News for 'Pramod Sawant'

Pramod Sawant, a Parrikar loyalist, rises to top

Pramod Sawant, a Parrikar loyalist, rises to top

Rediff.com19 Mar 2019

The two-time MLA from Sankhalim in North Goa, Sawant, who was speaker of the state assembly, is a dedicated Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh worker.

Pramod Sawant to continue as Goa CM, leadership issues settled: BJP

Pramod Sawant to continue as Goa CM, leadership issues settled: BJP

Rediff.com19 Mar 2022

Desai's comments came amidst speculation doing the rounds in the political circles that Sawant will again be the chief minister of Goa.

Goa CM Pramod Sawant tests COVID-19 positive

Goa CM Pramod Sawant tests COVID-19 positive

Rediff.com2 Sep 2020

Sawant, 47, said he is asymptomatic and under home isolation.

Goa Police To Issue Lookout Notice For Activist

Goa Police To Issue Lookout Notice For Activist

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Goa Police are planning to issue a Look Out Circular (LOC) against right-wing activist Gautam Khattar, who has been untraceable since an FIR was registered against him over remarks on St Francis Xavier.

Goa Police Hunt For Activist After Remarks On Saint

Goa Police Hunt For Activist After Remarks On Saint

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Goa police have formed teams to trace right-wing activist Gautam Khattar after his remarks against St Francis Xavier created a stir. Complaints have been filed against Khattar in multiple locations across Goa.

Goa CM Pramod Sawant proves majority in assembly

Goa CM Pramod Sawant proves majority in assembly

Rediff.com20 Mar 2019

Besides 11 members from BJP, three each from the Goa Forward Party, the MGP and independents supported Sawant during the head count conducted in the House.

Goa Minister Demands Police Accountability After Viral Videos Show Drugs, Solicitation at Calangute Beach

Goa Minister Demands Police Accountability After Viral Videos Show Drugs, Solicitation at Calangute Beach

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has called for police action and accountability after videos showing alleged drug dealing and solicitation at Calangute beach went viral. He emphasised the need to protect Goa's image as a safe and preferred tourist destination.

St Francis Xavier remarks: Goa police to issue LOC against Khattar

St Francis Xavier remarks: Goa police to issue LOC against Khattar

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Goa Police are initiating a Look Out Circular (LOC) against Gautam Khattar after alleged objectionable remarks against St Francis Xavier. Khattar is accused of hurting religious sentiments and creating communal discord. The move aims to prevent him from fleeing the country as police search for him.

Activist Arrested For Remarks Against St Francis Xavier

Activist Arrested For Remarks Against St Francis Xavier

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Right-wing speaker Gautam Khattar, wanted by Goa police for alleged offensive remarks against St Francis Xavier, has been arrested in Himachal Pradesh. The arrest follows a non-bailable warrant and a search operation after Khattar's speech sparked controversy.

Fire-hit Goa nightclub ran under multiple names since 1999: Sawant

Fire-hit Goa nightclub ran under multiple names since 1999: Sawant

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

The chief minister fielded a volley of questions from the Opposition benches regarding the fire that broke out at Birch by Romeo Lane, a nightclub at Arpora village in North Goa that claimed 25 lives last month.

Goa Faces Uproar Over Remarks Against St Francis Xavier

Goa Faces Uproar Over Remarks Against St Francis Xavier

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Controversy escalates in Goa over alleged objectionable remarks against St Francis Xavier, with protests and police complaints filed. The Congress demands the sacking of a minister, while the CM calls for maintaining communal harmony.

BJP's Pramod Sawant takes oath as Goa CM at 2 am

BJP's Pramod Sawant takes oath as Goa CM at 2 am

Rediff.com19 Mar 2019

As per the power-sharing arrangement, Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai and Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party MLA Sudin Dhavalikar will be the deputy chief ministers.

Goa Police Seek Arrest Of Speaker Over Offensive Remarks

Goa Police Seek Arrest Of Speaker Over Offensive Remarks

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

A local court has issued a non-bailable warrant against right-wing speaker Gautam Khattar, wanted by Goa Police for allegedly making offensive remarks against St Francis Xavier.

