Special anti-Maoist cell needed: Goa assembly panel

PANAJI - Almost two months after a leader of an Orissa-based fringe Maoist group was arrested in Goa, a legislative panel has recommended setting up of a special cell to keep tab on Maoist activities in the state.

The ad hoc committee on home, chaired by Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar, also said that police needed to keep tabs on activities of labourers and immigrants, employed in the state’s burgeoning mining and tourism sectors.

“The committee recommends that the police department create a special cell to keep track of movement of workers and immigrants from areas known to be Naxalite (Maoist) infested,” Parrikar, a former chief minister said.

The committee report was tabled in the assembly Thursday.

Shambhu Beck, leader of the Maowadi Trishul Manch (MTM) was arrested in May this year, while he was hiding in Goa.

Beck, 25, was wanted in Goa for crimes ranging from kidnapping, dacoity, arson and robbery.