Congress discusses banning Sanatan Sanstha

PANAJI - The Congress Friday discussed the issue of banning right-wing Hindu outfit Sanatan Sanstha, some of whose members have been arrested in connection with the Diwali-eve blast in Goa.

Speaking to reporters after the Congress legislature party met at the chief minister’s residence, Congress legislator and deputy speaker of the Goa legislative assembly Mauvin Godinho said several members had raised the issue of banning the SS, four of whose members have been arrested in connection with the Oct 16 blast in Margao, a major town in south Goa 35 km from here.

“The demand from some CLP members for a complete ban on the SS was discussed thoroughly,” Godinho told reporters.

He said Home Minister Ravi Naik had briefed the CLP members on the progress of investigations into the blast and had assured that the culprits would be brought to book as soon as possible.

“Goa is known for its communal amity. We need to keep it that way. The CLP has asked the home minister not to succumb to any pressure even from the highest quarters and bring the accused, however powerful, to book,” Godinho said.

Two of SS members, who are also accused in the Goa blast case, died of injuries when detonator-rigged gelatin sticks they were ferrying exploded while being taken to a crowded area in Margao. The police also found an unexploded improvised explosive device near the port town of Vasco a few minutes after the blast in Margao Oct 16.

The Special Investigating Team (SIT), appointed by the state government to probe the blast, have arrested four persons, including an MBA and an electronic engineer, in connection with the case.