In a case that has stunned both China and the global community, a former mayor of Haikou has been sentenced to death after investigators uncovered an unprecedented volume of illegally acquired wealth amassed through corruption.
According to official findings, authorities recovered nearly 23 tons of cash and 13.5 tons of gold from properties linked to the former official. In addition, investigators discovered extensive luxury real estate holdings across China and overseas, along with a collection of high-end luxury vehicles, placing the total value of seized assets in the billions.
The investigation revealed that the wealth was accumulated through bribes connected to government contracts, land allocations, and development approvals, highlighting deep-rooted corruption at senior administrative levels. Prosecutors described the scale of the illicit assets as “extremely grave” and damaging to public trust.
China’s judiciary imposed the death sentence after concluding that the crimes caused severe harm to state interests and social stability. The ruling underscores Beijing’s continued hardline stance against corruption, particularly involving high-ranking officials abusing public office for personal enrichment.
The case has sparked widespread debate on governance, accountability, and the sheer scale of corruption that can exist behind positions of power, reinforcing China’s message of zero tolerance toward graft at all levels.
Parra, the quaint and age-old village located just outside Mapusa in North Goa, will soon see its story preserved in print with the release of Parra: The Quintessential Goan Village, the first book dedicated entirely to the village. Authored by Cosme Lobo, a former English and Mathematics teacher and a well-known local resident, the book is an attempt to record the memories, traditions and cultural identity of Parra at a time when the countryside is rapidly changing.
Through its winding lanes, age-old fields and lived experiences, the book takes readers on a nostalgic journey into the heart of Parra. Lobo revisits the village’s heritage, traditional lifestyles and landmarks that shaped its identity over generations. He presents a concise history and geography of Parra, Verla and Canca, the three original aldeias collectively known in the past by the acronym ‘PVC’.
Highlighting the spirit of religious harmony, the author writes about the earliest place of worship known as the ‘Deusan’, where people of different faiths continue to gather in reverence of the lord of all creation. He also documents a small dome-shaped chapel dedicated to the Holy Cross, believed to have once been devoted to Brahmadevi Khelbika Laxmi Mata. Despite changes in religious affiliation over time, the site remains a shared space of prayer for both Hindus and Christians.
The book walks readers through Parra’s temples, chapels and the St Anne’s Church, which continue to be central to village life. It pays tribute to the hardworking farmers for whom Parra has long been synonymous with its famous watermelons, while also recalling the toddy-tappers of the past, noted musicians, sports personalities, freedom fighters and community leaders who shaped the village’s destiny.
In more recent times, Parra has gained widespread recognition for its iconic Madanni road lined with coconut palms, now a popular spot for photography. At the end of this road stands the church, often compared to Rome’s Sistine Chapel for its painted ceiling and fresco-lined corridors. The village is also home to one of Goa’s earliest English medium schools, Sacred Heart School, founded in 1912, along with institutions such as the Comunidade, which played a vital role in cooperative farming, planned water bodies and flood prevention through carefully constructed bunds and lanes.
Lobo also documents Parra’s religious institutions, including temples dedicated to Lord Bodgeshwar, Sateri Verlekarin Devi, Shree Nagnath Mahadev Prasanna, Shree Vishwati Vishweshwar Shivshankar and Shree Varad Siddhivinayak Mandir, the latter being well known for its Sarvajanik Ganesh Festival. Cultural traditions such as the singing of Moteti during Lent, Saint John’s festivities marked by well-jumping and gumot playing, and weddings once held under mollam pandals are vividly recalled.
The book also shines a light on present-day trendsetters from Parra, including coconut shell artists, a reviver of the mollam craft, a Hollywood actor and a young woman aircraft pilot. It acknowledges the village’s sporting legacy, noting athletes and players who excelled in football, hockey and athletics, alongside the contributions of freedom fighters and political leaders.
Parra: The Quintessential Goan Village will be released on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, during the Festival of Stars at the Parra Tinto. The foreword is written by Parra parish priest Fr Pedro da Gama, who appreciates Lobo’s dedication to documenting the village’s legacy. The book is published by Goa,1556, marking an important milestone in preserving Parra’s cultural memory for future generations.
The Goa Police has reason to celebrate as two of its distinguished officers — DySP Vishwesh Karpe and Police Inspector Laxi Amonkar — have been conferred with the ‘Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak’, a national award recognizing exceptional performance and professional excellence in policing.
DySP Vishwesh Karpe has been honoured in the field of Investigation for his outstanding leadership and meticulous supervision in solving a sensational murder case involving a minor boy under the jurisdiction of Calangute Police Station. The case, which had gripped public attention, demanded precise coordination, evidence handling, and strategic investigation. Under Karpe’s direction, the team ensured that justice was swiftly and decisively served. His approach to investigative work — marked by thoroughness, empathy, and commitment to truth — exemplifies the highest standards of policing.
Police Inspector Laxi Amonkar was recognised in the field of Intelligence for his significant role in one of Goa’s most impactful narcotics operations. His timely and actionable intelligence led to a successful NDPS raid, resulting in the seizure of narcotic substances valued at ₹43 crores. The operation not only disrupted a major drug network but also reinforced the Goa Police’s continued efforts to combat the drug menace with precision and resolve. PI Amonkar’s contribution reflects the vital importance of intelligence-led policing and inter-departmental coordination in addressing organised crime.
The Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak is one of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ distinguished recognitions for police personnel across India. It acknowledges officers who demonstrate exceptional efficiency, commitment, and professionalism in their respective fields — from investigation and intelligence to law and order, community service, and technological innovation.
For Goa Police, this recognition marks a proud moment of institutional excellence. Both officers embody the ethos of the force — integrity, diligence, and service before self. Their achievements highlight the tireless work that goes on behind the scenes in maintaining law and order, ensuring justice, and safeguarding the community.
The honour also serves as an inspiration to young officers across India, reaffirming that dedication and ethical conduct are the cornerstones of effective policing. Whether it’s cracking complex criminal cases or disrupting high-value narcotics operations, officers like DySP Vishwesh Karpe and PI Laxi Amonkar remind us that excellence in law enforcement begins with a deep sense of duty and purpose.
As Goa celebrates this national recognition, it stands as a testament to the professionalism and unwavering commitment of its police force — men and women who serve not just with authority, but with integrity and heart.
