Goa Assembly elections: Criminals to be booked under NSA for peaceful poll

PANAJI: Stringent National Security Act ( NSA) will be invoked against criminals in North Goa district to prevent them from disturbing peace in run-up to the March 3 Assembly polls, a senior police officer said today.

Superintendent of Police (North) Waman Tari said they have identified 81 criminals, who have a history of creating trouble.

"Many of them would be booked under NSA, some will be externed while others would be kept under vigil," he said.

He said all history-sheeters have been "listed and numbered".

District Magistrate Mihir Vardhan said his office had already received three applications under NSA.

"But the applications were sent back to police asking them to strengthen the case," he said.

Vardhan said state has formed a committee under NSA where the accused can appeal against the order.

To a question, Vardhan said anti-social elements cannot be stopped from moving with candidates.

"If there is any complaint of intimidation, we will take them in custody immediately."

The election officials have already identified 38 vulnerable polling stations and exercise is going on to mark the hyper sensitive booths in the state.