log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline TUESDAY OCTOBER 7, 2025 GOA Facebook.com/thegoan The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 15 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME XI, NO. 110 AAP Benaulim leader, supporters quit, allege party splitting anti-BJP votes 2 GOA Suleman brought to Goa, police to resume probe against him 3 Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 INFO Natural deodorant alternatives minus the toxins Punish officials for diverting forest land, Centre tells Goa SAYS 0.0278 HA WAS DIVERTED WITHOUT MOEF&CC APPROVAL FOR FOUR-LANING OF NH BETWEEN PATRADEVI TO KARASWADA SHWETA KAMAT MAHATME THE GOAN I PANAJI Taking a serious note of violation of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, the Union Ministry’s Forest Advisory Committee has directed the Goa government to initiate disciplinary action against officials who failed to prevent diversion of forest land for non-forest purpose without approval of the Government of India. The Committee noted that 0.0278 ha of forest land was diverted without the consent of the Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) for construction of a vehicular underpass (VUP) along the work of four-laning of NH between Patradevi to Karaswada -- the work that was completed in 2020. The Committee has also asked the Regional Empowered Committee (REC), Bengaluru to initiate action IN SHORT >> First common exam commences today PANAJI: The first-ever centralized common summative examination conducted by the State Council for Education Research and Training will commence from October 7 for students of Grade 7 and Grade 8.  >> See pg 3 Medicine Nobel goes to 3 scientists STOCKHOLM: Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Dr Shimon Sakaguchi won the Nobel Prize in medicine on Monday for their discoveries concerning peripheral immune tolerance.  >> See pg 9 Bihar to go to polls in 2 phases PATNA: Bihar will go to polls in two phases on November 6 and 11 and votes will be counted on November 14 to decide the fate of the ruling NDA government led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.   >> See pg 9 >> See pg 5 Celebrating ability: Boy with cerebral palsy who fixes what’s broken OBSERVATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE „„User agency (PWD) executed work over 0.0278 ha of the proposed diversion area „„PWD justified the work citing Ministry guidelines, which allowed deemed working permission post Stage-I clearance „„Guidelines were superseded by revised instructions issued by MoEF&CC, which required that any work or tree felling must have explicit permission from the State Government or an officer not below Divisional Forest Officer „„No such explicit permission was obtained for the work in this case „„PWD proceeded with the construction of a vehicular underpass violating provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act „„Committee considered State’s Stage-I compliance report which indicated that road/VUP construction at the site was done prior to Stage-II approval, amounting to violation of FCA 1980 against the State authorities cum user agency-- public works department (PWD) under section 3A and 3B of the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam (VSESA) or Forest Act 1980. Under this, whoever contravenes any provision of the Act, or abets (assists in) such contravention, can be punished with simple imprisonment for a period that may extend up to fifteen days.  “It has been noted therein that the user agency (PWD) has already executed work over 0.0278 ha of the proposed diversion area, citing the Ministry’s guidelines dated 08.08.2014, which permitted deemed working permission post Stage-I clearance. However, the said guideline was superseded by revised instructions issued by MoEF&CC on 07.05.2015, mandating that any commencement of work or tree felling must be authorized explicitly by the State Government or an officer not below the rank of Divisional Forest Officer. In this instance, no such permission was obtained, and the user agency proceeded with construction Goa FDA bans sale of Coldrif syrup after deaths in MP ASKS PUBLIC TO STOP USING, REPORT IT TO THE DIRECTORATE THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Goa has directed all chemists and druggists to immediately stop sale and distribution of Coldrif Syrup (Batch No. SR-13), following reports of child deaths in Madhya Pradesh linked to toxic adulteration. The FDA has also asked the public to stop use of the syrup and if anyone has it in their possession, to report it to the Directorate. According to the FDA, the Madhya Pradesh Food and Drugs Administration found that the syrup, containing Paracetamol, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, and Chlorpheniramine Maleate, was allegedly adulterated with Diethylene Glycol (DEG) — a toxic substance — at 46.28% concentration. “All chemists, druggists, pharmacies, and distributors in Goa have been directed to immediately stop the sale and distribution of the said batch and report any stock to the Di- FDA WARNING „„All chemists, druggists, pharmacies, and distributors in Goa should immediately stop the sale and distribution of the said batch and report any stock to the Directorate. The public has also been urged to stop using Coldrif Syrup, Batch No. SR-13 (Mfg. May 2025, Exp. April 2027) rectorate without delay. The public has also been urged to stop using Coldrif Syrup, Batch No. SR-13 (Mfg. May 2025, Exp. April 2027) and report possession of the product to the Directorate,” FDA said.  