Shirdi, Goa, Bastar... Amit Shah's Sunday Out

Shirdi, Goa, Bastar... Amit Shah's Sunday Out

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

Glimpses of Home Minister Amit Shah's busy busy Sunday, crisscrossing India.

Goa nightclub fire: BJP MLA Lobo calls for safety audit of all clubs

Goa nightclub fire: BJP MLA Lobo calls for safety audit of all clubs

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Michael Lobo on Sunday called for a safety audit of all clubs in Goa following a fire in Arpora that killed 25 people, including three women and 20 men.

Goa Police Issue Lookout Notice For Speaker Over Saint Remarks

Goa Police Issue Lookout Notice For Speaker Over Saint Remarks

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Goa Police have issued a Look Out Circular against right-wing speaker Gautam Khattar for alleged objectionable remarks against St Francis Xavier and arrested his brother in Uttarakhand. The arrest follows widespread condemnation and protests over Khattar's remarks at an event in Goa.

Goa CM Sawant reverses health minister's doc suspension amid outcry

Goa CM Sawant reverses health minister's doc suspension amid outcry

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

The chief minister tried to soothe frayed nerves by hailing doctors for their invaluable and tireless service in saving lives.

Suryakumar inaugurates private cricket stadium in Goa

Suryakumar inaugurates private cricket stadium in Goa

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

Sawant congratulated the Indian team for winning the Asia Cup and also congratulated Yadav for giving the winning amount to the Indian Army.

Maharashtra Bids Farewell to Ajit Pawar

Maharashtra Bids Farewell to Ajit Pawar

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

Thousands of supporters gathered to pay their last respects, chanting slogans in his memory. The large turnout and emotional farewell highlighted Ajit Pawar's strong grassroots connect and his significant influence in Maharashtra politics.

Goa nightclub fire: Kazakh dancer performed without business visa

Goa nightclub fire: Kazakh dancer performed without business visa

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

A video was earlier circulated on social media showing the bursting of electric firecrackers and the blaze appearing from the roof of the nightclub. It shows Kristina, who was performing belly dance, and band members, rushing out in panic as the fire spread rapidly.

Goa nightclub given licence without paper work: BJP MLA

Goa nightclub given licence without paper work: BJP MLA

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

Goa BJP MLA Michael Lobo alleges that the license for the nightclub where 25 people died in a fire was issued without proper documentation by the local panchayat. He emphasizes the need for safety measures in Goa's tourist destinations.

Goa nightclub fire: 3 cooks from Jharkhand among dead

Goa nightclub fire: 3 cooks from Jharkhand among dead

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

Three young men from Jharkhand had migrated to Goa a year ago to earn a better living for their families back home and started working as cooks in 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub in north Goa.

Goa nightclub fire: Owners, organisers booked; sarpanch held

Goa nightclub fire: Owners, organisers booked; sarpanch held

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

Police registered a first information report (FIR) against two owners of Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa, its manager, and event organisers after a devastating fire claimed 25 lives and detained the sarpanch of Arpora-Nagoa panchayat, a senior official said on Sunday.

Goa nightclub fire: Owners denied relief, MEA may revoke passports

Goa nightclub fire: Owners denied relief, MEA may revoke passports

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

A Delhi court on Wednesday refused to give any interim protection from arrest to Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the ill-fated Goa nightclub who fled to Thailand, as their partner was held in connection with the fire incident that killed 25 people last weekend.

Survivor claims fireworks inside Goa nightclub caused fire

Survivor claims fireworks inside Goa nightclub caused fire

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

A survivor recounts the chaotic scene at a Goa nightclub fire that resulted in 25 deaths, citing fireworks and a stampede as contributing factors.

Ajit Pawar cremated with full state honours in Baramati

Ajit Pawar cremated with full state honours in Baramati

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash, were held with full state honors in Baramati. Prominent leaders and thousands of mourners attended the funeral.

Goa fire: 100 people were on dance floor; victims trapped in kitchen

Goa fire: 100 people were on dance floor; victims trapped in kitchen

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

A fire at a nightclub in North Goa killed 23 people, many of whom were trapped in the kitchen while trying to escape. Fire safety violations are suspected.

