Sand miners on the path to mob lynching in Pernem?

Latest reports posted on Facebook about family on the banks of Tiracol river in Pernem are indeed frightening. Groups of people engaged in illegal sand mining coming to threatened single family whose house is directly threatened due to sand extraction. 

Situation is so dangerous that report links up involving highest political office in the State - of Chief Minister - being the supporter (if not sponsor) of such violent threats being issued to a single family.

Sand miners - the way trends indicate - might turn monsters indulging in mob lynching.

Links here:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1ByEJRPvuU/

Illegal Sand mining in Mandovi river

15 December 2025

To,

Director of Mines and Geology,

Government of Goa,

Panaji, Goa

To,

Captain of Ports,

Government of Goa,

Panaji, Goa

To,

Collector (North Goa),

Panaji, Tiswadi, 

Goa

To

Director of Fisheries, 

Government of Goa,

Panaji, Goa

Subject: Sand mining in Mandovi river near Divar and Ribandar

Sir,

All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union (AGSSRFU) draws your urgent attention to continues daily sand mining in Mandovi river at the coast of Diwar Island (Vitojem) and Ribandar coast. There are nearly 25 canoes who are engaged in daily night illegal sand mining activities.

We request your office to kindly act against these illegalities with seriousness.

Sand mining that goes on at night has already created huge damage to marine ecology and prospects of Fisheries has been pushed to into setback, livelihoods shattered. Ferry boats in Mandovi is used to transport illegally extracted sand and stocked on land on various islands in Mandovi.

AGSSRFU has membership amongst fishers in Mandovi river who are directly and negatively affected by this illegal sand mining on riverbed.

We expect you to act promptly. 

Thanking you.

Yours sincerely, 

Shaila D'mello 

President

Laximan Mangueshkar 

Secretary

Threats and harassment to Shaila D'mello, President, All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union by two men claiming to be from Police department on Chorao Island illegal sand mining issue personally and from their mobile number 9325085806

13 January 2025

To,

Chief Minister,

Government of Goa

Porvorim, Goa 

To,

Chief Secretary,

Government of Goa, 

Porvorim, Goa

To,

Secretary (Home)

Government of Goa,

Porvorim, Goa

To,

Director-General of Police,

Panaji, Goa

To,

Superitendent of Police 

(North Goa)

Porvorim, Goa

To,

Collector,

North Goa,

Panaji, Goa

To,

Director of Mines and Geology,

Panaji, Goa

Subject: Threats and harassment to Shaila D'mello, President, All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union by two men claiming to be from Police department on Chorao Island illegal sand mining issue personally and from their mobile number 9325085806

Sir,

We draw your urgent attention to threats and harassment to Shaila D'mello, President, All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union by two men claiming to be officials from Police department since beginning of January 2025.

Calls began to Shaila D'mello on her mobile number from another mobile number 9325085806 on January 02, 2025. The first call was made at 10.34 am and lasted 1.46 seconds asking her to come and meet the caller at unknown Police Station without serving any call letter. Shaila D'mello refused to abide.

On January 10, 2025 two people came to the residence of Shaila D'mello unannounced at 3.30 pm. Shaila was on the road outside her house in Cacra, Tiswadi. The two men then requested time with her. She agreed to speak to them.

The two men were in plain clothes with no name plate or buckle number indicating that they are Policemen. They also did not show their identity card to indicate that they are working for Goa Police. They simply claimed that they are from Goa Police.

The two men asked Shaila D'mello to accompany them to local temple. She refused to go with them. They entered her house and sat to speak.

Their main purpose as shared by the two men was about affairs of All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union. They objected three things:

1. Letters going out from the Union to various government departments like Fisheries, Police, etc.

2. Media reports about the Union activities including press statements.

3. All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union complaints objecting Sand mining in Mandovi river specially Chorao Island and Shaila will be harmed for signing as the President of the Union.

They then got Shaila's signature on blank paper under duress and threats and she is unaware of the contents of what they might have written on the same. 

After doing this the two men left the house. After some time one of them from above cited number called up Shaila and used abusive language against her. These last two calls came, first at 4.22 pm and lasted for 26 seconds. The second call was at 5.56 pm and lasted for 1.14 seconds.

Now it can very clearly be seen as an attempt destroy our Union activities in defence of Small Scale fishing communities all over Goa. Union has Jurisdiction all over Goa and cannot be singled out for commenting against illegal sand mining in Chorao. It is well known fact that illegal sand mining is going in Mandovi river daily at night from 12.30 am to 6.00 am and off loaded from cannoes in Chorao, Vanxim, Naroa, St. Estevam and Old Goa. Illegal Sand mining is well known to Police and the way it is ignored by Police itself speaks volumes on the nexus of the underworld. Chorao Island has become epicenter of illegal sand mining trade with fear and intimidation as favored tactics to frighten people of Chorao to stay silent on illegal sand mining. Recently one Islander was even threatened death by stoning. 

