Two tourists were brutally assaulted by security persons employed at a popular nightclub at Siolim after the visitors accidentally knocked down a two-wheeler while reversing their vehicle in the parking lot. The ‘bouncers’ snatched the keys of the four-wheeler and later went on a rampage, hitting the two tourists with some savage body blows, including kicks in the groin and hits using a wooden ‘danda’.
Skirmishes and accidents are part of any night party environment. Tourists or locals who patronise nightclubs could be under the influence of alcohol and beverages and slip up while retreading, which is why nightclubs hire ‘bouncers’ and security personnel to maintain order.
In this case, surprisingly, the ‘bouncers’ went berserk and, instead of mitigating the situation, treated the tourists with sheer disdain. While the attack was uncalled for, the reaction of the police was appalling. Not only did the police show reluctance to register an offence, but they initially treated the visitors with suspicion. It was the social media buzz that forced the police into action. Sadly, even updates on the police action were not forthcoming.
Just last month, two bouncers were arrested for assaulting a Pune tourist in a nightclub over the use of the ladies’ washroom. A glass bottle was smashed on his head while he was beaten along with three of his friends.
As a tourist destination that trades on late-night parties, alcohol, gambling, narcotics, sex and sleaze, Goa has to have enough systems to handle untoward incidents, keeping in mind the security of tourists. We can’t expect a seamless and trouble-free environment everywhere, but in tough situations, the police should rise to the challenge with apt handling because the focus shifts from the scene of the attack to the effectiveness of the police.
In this case, although those hired to maintain order became the culprits, the police handling of the incident was questionable. In times of distress, and especially in such extreme cases, the police are the crucial line of help. If the State believes in ‘Athithi Devo Bhava’, a Sanskrit line which presents itself as a code of conduct and translates as “guest is our God”, then we should be ashamed of this Siolim incident.
The police explain that there was an intention to kill them, and the physical injury that has been caused explains it all. Add to this the extortion charge. Then why the hesitancy? The first reaction of the police says a lot.
Web portals explain Goa as a safe destination but caution tourists of things getting out of hand under the influence of alcohol or sheer euphoria and those losing their sense of danger and undertaking reckless acts. No one talks about safety protocols for tourists and the security on offer.
A stray incident may not have the bandwidth to tarnish the tourism image of Goa, but it certainly sets a horrible example because the State is being closely watched. The question is whether police are tourist-friendly or whether they treat visitors as offenders.
Tourism depends largely on what the State has to offer, but it also hinges on the ‘feel at home’ environment and the security of visitors. The police have a very crucial role to play in the tourism story.
