Porvorim: Opposition legislators on Tuesday sharply criticised chief minister Pramod Sawant in the assembly over what they described as a deteriorating law and order situation and a rise in crime across Goa. Sawant responded by attributing more than 90% of crimes to migrants and argued that the apparent rise in rape cases reflects the nature of complaints being registered rather than a straightforward increase in violent sexual assaults.Referring to data from 2023 onward, Sawant said the numbers may “seem” higher, but claimed many cases stem from relationships that later break down. “If we see the data from 2023 to now, it may seem the figure (of rape cases) is up, but why is this happening? I don’t feel good saying this, but many of the cases are that of live-in relationships turned sour, love affairs where one later refused to marry, the elopement of a minor with a known person, migrant workers married before 18 and detected during pregnancy, extramarital affairs which may be seen afterwards turning into cases. This is what is happening,” Sawant said.He further claimed migrants feature prominently in rape and murder cases. Outlining govt’s crime prevention approach, he said awareness is the first step and added that labour and tenant verification drives have intensified. Sawant also said thefts are often committed by people living “in and around” targeted homes, and argued that CCTV coverage alone does not deter such crimes. “If you check the crime records, more than 90% is due to migrants. Thefts will not reduce through CCTVs; they know how to switch off CCTVs now,” he said during Question Hour.Sawant said that police have carried out tenant verification of 1.3 lakh individuals so far. He also said Goa plans to install 700 CCTV cameras for surveillance statewide. To bolster police strength, he added, 250 police sub-inspectors have already been recruited and will return from training in eight months to begin work.St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar cited figures to argue that crime trends are moving in the wrong direction. He said rape cases reported in Goa increased by 43%, from 72 in 2021 to 103 in 2025. He added that crimes against children rose 51%, from 47 to 73, and that 27 murders were reported in 2025.Borkar also pointed to a rise in other offences: Kidnapping cases, he said, increased from 41 in 2021 to 90 last year; 162 narcotics cases were registered last year, a 34% increase; cybercrime cases rose from 32 in 2021 to 119 in 2025; and financial fraud cases increased from 45 to 80. He said organised crime went from zero to 37 cases. “When crimes are increasing, the CM is saying it is crime detection which has increased,” Borkar said.He also highlighted staffing shortages, saying Goa police are short by 572 personnel, with an existing strength of 4,459 against a sanctioned strength of 5,034.Opposition leader Yuri Alemao said police strength is lowest in police stations along the coastal belt, despite higher requirements in those areas. He also claimed Goa has the worst prosecution rate in the country.In response, Sawant said govt is focusing on awareness to reduce cyber fraud, and suggested narcotics cases appear higher because more cases are being registered, leading to FIRs even when the amount involved is small. Stressing Goa’s tourism-dependent image, he urged the opposition to reinforce that the state remains safe. “The police department makes 100% effort towards crime detection,” Sawant said.Benaulim MLA Venzy Veigas said govt should also clarify what additional steps it will take to prevent crime after completing tenant and migrant worker verification.