Fishermen from Diwar Island has been constantly complaining about havoc sand mining has caused to fishing activities in Mandovi. 

All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union is mandated to defend fishers as well as protect rivers to be fishing worthy and for this reason we will continue to speak out on issues across State of Goa and it is our Fundamental Right under Article 19 of the Constitution of India. Right to form Union as well as Right to share information in public too is a Fundamental Right under Artucle 19 of the Constitution of India.

In this context you are therefore advised the following:

1. Trace the identity of the two men who are claiming to be from Police department and obstructing smooth flow of Union activities through threats to our President Shaila D'mello and initiate legal action for intimidation and threats to cause harm under BNS as well as SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989. We have identified one as Dilip Deulkar and have his photograph verified by Shaila D'mello.

2. Initiate action against all the illegal sand mining in Mandovi river as it is continually disrupting fishing activities and marine ecology.

3. Launch night Petroling in Mandovi river to trace illegal sand mining. Raid stockyards of illegal sand mined, stored and transported from Chorao Island, Old Goa Neary Ferry Jetty, Naroa near Ferry Jetty and on Vanxim Island.

4. Launch special task force to dismantle infiltration of sand mining mafia in Goa Police.

Kind submit Action Taken Report (ATR) to the below on above points.

Urgent meeting of All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union was held on 12 January 2025 at the request of President and it was decided at the to pursue this matter fearlessly to defend fishing spaces and fishing based livelihoods. 

Thanking you.

Yours sincerely,

Shaila D'mello 

President

Laximan Mangueshkar

Secretary

Sand mining in Mandovi river as encountered...

[22/11, 10:06 pm] Sebastian Rodrigues: Two canoes illegaly extracting sand near Vanxim Ferry boat now at 10.05 pm.

[22/11, 10:36 pm] Sebastian Rodrigues: Cops from Old Goa came and stood at Divar Ferry Jetty at 10.30 pm. And said they cannot see any lights of the boats in the river. How can lights be seen when they are operating with light off?

Police concluded that no sand mining is going on and went back. 

They further Said that even if they had to see then they would not be able to do anything as they don't have boats to go the water.

Police said that at the time of complaining it must be told at 112 emergency service to relay message to coastal security police station. 

This response and behavior is expected from Old Goa Police Station as those carrying on sand mining in Vanxim are directed from the very same Police station.

Earlier it was proved that leakage of information to sand mining operators in Mandovi is continues through one of the Police personel.

[23/11, 12:12 am] Sebastian Rodrigues: Cops from the Superitendent of Superitendent of Police (Coastal Security), Panjim reached Vanxin Ferry point, Divar at 11.55 pm, full two hours after the complaint. 

They too came in Jeep but they had torch with them. They flashed their torch in the river and concluded that there are no sand mining boats engaged in their action against law.

On verification it was found that indeed sand mining canoes had gone away Vanxim Ferry point.

Police took leave at 12.00 am. On concluding note they said they have to attend another sand mining complaint call somewhere. They claimed they are doing this for the country.

Illegal Sand Mining in Mandovi river

Date: 04 November 2024

To,

Captain of Ports,

Panaji, Goa

To,

Collector (North Goa)

Panaji, Goa

To,

Deputy Collector,

Panaji, Goa

To,

Director,

Directorate of Mines and Geology,

Panaji, Goa

To,

Deputy Superitendent of Police,

Police Headquarters,

Panaji, Goa

To,

Superitendent of Police 

(Coastal Security),

Panaji, Goa

To,

Director,

Directorate of Fisheries,

Panaji, Goa

Subject: Illegal Sand Mining in Mandovi river

Sir/Madam,

All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union (AGSSRFU) brings to your urgent attention rampant illegal sand mining at night at various spots in Mandovi river such as Chorao river banks, Divar island banks, Vanxim Island banks, Naroa river bank, Tikhazan river bank etc.

Sand mining has destroyed marine ecology and disrupted fishing activities as well. AGSSRFU considers sand mining activities detrimental to fishing based livelihoods as river bad is badly damaged through sand mining.

Kindly initiate steps to prevent illegal sand extraction, illegal sand storage as well as illegal sand transportation through cannoes, trucks etc. 

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

Shaila D'mello,

President

Laximan Mangueshkar,

Secretary

Fishing Report from Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka, India

Aghanasini river in Devgi village from where Portuguese ships loaded spices to navigate into Europe

I am on visit to Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka coast past two days to get to know the coast and fishing communities. There are many river connected to Arabian Sea in this district. Four major rivers include Kali, Gangavali, Aghanashini and Shravati. Each of these river banks hosts fishing communities just like Arabian Sea coast does. I had closer interactions with fishing communities representatives at Devgi village on the banks of river Aghanishini river. This river supplies sand to real estate lobby. Fishing communities themselves are involved in sand mining. Reasons for this scenario needs further investigation.