The Union Health Ministry has also advised that cough and cold medications should not be prescribed or dispensed to children below two years. In an advisory, the Ministry said, these are generally not recommended for children below five years, and above that, any use should follow careful clinical evaluation with close supervision. Tragic accident in Italy snuffs out lives of four Indians PTI LONDON Four Indian nationals were killed in a road accident in southern Italy’s Matera city, according to the Indian Embassy in Rome. The victims were in a seven-seater Renault Scenic with six other people, which collided with a truck in the municipality of Scanzano Jonico in Matera city on the Agri Valley on Saturday, Italian news agency ANSA reported on Sunday. It identified the victims as Kumar Manoj, 34, Singh Surjit, 33, Singh Harwinder, 31, and Singh Jaskaran, 20. “The Embassy of India deeply condoles the tragic death of four Indian nationals in a road accident in Matera in southern Italy,” the Indian embassy posted on social media. “We are in contact with the local Italian authorities to obtain details. Embassy will provide all possible consular assistance to the concerned families,” the mission added. Five injured people were transferred to the hospital in Policoro (Matera), the sixth, and the most serious, to the San Carlo Hospital in Potenza, ANSA reported. of a vehicular underpass during the Covid-19 pandemic, thereby violating the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and the applicable guidelines,” the Committee noted. The issue came to light following an application submitted by PWD seeking ex-post facto approval for diversion of 0.06ha of forest land in Torxem village in Pernem taluka. The Committee took into account the compliance report of Stage I submitted by the State Government with observation that PWD has executed the road/VUP-Vehicular Under Pass in Four Laning work at the proposed site before Stage-II approval which amounts to violation of VSESA 1980. The user agency said that the work in the diverted area by utilizing 0.0278 ha area was undertaken on behalf of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. >Continued on P5 10 SPORTS Brits’ hundred helps South Africa bounce back against NZ Kankonkar has not named any politician in his statement: SP SAYS VICTIM’S TESTIMONY CRUCIAL TO INVESTIGATION THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Goa Police on Monday clarified that activist Rama Kankonkar has not named any politician in his statement to the Panaji police recorded on October 2 in connection with the attack on him last month, though the investigation remains ongoing. North Goa Superintendent of Police Rahul Gupta told a press conference at the Panaji police station that the police have so far arrested the accused persons in the case, and the victim’s testimony is central to the ongoing investigation. “So far, he (Kankonkar) has not named (any politician)... but our investigation is underway,” Gupta said, replying to a media question. He further said that “we are investigating the case from all possible angles”. The officer added that the victim’s statement will significantly help the investigation, as it provides a first-hand account of the assault, descriptions of the accused, and the sequence of events. “By corroborating the statement with other available evidence, we can present a GUPTA’S SAY ON KANKONKAR „„Investigation is ongoing and being pursued from all possible angles „„Police aiming to corroborate Kankonkar’s statement with other evidence to build a strong case in court „„During the assault, Kankonkar identified one accused named Minguel „„Kankonkar stated that Minguel had twice tried to assault him earlier this year at Agassaim „„He described two more individuals involved in the attack and said he can identify them „„No other names have been mentioned in Kankonkar’s statement so far strong case before the court against those involved,” he said. Kankonkar’s statement was recorded at Ward No. 121 of Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim, where he continues to receive treatment for injuries sustained in the brutal September 19 attack near Kamakshi Hotel, Caranzalem. SP Gupta further stated that the victim named one of the assailants as Minguel and said he would be able to identify the other attackers if produced for a test identification parade. The statement also mentions that Minguel had allegedly tried to assault Sawant sets another 15-day deadline for road repairs SEEKS TO CALM TEMPERS AMID PUBLIC OUTRAGE THE GOAN I NETWORK MAPUSA With pothole-ridden roads continuing to test the patience of Goans and erode the government’s image, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday stepped in with yet another assurance – all road repair works across the State will be completed within the next 15 days. For weeks now, battered roads and crater-like potholes have turned travel into a daily ordeal for motorists. The frustration is visible on social media, where citizens have been posting images of damaged roads, tagging the government and the Public Works Department (PWD) in their outrage. Faced with mounting criticism from both the public and the opposition, the Chief Minister on Monday sought to calm tempers by promising swift action. “Hot mix plants have started, and repair works are already underway in several areas. Within the next 15 days, all roads across the State will be repaired,” Sawant assured. Sawant also said that he had received and accepted a memorandum from Aam Aad- 15 ROUGH RIDE AHEAD: The main Assagao-Anjuna thoroughfare riddled with potholes. AAP SUBMITS OVER ONE LAKH SIGNED PETITIONS DEMANDING SAFER ROADS >> See pg 3 mi Party (AAP) leaders, who submitted a list of badly damaged roads at the Secretariat. However, this is not the first such assurance. Earlier, the government had