Goa CM Pramod Sawant Claims Migrants Responsible for Over 90% of Crimes in the State

In a controversial statement, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant asserted that over 90% of crimes in the coastal state are perpetrated by migrants. This remark came during an assembly session where he responded to inquiries from opposition MLAs regarding the state’s law and order situation. Sawant’s comments are part of an ongoing debate about crime in Goa, which has seen a rise in serious offenses, including robbery and sexual assault.

During the assembly session, Sawant indicated that a significant influx of migrant workers seeking employment has been linked to increased criminal activity. He specifically pointed fingers at those from states such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, arguing that they constitute a majority of the individuals involved in serious crimes. This is not the first time the chief minister has made such claims; he previously expressed similar sentiments earlier in 2023, suggesting a correlation between migration patterns and crime rates.

In response to the escalating concerns about safety, Sawant emphasized the necessity of verifying the backgrounds of tenants and laborers as a crucial step in enhancing security across Goa. He stressed that landlords should refrain from renting properties to unknown individuals without proper verification through police channels. This initiative aims to mitigate crime and reassess the current tenant and laborer verification process to foster a safer environment for residents.

Moreover, opposition member Viresh Borkar raised alarm over a significant increase in reported rape cases, which have surged by 43% from 72 incidents in 2021 to 103 in 2025. Such statistics have fueled demands for more effective measures to ensure public safety. In defense of his earlier statements regarding crime statistics, Sawant acknowledged that while the data might appear alarming, it is essential to understand the broader context of law enforcement and reporting practices.

As Goa grapples with these challenges, the discourse surrounding crime, migration, and public safety continues to evolve. The chief minister’s remarks have sparked a debate on the role of migrant workers in local crime rates, highlighting the complexities of migration and its socio-economic implications in the state. The government’s focus on background checks and tenant verification reflects an awareness of the need for proactive measures to maintain law and order while addressing the concerns of residents.

Source: scroll.in