There are around 80 fishing cannoes in the village. Fishing activities are carried on in Aghanashini river as well as in Arabian Sea. Ambiga fishing community has major presence in the village. Their significant marker is throwing of casting net into the river waters by rotating above the head with remarkable ease to catch fish. There are many more problems that village is facing including ignorance of government schemes for fishing communities as well as laws governing fishing communities.

This village of Devgi and the neighboring villages is major labour supplier to Trawlers in Goa and Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. They suffer acute exploitation. Often when Trawlers are not getting fish in their nets then owners of Trawlers put workers under stress. This leads of fights on board Trawlers. There are often incidents go unreported of incidents when workers are beaten up and thrown into the Arabian Sea waters from Goa Trawlers. Trawler owners have their Union in Goa but they don't allow workers on Trawlers to form the Union. This makes position of workers very weak. This situation requires adequate attention and way out.

Also found that people come to near-by Gokarna Beach to perform rites of purification to attain peace to the soul of their departed family member. After the rite clothes on their bodies are discarded on the beach and new ones are put on. Old clothes gets washed into the Arabian sea water. Most of these clothes has plastics in them. Lots of clothes are lying scattered on the beach too which needs to be taclked and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) enforced for clothes as well as other material disposed in waters. It's gradually turning into an issue that needs attention and sensitive yet decisive intervention.

Glass bottles, broken bottles and other plastics items are gradually crowding the sea bed and river beds and neither community nor state response to reverse the situation is forth coming. There is no awareness on SSF Guidelines, Fisheries laws or ILO Convention 188 amongst fishing communities. Educational Institutions, Panchayats and Fishing organisations representatives who were present at the meeting are requested to work as team to build up awareness and form the Union of fishing communities in North Canara district in various talukas.

Response received at the meeting as well as with meeting with individuals has been overwhelming and promising.

I did share information, vision  and perspectives from NPSSFW experience over the past eight years from 2016 till 2024 in a snapshot with examples from various Geographies of India.

My visit was ably facilitated by my colleague Prashant Ramappa of NPSSFW to whom I remain deeply grateful.

Dr. Sebastiao Rodrigues

National Council Member,

NPSSFW

29 October 2024

Sand Mining Menace Back Again

Confirmed reports has just come in about massive illegal sand mining in Mandovi river in Goa at night near Divar island. We are not sure as to which politicians and police officers are involved in the sandy shady deals.

Sand mining is damaging healthy river fishing environment. Nearly 10 trucks loads of sand is stocked as of now at Chorao Mandovi river bank. Sand is extracted in cannoes manually with outboard motors as navigation enforcers.

Open letter to Shankar Polji on mining and sand mining in Goa

06 June 2024

Dear Shankar Polgi,

We admired your videos all along held you in high esteem. Your videos always defended Goa's environment. And was so inspiring. However your recent video calling for resumption of sand mining and open cast mining in Goa left us bewildered. 

You must investigate how many people are deprived of their livelihoods due to mining in Goa for the past several decades when it went on. People were working in agriculture and horticulture were left unemployed. Their paddy fields destroyed.

In fact till today even though government has allowed mining to resume for Vedanta onground protests of villagers in Pilgao hasn't allowed single truck of ore to come out on road to load in Jetty. Go and meet the Sarpanch of Pilgao, the inspiring lady.

You know amount of damage mining has created to our Forest in Goa? Go and meet Rama Velip in Colomba.

You know how mining has contributed towards regular flooding of Bicholim and pollution of Bicholim River? Go and meet Ramesh Gauns  in Bicholim.

You know why villagers want their villages defended from predatory mining industry? Go and meet Ravindra Velip in Cavrem.

If you want know how mining has destroyed fertile agricultural land and displaced the village multiple times over the past half century then meet Hanuman Parab in Pissurlem.

If you want to know how how mining industry is threatening to destroy 223 houses in Mulgao and how mining has already destroyed village lakes and agriculture then meet Swapnesh Sherlekar.

If you want to know how to keep village permanently safe from mining onslaught and keep village economy thriving without mining then meet Ulhas Gaonkar from Morpirla.

If you want to know the murderous nature mining industry that launches physical attacks of those who speak out the truth then you must meet Nilesh Gaonkar from Cavrem.

If you want to know how Goa Government is looted by mining industry by corporate gangs then you must meet Captain Viriato Fernandes who is now elected MP South Goa and whom who supported in Rakhandar attire video during election campaigh last month.

If you want to know as to how revenue from mining is sought to be hijacked away from District Mineral Trust Fund of Goa Government then you must meet Wency Mendes.

If you want to learn to question non-implimentation of Justice Shah Commission  report of Goa mining that pointed out loot of Rs.35,000 crore then you must must meet me for sure.

If you want to know as to what provoked Goa Foundation to get into prolonged litigations leading to close down of mining and cancelation of mining leases in Goa then you must meet Dr. Claude Alvares.

If you want to know as to how entire village cashew economy was destroyed by mining industry and village water table disrupted then you must meet Shamsunder Naik of Advalpal village.

