PANAJI: The magisterial inquiry report on last year's communal riots in the twin towns of Sanvordem-Curchorem in south Goa, which was released by the State Government on Tuesday, has suggested that the State Government establish at least three companies of Special Riot Control Force on the lines of Rapid Action Force to tackle such eventualities in future.

The report, prepared by North Goa Collector Nikhil Kumar, was released by Chief Secretary J.P. Singh.

Stating "baseless, unfounded and hateful rumours" as the main cause for igniting the riots, which took place in the first week of March last year, the report has inter alia blamed the local administration for its complete failure in controlling the spread of rumours in the Curchorem-Sanvordem area that "armed outsiders of the minority community had arrived from places such as Hubli, Bhatkal".

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane stated that the root cause of the riots was "illegal constructions" and went on to state that such illegal constructions should not be promoted.

He was obviously referring to the controversy over a disputed prayer house structure, which was at the centre of the original dispute among people of two communities in the area.

The magisterial report also stated that there was complete failure of the intelligence gathering mechanism of the State police. It went on to state that the police failed to prevent wanton destruction of houses, shops and other properties belonging to a minority community.

It suggested that all cases registered in relation to riots be professionally investigated and charge sheeted in a time-bound manner to ensure justice to the victims. It also said that prosecutors for trials in these cases must be appointed in consultation with victims and also after appointment of State-level prosecution committee.

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