MAPUSA
In a special drive conducted across the municipal market and adjoining areas, Mapusa Police detained 10 persons, including five adults and five minors, for allegedly engaging in begging and causing public nuisance in the town.
According to police officials, the operation was carried out following repeated complaints from residents, traders and commuters about the growing presence of beggars at busy junctions, market areas and roadsides in the town.
The detained persons were booked under the provisions of the Beggars Act.
Police said the five minors were later shifted to Apna Ghar after the completion of legal formalities, while the five adults were produced before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court.
Mapusa PI Navin Desai said the detained individuals were non-Goans who were allegedly staying in open public places and engaging in begging activities during the day.
“These persons were found begging in public places, including roads and market areas, causing inconvenience and nuisance to the public,” Desai said.
He added that the police were also examining whether the activity was part of an organised network.
“At present, we do not have concrete evidence to confirm if this is an organised racket, but the matter is under investigation,” the police inspector stated.
The crackdown comes days after local MLA Joshua D’Souza raised concerns over the increasing number of beggars in the town and urged the police to initiate strict action.
The MLA had reportedly suggested that certain groups could be systematically bringing people into the town for begging activities in crowded public spaces.
Local traders and residents have repeatedly complained about aggressive begging near the market, bus stands and traffic signals, particularly during peak business hours.
Police officials indicated that similar drives may continue in the coming weeks to curb the nuisance and maintain order in public areas.