If you want to know the struggle as to how entire village paddy fields are deposited with silt layer of meter and half and all the 73 village wells went dry then you must meet Adv Dinanath Gaonkar of Sirigao. 

If you want to know how goons are used against those who dissent then go and meet Rajendra Kerkar at his village of Keri. He along with Prerna Singh Bindra was detain at Fomento Mines by company bouncers. Listen to his story as how he got freed then.

And regarding Sand mining please check marine effect of the trade, effect of fish, crabs to whom sandy riverbed is home and is disrupted by sand mining. Check the effects on river banks that can collapse and villages can get washed into the rivers.

You must also remember that both Sand mining as well as open cast iron ore and Manganese mining was stopped through Court directions. Goa Government in fact supported then all along with all the backing. Your point about corruption at Patradevi check post is well taken and must be true considering nature of system that is perennially corrupt.

I am sharing this for your considered attention with request to reflect on these aspects.

Warm regards,

Dr. S.A.Rodrigues

Illegal early morning Sand mining in Mandovi

This video clip by anonymous went viral today on social media is from Naroa bank of Mandovi river in Bicholim taluka that captures illegal sand mining trade early  morning on 15 September 2023.

This indicated active container of Department of Mines and Geology, Goa Police and Mamlatdars of Tiswadi and Bicholim Talukas.

Naroa has been one of the Hotspot of daily illegal sand mining from mid-night to dawn. Other notable Hotspot include Vanxim island and Chamerem in Chorao island.

Yesterday six more cannoes are lined up in chamerem for illegal sand extraction. Cannoes are hidden inside Mangroves at Chamerem, Chorao.

There are other places of sand extraction tentacles have reached. One such place is Tikhazan in Naroa, Bicholim.

Current illegal sand Mining is being carried on with active conniving of Politicians and Police. Week ago raid was conducted against illegal sand mining in Vanxim. More details are awaited.

In Front of Ribandar Coastal Security Police Station Illegal Sand Miners Feel Safe And Secure

100 meters in front of Ribandar Coastal Security Police Station illegal sand mining flourish in Mandovi

Around 08 big cannoes were seen carrying on illegal sand mining in Mandovi river on mid-night of May 12-13, 2023 barely 100 meters from Coastal Security Police Station at Ribandar. Complaint was lodged on 112 Emergency Service as well as Police Inspector, Coastal Security Police Station, Ribandar on his mobile phone 7875756099 at 11.30 pm.

Goa Police Station personnel came to the Ribandar -Divar Ferry spot at 00.10 am. They came in one Jeep and one two-wheeler. All together six policemen came. Four in uniform and two in civil clothes.

Visit was also made to the office of Coastal Security Police Station at 11.35 pm. Cops there were surprised to know that hundred meters away visibly sand mining is going in front of the Coastal Security Police Station, Ribandar. Police there on duty came out to see if that's true. After confirming he assured that he will call other Police personell and dispatch patrol boat to nab illegal sand miners in Mandovi. 

By 00.15 am boats moved 200 hundred meters upwards towards East little beyond the Ferry Jetty and stopped to continue sand extraction illegally. Patrol boat of Coastal Security Police never turned up. We don't know the reasons for they never got communicated. Last we heard about the Patrol boat was that Goa CM Dr. P. Sawant was operating. We don't know if the boat has been taken by him to destination of his choice.

Police at the Ribandar-Divar Ferry Jetty said that their duty is on land and water duty belong to Coastal Security Police Station. And now they will go. They were told to follow up the cannoe route. Police were reluctant and replied that they have no time to do so.

From this experience it is clear that Police telephone complaint was leaked to the cannoes in Mandovi waters. There is well oiled nexus between the Police and illegal sand mining cannoes.

Previous night of May 11-12, 2023 these cannoes carried  on illegal sand mining near Vitogem, Diwar from 00.00 hours to 04.00 hours.

This is an indication that illegal San mining operators are turning into mafia. Goa administration is colluding with illegal sand miners in this manner.

Post Script

Later at 1.25 am an ASI named Chopdekar from Coastal Security Police Station, Ribandar called up to inquire as to where the sand mining was going on. When questioned as to why so much the delay in responding he answered saying that his team had gone to answer call at Amona Bridge. When location was disclosed he said that currently no boats are seen. Possibility of cops speaking truth is reputed to be remote. Further when questioned about status of Patrol boat he disclosed that the said boat is on G-20 duty. Other small boat has no trained staff to navigate as the regular staff is posted on G-20 duty. This further confirms toothless nature of policing in Goa's rivers.