Electric firecrackers likely caused blaze at Goa nightclub: CM

Electric firecrackers likely caused blaze at Goa nightclub: CM

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

A preliminary inquiry suggests electric firecrackers caused a devastating nightclub fire in Goa, resulting in 25 deaths. The incident has exposed illegalities and lax enforcement of safety rules.

Nitin Nabin elected BJP chief unopposed; youngest in party history

Nitin Nabin elected BJP chief unopposed; youngest in party history

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Nitin Nabin, a five-time Bihar MLA, has been elected unopposed as the BJP national president, becoming the youngest person to hold the position. His appointment signals a generational shift in the party's leadership as it prepares for key state elections.

25 killed as Goa club blaze turns weekend bash into horror

25 killed as Goa club blaze turns weekend bash into horror

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

A jampacked nightclub in North Goa turned into a death trap around midnight as a massive fire tore through it, claiming 25 lives and bringing to the fore illegalities along with the laxity of government officials in enforcing rules.

'Goa Nightclub Fire Was Murder!'

'Goa Nightclub Fire Was Murder!'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

'When an establishment operates despite demolition or closure orders, without proper fire exits, evacuation plans or safety audits, and yet is allowed to host large crowds, the state cannot hide behind the language of accident.' 'The authorities were aware of the risks and of the violations, but chose not to act decisively because doing so would have inconvenienced those with influence and financial stakes.' 'In such a scenario, the moral and legal responsibility for the resulting deaths moves from negligence towards culpability; calling it 'murder' is a way of underlining that these lives were sacrificed at the altar of greed and complicity, not fate.'

Interpol issues Blue Notice for two Goa nightclub owners

Interpol issues Blue Notice for two Goa nightclub owners

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Interpol has issued a Blue Notice against the owners of a Goa nightclub who fled after a fire claimed 25 lives. Police are investigating violations and illegalities related to the nightclub's operation.

Goa nightclub built illegally on salt pan, no licence: Probe report

Goa nightclub built illegally on salt pan, no licence: Probe report

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

A magisterial inquiry report reveals that the Goa nightclub where a deadly fire killed 25 people was built illegally on salt pan and operated without a valid trade license, indicating serious lapses and collusion at multiple official levels.

Govt ready to hand over Sonali Phogat case to CBI, if required: CM Sawant

Govt ready to hand over Sonali Phogat case to CBI, if required: CM Sawant

Rediff.com28 Aug 2022

The state police so far arrested five people in connection with the case. These include two associates of Phogat who have been charged with murder.

Pak-born man gets Indian citizenship after 43 years

Pak-born man gets Indian citizenship after 43 years

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

Shane Sabastian Pereira, born in Karachi, Pakistan, was granted Indian citizenship after 43 years of living in his ancestral village in Goa. He is the second person from the coastal state to receive the certificate under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Pereira's journey to citizenship highlights the impact of the CAA on individuals seeking to become Indian citizens.

Decked churches, midnight masses: India celebrates Christmas

Decked churches, midnight masses: India celebrates Christmas

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

Christmas was celebrated with devotion and festive gaiety across India, with churches decked in lights, midnight masses, and community events spreading cheer. Leaders extended greetings, and celebrations took place in various states with prayers for peace and harmony.

World Chess Cup winner to get Viswanathan Anand Trophy

World Chess Cup winner to get Viswanathan Anand Trophy

Rediff.com31 Oct 2025

The trophy was unveiled during a colourful opening ceremony which was attended by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and FIDE chief Arkady Dvorkovich.

Sawant, Rane meet Shah as uncertainty over govt formation in Goa continues

Sawant, Rane meet Shah as uncertainty over govt formation in Goa continues

Rediff.com20 Mar 2022

Both Sawant and Rane are being seen as top contenders for the post of chief minister in the state.

'Where There Is So Much Infrastructure Creation, There Will Be Debt'

'Where There Is So Much Infrastructure Creation, There Will Be Debt'

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

'We have created massive infrastructure in the past six years.'

Sawant to be sworn-in as Goa CM on March 28; Modi, Shah, Nadda to attend

Sawant to be sworn-in as Goa CM on March 28; Modi, Shah, Nadda to attend

Rediff.com22 Mar 2022

The swearing-in ceremony of Pramod Sawant as Goa's chief minister will be held on March 28 and prominent Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will attend the event.