log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline SUNDAY DECEMBER 15, 2024 Facebook.com/thegoan The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 18 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME X, NO.178 Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 Escape from lock-up: The `3 cr deal that went awry Centre approves `747 cr for 4-lane road project in S Goa To form part of Mumbai-Kanyakumari corridor  COP HAD ASSURED SULEMAN A SAFE PASSAGE, BUT GETS CONNED  SULEMAN GIVES COP THE SLIP IN HUBBALI, FLEES IN WAITING CAR THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI In a twist straight out of a Bollywood movie, the now-dismissed IRB constable Amit Naik, who orchestrated the jailbreak for land fraud accused Siddiqui, alias Suleman Khan, ended up being conned by the very man he helped escape. Naik allegedly struck a deal with Suleman, promising him a safe passage in exchange for Rs 3 crore. But the plan, hatched for over a week, unravelled in a way Naik could never have foreseen. CCTV footage showed the two escaping from the Crime Branch lock-up at Ribandar Runaway cop dismissed; police on Suleman’s trail PANAJI: Goa Police conceded the challenge to re-arrest absconding land fraud accused Siddiqui alias Suleman Khan, even as IRB constable Amit Naik who facilitated his escape on Friday, was dismissed from service. Dy Inspector General of Police Varsha Sharma confirmed the disciplinary action, stating it followed a preliminary inquiry as well as a report by the SP Crime Rahul Gupta.   >> See pg 5 between 2:20 am and 2:31 am on Friday, on a motorbike towards Panaji. Sources told The Goan that while Goa police launched an extensive search within and outside Goa soon thereafter, Was ED eyeing custody of land grab accused? PANAJI: Absconding ‘hardened criminal’ Siddiqui alias Suleman Khan, was reportedly under the scanner of Enforcement Directorate (ED) Goa and due for questioning in connection with money laundering linked to several cases of land fraud. Sources revealed to The Goan that Suleman was under the radar amidst the seizure of illegally acquired properties and those under investigation.   >> See pg 5 Suleman had other plans. Naik’s fortunes took a sharp turn by late evening when he realized he was double-crossed. Suleman allegedly arranged a separate getaway for himself, slipping into a waiting white car and leaving Naik behind in Hubbali, Karnataka. Sources stated the conman did not intend to give away Rs 3 crore. Stranded and with no place to hide, Naik surren- HIGHWAY TO PROGRESS THE GOAN I NETWORK dered at Old Hubbali police station, reportedly admitting his role in the escape. He has been remanded to four days police custody. HUBBALI MAN HELD FOR HARBOURING SULEMAN, CAR SEIZED >> See pg 5 However, this version as allegedly confessed by Naik is under investigation. “We cannot take his words seriously, especially when his involvement in the audacious escape plan is evident. It will be investigated,” a senior HQ >Continued on P7 PANAJI In a major boost to Goa’s road infrastructure, the Central government has sanctioned Rs 747 crore for the four-laning of a 7.24 km stretch from the end of the Margao bypass to Cuncolim on National Highway 66. The announcement, made by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, cited strategic importance of this project, which forms part of the Mumbai-Kanyakumari 4/6-lane corridor. “In Goa, we have sanctioned Rs 747 crores for 4-laning of a 7.24 km stretch from the end of Madgaon Bypass to Cuncolim on NH-66, to be executed under Hybrid Annuity Model. The project includes a 4.45 km six-lane flyover to alleviate congestion in urban areas,” he said adding, “this stretch, part of the Mumbai-Kanyakumari 4/6 lane corridor, is crucial „„7.24 km stretch to start from end of Madgaon Bypass to Cuncolim on NH-66 „„To be executed under Hybrid Annuity Model „„Project includes a 4.45 km six-lane flyover to alleviate congestion in urban areas „„Crucial for connecting for connecting Madgaon and Cuncolim while facilitating intra-state traffic from Karnataka and Maharashtra”. Passing through Navelim, Dramapur, Sirlim, Chinchinim, and Panzarconi, it aims to reduce congestion, enhance safety, and address accident-prone zones. Hailing the decision, Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade expressed optimism about its impact on Madgaon & Cuncolim in South Goa while facilitating intra-State traffic from Karnataka & Maharashtra „„Passes through Navelim, Dramapur, Sirlim, Chinchinim & Panzarconi „„Aims to reduce congestion, enhance safety and address accident-prone zones South Goa's road network. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and particularly Gadkari, who has always been a strong supporter of Goa’s development. His dedication to improving connectivity and modernizing road infrastructure has been instrumental in bringing transformative projects like this to execution,” Tanavade said. OPPORTUNITIES 20 09 Last date for submission of bids: Industrial Commercial 17.01.2025 Plots available on e-auction Register now! Scan to download auction documents https://eauction.gov.in PERMITTED INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES Manufacturing IT / ITeS Research & Development Automobile Servicing Logistics & Warehousing INDICATIVE COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES Hotels & Restaurants Workers Hostels Shopping Complexes Petrol Pumps / EV Charging Stations Skill Development & Training Centres GOA: THE IDEAL INVESTMENT DESTINATION CORPORATE OFFICE: Plot No. 13A-2, EDC Complex Patto Plaza, Panjim - Goa. 403 001 idc.goa.gov.in goaidc1965@gmail.com 91-832-2437470 to 73 Strategic Location Seamless Connectivity Robust Infrastructure High Literacy & Per Capita Income Adequate Power & Water