Margao: Residents living along both sides of the station road near Margao railway station have raised concerns over a surge in criminal activity in the area. They have demanded intensified police patrolling to curb thefts, chain-snatchings, and incidents of people being waylaid after dark. The Ravanfond-Colmorod stretch has emerged as a hotspot, with locals reporting several incidents over the past week. Beggars and drunkards are frequently seen occupying footpaths during the day and night, causing inconvenience to pedestrians, especially women.
Former councillor raises alarm
Former Margao Municipal Council councillor Jaffer Budani, who has been raising the issue, described the situation as alarming. He stated, “There have been several incidents over the last week where people have been robbed, waylaid, and subjected to chain-snatching in the station road area of Colmorod.” Budani recounted a specific incident in which two unidentified men arrived on a motorcycle around 3 a.m. four days ago, climbed to the second floor of a residential building, and rang a doorbell. The occupants, who spotted the strangers through the keyhole, did not open the door. A similar incident was reported two days later on the first floor of the same building.
“This has created panic among locals. The police have been made aware of the incidents and should increase patrolling along this road,” he added.
Issues on Aquem side
Budani also highlighted the situation on the Aquem side of the railway station. “From Victor Hospital to the fire station, the area has become a safe haven for anti-social elements. Beggars and vagabonds sleep on roadsides and footpaths, cook, wash, and bathe there, creating an extremely unhygienic situation,” he said. He demanded action against the mushrooming of illegal hutments in the area.
Residents have urged the Margao police to intensify patrolling on both stretches without delay to control the menace.
