Leader of Opposition in Goa Assembly, Pratapsinh Rane, death penalty for drug peddlers

Panaji: Fearing that the coastal state may turn into an "Udta Goa", Leader of Opposition in Assembly, Pratapsinh Rane on Monday recommended death penalty for drug peddlers.

Notably, the recently released Bollywood film "Udta Punjab" was based on the drug abuse in the northern state.

"I caution you. We have seen 'Udta Punjab' movie, we might have 'Udta Goa' considering the situation in the state. We go on blaming people of some foreign nationalities, but the consumers are local boys and girls," Rane said, during a discussion on budget on the floor of the House today.

"Where do they get the drugs from? This is going on in the hinterland. There are people who are growing banana trees and between them grow ganja or opium," he pointed out.

"It's terrible. This is happening in many parts outside the state. It kills a person. I have moved a resolution before the House saying that give them (drug peddler) death penalty because they kill young people. They should be punished on the lines of (punishment awarded in) Singapore," Rane said.

"They should not be allowed to kill people. We find these fellows hanging around the schools and colleges. There are areas where they hang out," he told the House.

Referring to the issue of wild animals destroying the farms, Rane said the government have already declared wild pigs and nilgai as vermin.

"The (Union) Minister of Environment has allowed it. Although there are two schools of thought, if these animals keep on invading fields, people will think ten times before farming," the opposition leader said.

Rane also demanded that an Act should be passed which makes owners of stray cattle responsible for the menace created by them.

"In my area, stray cattle are creating nuisance. I feel the government has to take corrective measures. Pass a police Act. Punish the owner of the cattle," he demanded.

"If we have to see that agriculture is properly developed then we have to see that it is protected," he said.

On the state government's scheme to provide three LED bulbs (to each family), Rane questioned why BJP should promote itself using the funds which are sanctioned by the Central government for this scheme.