Goa CM orders probe into music fest

The controversy surrounding three-day music party continues to dog the organisers with Chief Minister Dig amber Kamat ordering an inquiry through district magistrate into the event. “I will ask district collector to inquire into how and whether the festival is granted the permission. He will have to go there immediately and check the legalities,” Kamat told reporters during a press conference. 'Chakra view' Music Festival, a rave music festival is planned at Agonda beach in South Goa, is already under police scanner. Deputy Inspector General of Police, Ravindra Yadav has already asked Superintendent of Police (South) and anti-narcotic cell to furnish the detail report on the event, which is scheduled at Agonda's Butterfly beach, a eco-sensitive area.

Kamat Wednesday said that even if local panchayat has given the permission, such events need licensing from various other authorities. “Collector will be asked to probe into all the matters,” he said. Goa has been cautious about the music parties after recent incident of a Delhi based girl Meha Bahugunas death due to suspected drug overdose. The girl was shifted to the hospital from Sunburn Music Festival held at Candolim beach near there. The organisers of 'Chakra view' festival has refused that the incident has anything to do with drugs. The website for the festival claims it as an event which is being held to have awareness about the beach cleanliness and give lesson or two on the eco-sensitivity of the beaches.

The festival spokesman said that it will also have Indian classical music and demonstration on how to preserve the beaches. “Goa' beaches are no more prestine,” the website contends. The music party will have performers from Israel, Russia, Belgium, Italy, south Africa, Hungary and other countries, the organisers stated. The contention of the organisers has however not gone well with local BJP legislator Vijay Pai Khot who has said that the locals will keep a close watch on the party to ensure that drugs are not allowed into it. “We will not let drugs to affect our coastline? We have no problem, if its purely a music festival and has all the required permissions,” he said.