Seby Rodrigues

Illegal Sand Mining in Mandovi from Chamerem, Chorao

Illegal Sand mining by cannoes is going on daily during night time in Mandovi as per the reports. Robbed sand is unloaded from cannoes at Chamerem, Chorao in close proxity to Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.

https://earth.app.goo.gl/?apn=com.google.earth&isi=293622097&ius=googleearth&link=https%3a%2f%2fearth.google.com%2fweb%2f%4015.5232192,73.88377155,18.49587146a,970.27429283d,35y,-143.01797567h,44.99134263t,360r

After loading the stolen sand in several trucks in violation of DGP order on Sand mining of March 17, 2022 cannoes are hidden near the sluice gate. Click here.

https://earth.app.goo.gl/?apn=com.google.earth&isi=293622097&ius=googleearth&link=https%3a%2f%2fearth.google.com%2fweb%2f%4015.5223717,73.88297144,18.2950041a,635.14980088d,35y,-129.6202791h,44.98921208t,0r 

Illegal Sand mining stretches from Chorao Ferry point upto Devagi near Maddel, Chodan. Click here.

https://earth.app.goo.gl/?apn=com.google.earth&isi=293622097&ius=googleearth&link=https%3a%2f%2fearth.google.com%2fweb%2f%4015.53267333,73.89495742,18.47163325a,5875.06789844d,35y,-140.81190014h,45.02252481t,360r

Each cannoe robs three trucks early morning from 5.00 am to 10.00 am. Six such cannoes are operating from the same spot. Mines and Geology department, Goa Police, Captain of Ports, Transport Department, Tiswadi Mamlatdar as well as North Goa Collector is duty bound to crackdown on this illegal sand mining. 

It is however evident that sand miners cares a dam for any of these authorities and even invested in brand new cannoes.

Illegal Sand mining also takes place from Vanxim island and sand is being transported in four wheelers in Amboi-Vanxim Ferry.

Shortcut to Heaven!

I inwarded letter regarding illegal sand mining without mentioning any names at Vanxim at mid-night 00.50 am on September 22, 2022 at Old Goa Police Station.

Then at 7.35 am on September 25, 2022 I received threat to my life from Sadanand Tari allias Bayee in Vanxim Ferry. His house is close to Vanxim Ferry ramp. He told me that I have no public support and I will be overpowered by those engaged in illegal sand mining. He is from Vanxim and works with Police department as peon. When I asked him as to how he is affected with my letter he told me that he transports illegally mined sand in his tempo.

On September 27, 2022 at 11.00 am messenger came to me from Sadanand Bhosle from Vanxim informing me that they have got clearance from their higher ups to assault and kill me.

Those who are close to God doesn't fear death. I too don't fear death.

I personally wish to call all my friends and collaborators  to our beautiful island of Vanxim for which I will be laying down my life without resisting sand mining mafia of Vanxim. I am told not to resist this wickedness and I should pray and fast. I really want to meet all of you and say big thank you for all your care and love in Vanxim for the past dozen years.

I am really excited and looking forward to my shortcut to heaven facilitated by Goa Police leaking my letter to Vanxim Sand mining mafia. There is nothing new in their conduct.

I ready for death of any kind they might decide to give me if that is in  accordance with the will of God. For I live to fulfil the will of God and will die for the will of God.

But before my death I want to organize thanks giving prayers at Vanxim Holy Cross Chapel. I share close affiliation with this cross of the Lord for I had prayed for a girl in my life and I was awared with superlative Maggie Silveira as my wife.

I also want to pray for pardon and forgiveness of all my would be assasins and Conversion of their soul that they may come out of their infedel beliefs and embrace the Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ. For this reason they will be invited for the prayers too.

Currently we are in birth centenary year of my Father-in-law late Ligorio Feliciano Silveira whose father late Pedro das Silveira had facilitated settlement in Vanxim of the ancestors of all those who compose sand mining mafia and are threatening me. Their ancestors were brought to Vanxim as keepers of the sluice gates. Sluice gates are kept non-functional and paddy fields are perennially flooded with Mandovi water.

I really wish to meet you all one last time before Vanxim sand mining mafia take away my life. They believe that they are competent to kill me for they had kidnapped Ashok and Jamla, two workers at our place two decades ago and they are still missing. Sadanand Bhosle was involved then too. Life of crime is habitual for them.

Not to mention that these people has captured paddy fields from Maggie's ancestors in fraudulent manner and flooded them with Mandovi. Only good thing is they haven't surrendered to Gaunekar.

It is important that all these things are brought in public memory before my life is snuffed out.

If I survive then I will let you know when we can have a party. For the moment I live a miracle called life and getting prepared to surrender my soul in the hands of Heavenly Father.

May God turn my enemies as footstool to tread upon and crush like dust and blown away like chaff of paddy in a windy hurricane of God.

Martyrs are the saints of God and I too share desire for Martyrdom. And I don't want to miss this opportunity. They can destroy my Bob but can't touch my soul that is eternal.

Regina Martyrum, Opra Pro Nobis.

Queen of Martyrs, Pray for us.

Sebastian Rodrigues

Chronology of events concerning illegal sand extraction in Goa's Mandovi River and threat to life of Dr.Sebastiao A. Rodrigues

September 21, 2022

11.05 pm : Three cannoes noticed from Amboi-Vanxim with lights on engaged in sand extraction in Mandovi River

11.15 pm Emergency number to report sand extraction 112 dialled and complaint registered with reference number 135450. Police vehicle PINKFORCE-09(GA07G1625, Ph: 7030935471) assigned to assist. 

