Goa turning into a large brothel may be an overstatement at this point of time, but the commercial sexual exploitation, where women are trafficked to cater to a large segment of male tourists, has been alarming and a cause for concern. With Goa selling itself as a tourist destination, with over 63 lakh tourists, including domestic and foreign visiting Goa last year, it would only hurt the image of the State if it is seen as a ‘sex city' more on the lines of Bangkok and Cambodia. Goa's coastline is brimming with tourists, mostly domestic, and young boys and middle-aged men from neighbouring metros like Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi dash off to Goa making it their quick getaway from their busy schedules. The commercial sexual exploitation has gone online posing a huge challenge to authorities, while most massage parlous continue to be the hub of ‘shady' activities. The State has been very patchy while dealing with flesh trade. Police and other concerned authorities should be consistent and not selective in their approach. There are stray instances of raids being conducted and massage parlours sealed, only to be let off after some time. The people involved in this crime are rounded off, but the ‘big sharks' are never netted. Citizens should also play a role in helping get the perpetrators to book. The State has to crack the whip on this evil before it goes out of hand.
Crack the whip
Goa turning into a large brothel may be an overstatement at this point of time, but the commercial sexual exploitation, where women are trafficked to cater to a large segment of male tourists, has been alarming and a cause for concern. With Goa selling itself as a tourist destination, with over 63 lakh tourists, including domestic and foreign visiting Goa last year, it would only hurt the image of the State if it is seen as a ‘sex city' more on the lines of Bangkok and Cambodia. Goa's coastline is brimming with tourists, mostly domestic, and young boys and middle-aged men from neighbouring metros like Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi dash off to Goa making it their quick getaway from their busy schedules. The commercial sexual exploitation has gone online posing a huge challenge to authorities, while most massage parlous continue to be the hub of ‘shady' activities. The State has been very patchy while dealing with flesh trade. Police and other concerned authorities should be consistent and not selective in their approach. There are stray instances of raids being conducted and massage parlours sealed, only to be let off after some time. The people involved in this crime are rounded off, but the ‘big sharks' are never netted. Citizens should also play a role in helping get the perpetrators to book. The State has to crack the whip on this evil before it goes out of hand.
