MARGAO
With a host of housie games scheduled across the South Goa district from Easter Day, the administration has further tightened the screws on the organizers of the banner housie in South Goa district.
After pulling down banners advertising housie planned in several villages from April 20, the Goa police have invoked Section 179 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 to summon suspects involved in organizing housie in their respective police station jurisdiction.
In fact, the police, in their notices, have sought explanation on the planned housie, issuing a warning that the person will be liable for arrest for giving unsatisfactory explanation.
That’s not all. Notices issued by the police to the suspects are also forwarded to the office of the South Goa district Collector, Egna Cleetus, who has issued strict instructions to the deputy Collectors and Sub-divisional Magistrates to order a crackdown on the Housie games with a firm hand. Sources say the district Collector is in receipt of advertisements issued by organizers over planned housie games across the district, beginning from April 20. Based on the information, the Collector has instructed her subordinates to crack a whip against Housie in the district and book the organizers under the Gambling Act.
A notice issued by the Verna police station under section 179 of the BNSS to a person stated that the police has received credible information that he is organizing Housie on April 20.
The notice has directed the person not to get involved directly or indirectly or through any other means in commission of any such illegal activities during the forthcoming days.
He has been told to desist from being involved in any such activities and to maintain peace in the locality. “Why should you not be apprehended and a report against you not be submitted, as there is every possibility that you will involve/commit any cognizable offence as mentioned above resulting into breach of peace. It is also to note that, if your explanation is not satisfactory, deemed fit action will be initiated against you, as per law. Your explanation should reach this office in time and in person. Your unsatisfactory explanation is liable for your arrest”, the notice stated.
Sources in the know told The Goan that the district Collector has told the deputy Collectors and the Sub-divisional Magistrate to implement the ban on housing in the entire district in both letter and spirit on April 20. Sources said the citizens have WhatsApp advertisements doing the rounds on the social media on Housie games planned in entire South Goa district on April 20 and thereafter.
While the police and officers have removed the housie advertisement banners put up at various locations, summoning of the suspects involved in organizing housie under the BNSS is aimed at maintaining heat on the organizers to either stop organizing housie or face action under law.
