MAPUSA
The Cunchelim land scam has laid bare the organised nature of land frauds in Goa, exposing serious flaws within the administrative system.
This case has not only highlighted how unscrupulous individuals take advantage of vulnerable citizens but has also raised questions about the authorities’ inability to curb this persistent trend.
As land becomes an increasingly precious resource in the small State, such fraudulent activities are deepening public concern about the depletion of land and erosion of trust in governance.
SYSTEM FAILS
The Cunchelim case revolves around a group of victims who fell prey to fraudulent land deals orchestrated by alleged conmen.
While some of the accused have been identified by the victims, the case underscores a deeper issue: the system’s failure to protect ordinary people from such scams.
"It's frustrating," said Priyanka J one of the victims. "We trusted the system, but it seems designed to fail us. How can the authorities allow this to happen repeatedly?" she asked.
This sentiment reflects a growing perception among citizens that the administration is either complicit or too weak to take decisive action against land fraud.
The scam in Cunchelim is not an isolated incident. Goa has seen a series of similar land-related frauds over the years. In each instance, the common man is left to pick up the pieces, often losing his life savings in the process.
COMPLEX WEB
What makes the Cunchelim scam particularly complex is that both victims and perpetrators seem entangled in the scheme.
Some of the victims have accused people they know personally, alleging that trust was exploited in the transactions.
However, others argue that the victims should have exercised more caution.
A local lawyer Adv Mahesh Rane said, "While the accused are undoubtedly at fault, there is also a need for people to be more vigilant in their dealings. Unfortunately, not everyone is well-versed in land laws, making them easy targets for fraudsters."
Despite this, the larger question remains: How is it that the system, which is supposed to safeguard citizens from such illegalities, continues to fail so miserably?
Goa’s land administration appears to be riddled with inefficiencies and corruption, making it a haven for those looking to exploit loopholes.
THREAT TO RESOURCE
In a state like Goa, where land is limited and highly valued, such scams are especially troubling. With real estate prices soaring and developmental pressures mounting, the depletion of land resources is becoming a critical issue.
Environmentalists and urban planners alike have raised alarms over the long-term consequences of unchecked land fraud, which not only cheats individuals but also distorts the state’s land-use plans.
"This is not just about individual fraud; it's about the future of Goa’s land. Each fraudulent transaction chips away at our land resources, and if the government doesn’t take decisive action, we’re going to face a serious crisis," said Premanand Diukar, a social worker and President of Calangute Constituency Forum.
WAY FORWARD
The Cunchelim land scam is a stark reminder that the State needs stronger regulatory frameworks and better enforcement mechanisms to protect citizens from falling victim to such fraud.
Experts suggest that the government should implement stricter oversight in land transactions, including mandatory digital records, more thorough verification processes, and public awareness campaigns to educate people about the risks of land fraud.
However, none of these measures will work unless there is a political commitment to clean up the system.
"The government needs to act, and it needs to act now," said Diukar. "If they don’t, we’ll continue to see scams like Cunchelim happen, and more innocent people will lose everything."
The Cunchelim scam has once again highlighted a troubling reality: while land may be one of Goa's most valuable resources, the system meant to protect it is failing.
Without meaningful reform, the cycle of exploitation will continue, leaving both the land and its people vulnerable to fraud.
