By Johnson D’Silva, Anti-Corruption Activist Goa may be India’s smallest state, but its governance is dominated by IAS and IPS officers of the *AGMUT cadre*, effectively making them the *de facto rulers*. Many times, these officers operate beyond the influence of local ministers, resulting in *red-tapism*, selective law enforcement, and in some cases, protection for outsiders with *political godfathers in Delhi*.
This vacuum of accountability has allowed certain Delhi-based businessmen and other influential outsiders to commit serious crimes — including assault and even murder of Goans — and often escape swift justice. The recent past is littered with examples that reveal how powerless the common Goan has become. 1. *Mandrem Murder by Delhi Tourist (2025)* In a shocking case, 65-year-old Goan woman Maria João Fernandes was killed after a quarrel with Delhi tourists over pet dogs. One accused allegedly dragged her by the hair and ran his car over her, dragging her for 10 meters. He was booked for murder, but public confidence in prosecution remains low given Goa’s track record of letting the powerful off the hook. (Source: Indian Express, LiveMint) 2. *Anjuna Knife Attack on Delhi Tourists Mishandled (2023)* A Delhi tourist and his uncle were savagely attacked near an Anjuna resort by men with knives and swords. Initially, police registered only minor charges. Only after public outrage were Attempt to Murder (307 IPC) charges added. (Source: Herald Goa) 3. *Bouncer Violence & Police Inaction in Baga and Assagao (2024)* Nightclub bouncers attacked two brothers with clubs in Baga. In another case, bouncers illegally demolished a house in Assagao. Anjuna Police stood as mute spectators until locals and an MLA intervened. (Source: The Goan) 4. *Molestation Case Involving Delhi Businessman (2023)* A Delhi businessman was booked in Calangute for molesting a Russian woman in a resort. Despite evidence, such cases often see slow trials and weak enforcement. (Source: Times of India) 5. *Robbery and Fatal Stabbing of Delhi Youth at Baga (2024)* A 20-year-old Delhi tourist was stabbed to death during a robbery at Baga beach. Arrests were made, but the incident highlighted how law and order has deteriorated. (Source: India Today) 6. *RTI and Panchayat-Related Assaults* The climate of intimidation extends beyond tourists — Goans demanding transparency are also under attack. Narayan Naik Assault (Sancoale, 2021): RTI activist brutally beaten with iron rods by masked men. Only one arrested, others absconding. Ravi Harmalkar Assault (Anjuna, 2024): Leader of Progressive Front of Goa beaten by a Panchayat official while collecting RTI documents on large-scale projects. Panchayat Secretary Attack (Old Goa, 2022): Secretary assaulted during inspection of illegal construction; case later withdrawn. These incidents show a clear pattern — anyone who threatens vested interests risks violence, with little protection from the state. 7.*Politician–Bureaucrat Nexus* Media investigations have repeatedly exposed a cosy nexus between politicians, top bureaucrats, and economic lobbies, resulting in stalled probes, selective enforcement, and transfers instead of punishment. (Source: Herald Goa) *The Amrit Kal Reality for Goans* While the central government brands this period as *Amrit Kal* — a supposed era of prosperity — for many Goans it feels more like *Kal Yug*. Under this regime: *Bureaucrats act with impunity and are shielded by Delhi connections.* Outsiders with political links often evade real consequences for crimes against locals. *RTI activists, panchayat workers, and journalists face intimidation and assault.* Law enforcement shows bias, with action often triggered only by protests or social media outrage. The result? Goans are left helpless in their own land, silenced either by fear or by a justice system that bends to the powerful. In the words of many village voices — “With us or without us, the world will move on. *But in Amrit Kal, the Goan voice is being buried under the weight of Delhi’s power.”*
