Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Tuesday expressed grave concern over what he described as the growing influence of gangster and mafia elements in Goa. Speaking during a series of corner meetings held over two days in the Usgaon area, Rane asserted that complaints regarding mafia-style operations were emerging from coastal belts as well as other parts of the state, raising serious questions about public safety and governance.
Stressing that Goa’s peaceful identity must be protected, Rane said that unchecked criminal elements posed a direct threat to the security of both residents and visitors.
Concerns Over Outside Elements and Rising Aggression
The Health Minister stated that aggression and criminal behaviour were being reported from elements entering Goa from outside the state. He noted that such activities were gradually disrupting law and order, particularly in sensitive coastal regions that are vital to Goa’s economy and social fabric.
Rane said complaints of intimidation, illegal control, and mafia-like dominance were being received from multiple areas, indicating a pattern that could not be ignored by the administration.
Firm Stand on Protecting Gomantakiyas
Emphasising the importance of safeguarding local communities, Rane said the security of Gomantakiyas must remain a top priority. He asserted that the government has a responsibility to ensure that Goa does not fall prey to criminal networks that exploit its openness and tourism-driven economy.
“The safety of Goa and its people cannot be compromised,” Rane said, adding that decisive governance was essential to prevent further deterioration of law and order.
Call for Strong Measures on the Lines of Uttar Pradesh
Taking a firm stance, Rane said that if required, Goa would have to adopt strict measures similar to those implemented in Uttar Pradesh to curb gangster and mafia rule. He clarified that such steps were not about targeting any community but about enforcing the rule of law without fear or favour.
According to Rane, visible and firm action was necessary to send a strong message that criminal elements would not be tolerated in Goa.
Letter to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant
Rane confirmed that he would write a detailed letter to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, outlining his concerns and recommending strong administrative and policing measures. He said the final decision would rest with the Chief Minister, but it was his duty to place the ground realities before the state leadership.
He added that governance must be responsive to public complaints and proactive in preventing criminal networks from taking root.
Political Messaging and Governance Perspective
Observers see Rane’s remarks as part of a broader push for stronger law-and-order enforcement in Goa, especially as concerns grow over unregulated activities in tourism-heavy regions. His statements also reflect an emphasis on preventive governance rather than reactive policing.
By openly acknowledging public complaints and advocating strict action, Rane positioned himself as a leader focused on public safety and institutional accountability.
Public Safety as a Core Governance Priority
Concluding his remarks, Rane said that Goa’s image as a safe and peaceful state must be preserved through firm administrative action. He reiterated that law and order form the backbone of economic stability, tourism confidence, and social harmony.
As the government evaluates next steps, the issue of mafia influence and public safety is expected to remain a key focus area in Goa’s governance discourse.