September 22, 2022

00.10 am

Police vehicle arrived at Amboi ferry point and contacted me over the phone. Police invited me to report on the spot of illegal sand mining at Vanxim Ferry point. I did report. One cannoe started the engine and fled. Other switched off their lights and stayed still in waters. Police informed me that they have no Patrol boat so they are in no position to reach to apprehend illegal sand mining boats at the distance of less than 30 Meters from Vanxim ferry point. Police had no whistle to blow and chase away sand miners. Police invited me to the police station at Old Goa and lodge formal complaint. I obliged and got into Police car.

00.50 am

Gave inward of handwritten letter dated 22nd September 2022  addressed to the Police Inspector, Old Goa Police station with subject: Illegal sand mining during night time in Mandovi near Vanxim.

September 25, 2022

7.35 am

On board Amboi-Vanxim ferry in the middle of Mandovi River I received threat to life from Prenanand Tari from Vanxim, an employee of Goa Police (Home Guard) for filing complaint against illegal sand mining near Vanxim. He admitted that his illegal sand mining transportation bussiness will be affected due to my Police complaint. He said that I should not file any more complaints as - according to him - I don't have any support in Vanxim.

September 27, 2022

11.00 am

I received message relayed through messenger sent by Sadanand Bhosle from Vanxim that all the legal sand miners of Vanxim had meeting and they have decided to kill me.

September 28, 2022

5.00 pm

Letter inwarded to the offices of Inspector General of Police, Director-General of Police, Superitendent of Police (North Goa), Sub-Divisional Police Officer (Panjim),  Director of Vigilance with subject: Inaction and threat to life on account of my complaint to Old Goa Police Station dated 22:09:2022 regarding mid-night illegal sand mining by unknown persons near Amboi-Vanxim ferry in Mandovi. Copy of the letter was marked to Waman Meshram, National President of Bharat Mukti Morcha, New Delhi and to the President, Goyche Fudle Pidge Khatir, Margao, Goa. Letter was neither addressed nor marked to Police Inspector of Old Goa Police Station.

5.30 pm

Goyche Fudle Pidge Khatir team and Roque Menezes from All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union joined me in a delegation to DYSP Sudesh Naik at Panjim Police Headquarters. After brief discussion Old Goa Police Inspector Satish V. Padwalkar was summoned in DYSP office and directed to book both the persons involved in threatening me. Complaint copy was handed over to Old Goa PI to take further action.

6.30 pm

Press briefing outside Police Headquarters on the issue of threats and illegal sand mining organised by Goyche Fudle Pidke Khatir.

07:30 pm 

I was called to the Old Goa Police Station over the phone. Five member team from Goyche Fudle Pidge Khatir joined me for the meeting with Old Goa Police team headed by Inspector Satish V Padwalkar. After initial hesitation he admitted possibility of Old Goa Police  station leaking my complaint letter to those involved in illegal sand mining in Vanxim. He promised to book two people involved in threatening me.

October 03, 2022

Anthony D'Silva from Ambelim released video in social media calling for Police protection to me. 

October 04, 2022

12.28 pm

Received phone call from Old Goa Police station that they have received wireless message from Superitendent  of Police (North Goa) calling me for urgent meeting with him at 4.00 pm today.

03.55 pm

At the office of Superitendent of Police, North Goa in Porvorim with team from Goyche Fudle Pidge Khatir. There I was informed that the meeting is postponed on account of some urgent work for SP-North Goa. I gave inward of the hand written letter to SP-North Goa informing him about my presence with punctuality and further request to him to intimate me a day in advance of the meeting. Immediately I received phone call from Old Goa Police station while I was still at SP's office that my meeting with SP is fixed for October 06, 2022 at 04.00 pm.

October 06, 2022

04.00 pm 

Meeting with Superitendent of Police (North Goa) Mr. Saxena. Team from Goyche Fudle Pidge Khatir joined me here. Old Goa Police Inspector Satish V. Padwal was present at the meeting. SP Saxena asked me to speak. I obliged and spoke briefly about sand mining and the threats I received due to leakage of my complaint to the accused involved in sand mining. I pointed out to the DGP Standing order on Sand mining in Goa dated 17:03:2022 under High Court directions. According to which SP is to visit illegal sand mining Hotspots once a month. I invited SP Saxena to visit Vanxim. He said "thank you very much!" SP Saxena then requested me to file complaints with Department of Mines and Geology as well as Collector, North Goa. I agreed to do so. SP then informed me that every complaint received at 112 is shared with task force on sand mining headed by the Collector. I then named the police constable at Old Goa Police Station who is involved in leaking my complaint information to the accused. SP Saxena requested me to immifiately file another complaint to SP - North giving name of this. police constable. 

