PANAJI
In what could leave one scratching their heads, Goa’s history-sheeters, if not all, have managed to maintain a façade of ‘respectable image’ while still active in criminality.
A large number of them claim they are employed or ventured into different legitimate businesses, but, police admit these individuals could be using their positions as a guise to perpetuate criminals’ acts including drug-related activities.
From real estate to running beach shacks, fishing, or operating water tankers, general stores and even employment in private sectors; quite a few have attempted to demonstrate their rehabilitation to the police.
Some others, who already own businesses, also continue to engage in illegal activities notwithstanding previous cases against them. Police record of history-sheeters reveals it all.
Omkar Palyekar, who once came under the radar of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and booked in several cases, is operating a beach shack at Vagator while former deputy Sarpanch Clueophus alias Clifferd alias Calfa Fernandes – accused of attempting to grievously harm Calangute MLA Michael Lobo in 2014 – also runs a shack at Arpora.
Though in the last 2-3 years, they were not a nuisance at least as per the records, police claim they are ‘active’ criminals. Multiple chapter cases are submitted against them before the Sub Divisional Magistrate, as recently as this year in view of the G20 Summit.
While some others have taken up random jobs as painters, mechanics, cab drivers, technicians, etc; few are either unemployed or dependent on their family income. Interestingly, though some history sheeters have not been recently arrested and are so-called ‘gainfully employed’, they continue to be 'active' in criminal acts. Over a dozen of them are also facing externment proceedings.
The police claim they cannot let their guard down to ensure these individuals do not use their businesses as a front to commit crimes. “It’s not a bad thing if anyone is reformed but they are still being closely monitored because, in the garb of these legitimate businesses/work, there could be a crime committed,” Director General of Police Jaspal Singh said, speaking to The Goan.
However, there have been instances wherein despite showing the legitimate way of earning a livelihood, some apparently cannot walk out of their criminal minds. Sagar Shirodkar and Vasudev Raut are among those involved in assault cases registered this year.
Javed Bellary, who along with his accomplices was involved in the 2020 St Cruz shootout, has been booked for kidnapping and charges under the Goa Children’s Act and Prevention Of Children from Sexual Offenses Act. This ‘unemployed’ history-sheeter is currently in judicial remand, ‘active’ in criminal activities and facing externment proceedings too.
The DGP, replying to another question on many falling back to their criminal ways, said that police emphasize their involvement of history-sheeters in the last three years to bring them under this category.
