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Goa Authorizes District Magistrates to Use NSA Powers for Three Months

Officials cite a spike in gang violence after preventive arrests proved ineffective.

Overview

  • An order signed by Under Secretary Manthan Manoj Naik empowers the North and South Goa collectors under Section 3(2) of the NSA, taking effect upon publication in the Official Gazette.
  • The government set up an advisory board of former judges U V Bakre, Sayonara Telles Laad and Vandana Tendulkar to review detention orders within three weeks and hear appeals.
  • The NSA permits preventive detention for up to 12 months without formal charges for activities deemed prejudicial to public order or state security.
  • Goa Police, led by DGP Alok Kumar, requested the delegation in September, saying BNSS preventive provisions had failed to curb repeat offenders and organised elements.
  • Recent triggers include the September 18 assault on activist Rama Kankonkar with eight arrests, largely repeat offenders, as well as gang clashes in August and a late-October brawl outside Panaji police station.