Police Inspector Satish V. Padwalkar spoke saying that I had never met him in person ever. He then said that he has registered FIR against Premanand Tari and Sadanand Bhosle at Old Goa Police Station. SP directed PI to hand over copy of the FIR right now. PI obliged and gave me FIR copies.

I then filed fresh complaint before SP North Goa with subject title: leakage of my name in violation of DGP Standing order dated March 17, 2022.

7.00 pm

Received letter no. PI/OLG/7723/2022 from Nilesh Naik, HC - 4569, Old Goa Police Station dated 06/10/2022 with subject: Requests to provide eye witnesses in the crime. 

October 07, 2022

11.00 am

Attended investigations accompanied by Roque Menezes of All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union. Investigations were conducted by Head Constable Nilesh Naik (HC-4569). I told him that Police should take statement from the messenger who relayed death threat from Sadanand Bhosle which Police haven't done so far. In any I told him that I know know both Premanand Tari and Sadanand Bhosle for the past 12 years and we shared amicable relationships. This threats has come about more because of leakage at the Old Goa Police Station and I am more worried about this. Investigator then informed me that my complaint dated September 22, 2022 never reached Police Inspector and was kept totally blind. I then understood that lower ranked Police officials has processed my sand mining complained,  transmitted messages to those engaged in illegal sand mining and threats were administered to me. This is how police-mafia links operated! I requested two pages of paper to file fresh complaint against illegal sand mining at Vanxim. I told head constable that I want to test the leakage points and resulting threats. 

11.30 pm

Complaint filed at Old Goa Police Station with subject: Illegal sand mining at Eastern point of Vanxim in Mandovi.

October 08, 2022

6.45 am

Two Police cars reached Vanxim early morning searching those engaged in illegal sand mining. Then met me at 7.15 am in Vanxim on the road under tamarind tree. They said they couldn't find anyone engaged in illegal sand mining at the Eastern point of Vanxim. I told them that my complaint was of yesterday's illegal sand mining. 

October 14, 2022

2.10 pm

Entry of my today's complaint refused at the Old Goa Police Station. Subject line of my refused complaint: Illegal sand mining at Vanxim and Divar on October 14, 2022. Timings mentioned of illegal San mining at Vanxim between 00.05 am to 03.00 am, and at Vitogem, Divar at 07.05 am between latitude 15.53403760' and Longitude 73.8988627'. Action was requested as per DGP Standing order dated March 17, 2022. I was told by Police official in duty that my repeated complaints to Old Goa Police Station is creating problems as I file complaints against them for Inaction. Official told me that Police station doesn't have patrol vessels to venture in the water to intercept sand mining boats. I was directed to Panjim Coastal Police Station based at Ribandar to file fresh complaint.

October 15, 2022

Forwarded my complaint that was refused entry at Old Goa Police station - with covering letter - with subject: Illegal sand mining in Mandovi near Vanxim and Divar Islands, to DGP, IGP, SP-North Goa, SDPO Panjim, Collector- North Goa, Director of Mines and Geology, and SP- Coastal Security.

Filed complaint to the Police Inspector, Panaji Coastal Security Police Station, Ribandar with subject: Illegal sand mining in Mandovi at Vanxim and Divar on October 14, 2022. Copies marked and also inwarded to PI at Old Goa Police Station, SDPO Panjim, DYSP Coastal Security, SP Coastal Security at Panjim.

October 20, 2022

05.17 pm

Received call letter from the Police Inspector Ajit R Umarye with request to remain present at the inquiry regarding illegal sand extraction at Vanxim and Diwar as mentioned in my complaint dated 14.10.2022.

October 21, 2022

01.30 am

Four policemen attached to Panaji Coastal Security Police Station visited my residence. Purpose of their mid-night visit was to let me know that that moving about to catch illegal sand miners.

12.00 hrs

Attended meeting with Police Inspector Ajit R Umarye for an hour. I was accompanied by Roque Menezes  from All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union. Two main points he made: first that his Police station though entrusted with Coastal Security doesn't possess even a single patrol vessels to enter water. Secondly they are facing manpower shortage to enforce DGP Standing order on Sand mining. It is therefore impossible to implement DGP Standing order on Sand mining. He directed me to file complaints with Director of mines and Geology, and Captain of Ports. He also requested me to write to the concerned authorities requesting that all the seven Coastal Security Police stations in Goa be equipped with functional patrol vessels. For the past three years Coastal Police doesn't have functional patrol vessels and patrolling of the rivers is done through roads in jeeps which is not sufficient.

Team from Goyche Fudle Pidke Khatir came to the police station in my support.

I have signed one page Statement at Panaji Coastal Security Police Station requesting stopping of illegal sand mining.

October 25, 2022

4.00 pm

Mamlatdar along with Police carried on site visits to Vanxim and Divar regarding illegal sand mining.

October 27, 2022

Received telephonic information about illegal sand mining posing threat to Konkan Railway bridge in Mandovi near Old Goa.

