Following intelligence inputs of a possible terror attack along the western coast, Section 144 of the CrPC has been imposed in North Goa.
Panaji| Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, banning unlawful assembly of people, has been imposed in North Goa district following intelligence inputs about possible terror threat along the western coast.
North Goa District Magistrate R Menaka, in a notification issued on Monday, said the order imposing CrPC Section 144 will be in effect for 60 days, from February 11 to April 10, unless withdrawn earlier.
The announcement said Section 144 has been imposed in view of the prevailing situation in the country, and intelligence inputs regarding possible terror threats along the western coast of India and the possibility of anti-social elements committing a crime in Goa or elsewhere.
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While state Police admitted it was a routine order, the confusion they said was on the “first few lines” as there was “no valuable input on intelligence threat with us at this stage”.
“We have to check too. As first responders we are not aware of any intelligence inputs that have been shared with us from the centre,” said a senior official.
The BJP-ruled Goa government had come under criticism from the Opposition for the routine imposition of Section 144.
Moreover, the order flags the “possibility of antisocial elements” with “an intention of committing a crime”. The two-page order also makes it mandatory for tenants to verify antecedents of occupants before granting accommodation at homes and hotels.
“It is necessary to ensure proper verification of the antecedents of persons staying in residential accommodation on rent or in hotels, lodging, and boarding, private guest houses, paying guest accommodation of religious bodies, etc,” the order issued under the Home Department by the district magistrate read.
The Congress spokesperson, Trajano D”Mello, in Goa slammed the state government for imposing Section 144 in the North Goa district for a period of 60 days.
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