In a brazen incident in Goa's capital, two government vehicles have been reported stolen from a parking area in Panaji. The vehicles, belonging to the state's directorate of panchayats, were allegedly taken by unidentified persons.
Details of the Theft and Official Complaint
Mahadev J Araundekar, the director of panchayats, formally lodged a complaint with the Panaji police regarding the missing vehicles. According to his statement, the two four-wheelers were originally gathered during a major clean-up initiative. This drive was organized years ago by the late chief minister Manohar Parrikar in collaboration with the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP).
Following the drive, the vehicles, along with several other old and unused government vehicles, were transported from Junta House. They were subsequently parked at the Kamrabhat area near the International Hotel in Caranzalem. Araundekar stated that the vehicles had remained parked at that location for a considerable period.
Discovery and Police Action
The disappearance came to light on September 2, 2025. Officials from the directorate discovered that the two vehicles were no longer at the Caranzalem site. "Despite searching the area and enquiring locally, we could not trace them," Araundekar informed the police.
Acting on the complaint, the Panaji police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against unknown individuals. The case has been officially opened, and a formal investigation is currently underway to locate the stolen government property and identify the culprits.
Ongoing Investigation and Implications
The theft raises questions about the security of government assets parked in public or semi-public spaces for extended durations. The police are now tasked with piecing together the events leading to the theft. Investigators will likely examine local surveillance footage and question residents or witnesses in the Caranzalem area.
This incident underscores the need for stricter protocols for storing and monitoring old or decommissioned government vehicles to prevent such losses of public property in the future.