October 28, 2022

Received correspondence dated 19/10/2022 from Directorate of Vigilance to the Director Mines and Geology, and the Superitendent of Police ( North Goa) regarding illegal sand mining near Vanxim and Diwar.

November 03, 2022

2.30 pm

Received phone call requesting my intervention regarding illegal sand mining at Sao Mathias- Naroa ferry point. Loading of illegally extracted sand takes place in trucks from Naroa ferry point in Mandovi.

Sd/-

Dr. Sebastiao A Rodrigues

Illegal Sand mining in Mandovi river opposite Vanxim Church

Date: February 27, 2020

To,

The Collector (North Goa),

Panjim, Goa

To,

Director,

Department of Mines and Geology,

Panjim, Goa

Subject: Illegal Sand mining in Mandovi river opposite Vanxim Church

Sir/Madam,

This is to request your urgent attention to take action against ongoing illegal sand mining going on by use of canoes in Mndovi river opposite Santus Christus Church, Vanxim island. Extracted sand is transported via Trucks from Vanxim in a Ferry boat. We have received information that police officers attached to Old Goa Police station are involved in this illegal sand extraction. This is the reason for continues sand extraction in spite of High Court order against the same.

Kindly act and stop the above mentioned activity of sand extraction that is destroying marine ecology and fishing activities in Mandovi river.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

 Sd/-

Maggie Silveira

President, Goa State & National Council Member of National Platform of Small Scale Fish Workers (Inland)

Goa's sand for export abroad?

Today 25/04/2017 morning at 9.55 am a barge named "CHERYLYNE MRH 681" was sighted in Mandovi river near Ribandar, Tiswadi, Goa loaded with sand. Destination of barge is not known but proceeded towards Mormugao Port Trust (MPT). Is Goa's sand is being sold and transported in large quantities in barges? from this sand was extracted? Do Captain of Ports and department of mines has any answers? Who owns this barge? Some pictures for you in this posting.

Police attempts to pressurize Sanjay Harmalkar failed

According to the information just received Bharat Mukti Morcha Diwar Convenor was today called at Coastal Security Police Station in connection with the joint complaint filed on 17 March 2016. Today morning police jeep came to Sanjay's residence in Diwar. Since he was not at home cops phoned and called him while he was near Panjim. Sanjay visited Coastal Security Police Station, Ribandar at around 11.00 am today. He was asked as to why the names of boat owners are not mentioned in the complaints. Sanjay replied that he is not aware of the names and it is the duty of the police to find out this information. Sanjay also told Police Inspector that extraction of sand has deepened the depth of Mandovi river and sides from Divar may cave in at any time if sand mining does not stop. Sanjay Harmalkar also told police that nexus of illegal sand mining is not restricted only to Old Goa Police station that but also to head office as on several occasions when he dialed 100 there was no response from the police. This is very serious issue. Police has to act. We share with you copy of our complaint based on which Coastal Police has acted to pressurize Sanjay Harmalkar.

Date:17^th March 2016

1 To, The Chief Secretary, Government of Goa, Porvorim, Goa	2 To, Secretary (Mines) Secretariat, Porvorim, Goa
3 To, Secretary (Environment) Government of Goa, Secretariat, Porvorim, Goa	4 To, Secretary (Fisheries) Government of Goa, Secretariat, Porvorim, Goa
5 To, The Director-General of Police (DGP) Police Headquarters, Panjim, Goa	6 To, The Director, Department of Mines and Geology, Panjim, Goa
7 To, The Superintendent of Police (North Goa) Porvorim, Goa	8 To, The Police Inspector, Coastal Police Security, Ribandar, Goa

Subject: Continues Illegal Sand mining in Mandovi river

Dear Madam/Sir,

We once again urge you to act against illegal sand mining currently ongoing in Mandovi river at different places. We specifically call for your intervention to stop illegal sand mining extraction in Mandovi river between Diwar and Vanxim. We had written to you earlier on 18^th May 2015. The river bed here is getting badly affected and we anticipate that it will have adverse effect on marine ecology. Besides the telephone cable and public water pipeline to Vanxim Island is affected due to sand mining and water pipeline may burst in the river and telephone cables cut through. Both these are necessity and not a luxury to the people of Vanxim as it is an island.

The Konkan Railway Bridge at Malar may be weakened and even collapse in near future as the sand extraction is being carried on in its close proximity. This will lead to disruption of rail traffic in konkan region. 

Sand mining is affecting fishing as river bed is constantly dug and will ultimately leading to changing of shape of river bed from ‘U’ shape to ‘V’ shape.

Please act to stop sand mining extraction in Mandovi River with immediate effect.

Yours sincerely,

          Sd/-

Maggie Silveira

President, Goa Unit

           Sd/-

Sanjay Harmalkar

Convener, Diwar Unit

         Sd/-

Rohidas Andrade

Convener, Bambolim Unit

         Sd/-

Sanjay Pereira

Convener, Cacra Unit