem on Thursday.
“A Kazakh national was arrested in Mandrem and re-entered Mandrem after escaping. Is Pernem a safe haven for international criminals?” said Sakharam Sawant from Mandrem.
Recently, a Bangladeshi national, Abdur Rahman, was caught illegally residing in a rented room in Korgao.
“Mandrem is no longer safe. Many international criminals have stayed here. I demand that the home department launch an extensive search operation and arrest them,” said Goa Forward Party north district president Deepak Kalangutkar.
Pernem police said they have intensified vigilance across local accommodations and villages.