promised to fill potholes before the Ganesh Chaturthi. Later, newly sworn-in PWD Minister Digambar Kamat directed officials to report the worst roads and ensure repairs by September 30. Both deadlines came and went, leaving commuters to navigate through the same treacherous routes. PWD officials, meanwhile, have pointed to the erratic monsoon as a major hurdle. “Hot mix work requires dry conditions. Given the active monsoon, it’s difficult to start the plants immediately,” a senior PWD engineer explained. “Realistically, the hot mix >Continued on P5 him twice earlier this year at Agassaim. “During the assault, he (Kankonkar) had identified one of the accused involved named Minguel. He has further narrated that twice in the past, Minguel has tried to assault him at Agassaim... both incidents happened earlier this year. He has narrated those two incidents too in his statement,” the officer said adding, “he remembers the description of two more individuals and has said that he can identify the attackers. Apart from this, he has not named anyone else in his statement. Further investigation is in progress.” Congress block presidents meet Thakare, oppose change in guard THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Several Congress block presidents on Monday voiced their opposition to a possible change in party leadership before AICC Goa in-charge Manikrao Thakare. Thakare, who is in Goa to review the progress of the ongoing ‘Vote Chori’ signature campaign, was urged by block presidents to retain the current Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) leadership. The internal rift emerged after reports surfaced that former GPCC president Girish Chodankar may return to head the party ahead of the Zilla Panchayat elections, replacing Amit Patkar. Party members expressed strong reservations against Chodankar’s return, citing the Congress’s poor performance under his leadership during the 2022 Assembly elections. “Thakare was told that reinstating Chodankar at this juncture could further harm the party’s prospects in Goa,” sources revealed. However, the AICC leader was silent on any assurance. Thakare, meanwhile, called upon party workers to intensify efforts in the ‘Vote Chori’ signature drive and complete it by October 15. SC slams Russian for vacationing Now, govt eyes GI tag for iconic brass, copper craft BRASS & COPPER: GOA’S CASE FOR GI TAG in Goa while family lived in cave THE GOAN I NETWORK FACES DEPORTATION THREAT ON VISA OVERSTAY THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Months after a Russian-origin woman and her two daughters were rescued from a cave on Gokarna’s Ramatirtha Hill, the Supreme Court on Monday came down heavily on her husband who, it emerged, was holidaying in Goa while his wife and children lived in the forest. The Bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi was hearing a plea filed by Dror Shlomo Goldstein against a Karnataka High Court order to deport his wife, Nina Kutina and their daughters back to their home country. The Bench questioned Goldstein’s conduct, particularly his stay in Goa even as his family lived in a cave after overstaying their visa for more than eight years. “Why should we not direct your deportation?” Justice Kant asked bluntly, while Justice Bagchi remarked, “Publicity litigation… What were you doing when your children were living in a cave?” Justice Kant further pressed, “What were you doing staying in Goa?” Following the sharp rebuke, Goldstein withdrew his petition. Before concluding, Justice Kant observed, “This country has become a haven... anybody comes and stays.” The Goa police, on the other hand, are inquiring whether Goldstein’s wife and their >Continued on P5 PANAJI he Goa government has sought Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its traditional brass and copper crafts known for its durability and resistance to corrosion, especially in the State’s humid climate. In its application, the Department of Science and Technology, has said that all the brass and copper metal crafts items are just not “functional” but they are also “deeply symbolic” and often passed down through generations. “They hold significant cultural and religious importance,” the T „„Goa’s brass and copper crafts hold deep cultural and religious significance passed down through generations „„Craftsmanship is practiced mainly by Kansara community and is a hereditary tradition rooted in local heritage „„Ancient copper coins from Portuguese era reflect Goa’s long history of metalwork „„Goa’s artisans specialize in casting brass into moulds, followed by detailed finishing and engraving „„Copper is particularly revered for its antimicrobial properties which drives demand and validates the continued production of these items application stated. The State pointed out that in the traditional Indian households, including in Goa, there’s a strong belief in the health benefits of using brass and copper vessels for storing water and cooking. According to the application, these traditional crafts are practiced mainly by the people from the Kansara community for over generations in Goa; however the exact historical origins are not extensively documented. But, claims that the presence of ancient copper coins from the Portuguese era in Goa suggests a long history of copper metalwork in the region. “Goa’s brass and copper crafts are a fascinating blend of artistry, heritage and everyday utility. It is shaped by centuries of cultural exchange and local tradition. Brass & copper metal is a craft passed on from one generation to another and practiced on hereditary basis,” the State said. In its proposal, State mentioned that Goa’s brass metal crafts are a stunning blend of >Continued on P5