Panaji, July 2: The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) on Wednesday submitted a detailed memorandum to Governor P. S. Ashok Gajapathi Raju, expressing serious concern over what it described as the “alarming deterioration” of law and order in Goa and seeking urgent constitutional intervention.The memorandum, jointly signed by GPCC President Girish Chodankar and Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, states that Goa’s reputation as one of India’s safest and most peaceful States has come under strain due to a rise in murders, organised dacoities, crimes against women and children, drug trafficking, cyber fraud and land-related offences. The memorandum was submitted at Raj Bhavan on July 2. According to the Congress, the issue extends beyond isolated criminal incidents and reflects a broader decline in public confidence in law enforcement. The memorandum states that citizens are increasingly concerned about their safety, while parents fear for their children’s security and business owners worry about organised crime.The party has cited several recent incidents, including the murder of social activist Umakant Khot, the killing of Anand Patil in Porvorim, organised house dacoities, the kidnapping of a minor from Zuarinagar, increasing narcotics-related offences and attacks on women, to argue that preventive policing has weakened and crime is becoming more organised.The memorandum also alleges a growing nexus between illegal land activities and violent crime, claiming that disputes over illegal hill-cutting, forged documents, encroachments and land transactions have increasingly resulted in threats, assaults and even loss of life.Expressing concern over the safety of women and children, the Congress claimed that incidents of chain snatching, kidnapping and crimes against women have increased, while drug trafficking has spread beyond traditional tourist hotspots into villages, residential areas and educational institutions.The GPCC further raised concerns over the low conviction rate in serious criminal cases, arguing that delayed investigations and prosecutions weaken deterrence and embolden repeat offenders. It also highlighted the emergence of organised criminal networks involved in drug trafficking, financial crimes, cyber fraud, illegal gambling, interstate crime and land-related offences.Stating that the worsening law and order situation could adversely affect Goa’s tourism-driven economy and public confidence, the Congress warned that continued reports of violent crime and organised criminal activity could damage the State’s image nationally and internationally.In its memorandum, the GPCC has urged the Governor to seek a comprehensive report from the State Government on the prevailing law and order situation, obtain district-wise data on major crimes, direct the preparation of a preventive policing action plan, strengthen coordination between Goa Police and central agencies, ensure speedy investigation and prosecution of offences, protect citizens who report illegal activities, and take appropriate constitutional steps to safeguard the life, liberty and security of the people of Goa.The party maintained that the memorandum was submitted not in a spirit of political confrontation but out of concern for Goa’s future, asserting that restoring public confidence in the rule of law should remain a priority.