Criminal gangs trafficking children to Goa, alleges former MLA Agnelo Fernandes
The former Calangute legislator called for police action against organised groups allegedly forcing children to beg or sell items on the streets.
Former Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes said on Thursday that organised criminal gangs are allegedly bringing children to Goa to beg or sell items like pens and balloons on the streets.
According to The Times of India, Fernandes noted that children are frequently seen at street corners in the Candolim-Calangute belt. He stated that these children should not be on the road and should be placed in protective homes by the police and NGOs.
The former legislator claimed that allowing children to roam freely makes them vulnerable to predators. He also alleged that some beggars carrying young children may not be their actual parents and could have robbed them.
Fernandes said he often sees individuals, including those in wheelchairs, claiming to be parents of children without any way to verify the relationship. He alleged that some of these individuals might be willing to sell children for sex.
The former MLA criticised the police, stating they have failed and that turning a blind eye to these activities encourages criminals.
He questioned what the police are doing to address the situation and urged a crackdown on the gangs operating in the area.