PANAJI
The Tourism Department has filed a complaint with the Calangute Police against a man, reportedly a tourist, for allegedly harassing a woman tourist during year-end celebrations at a beach in North Goa.
The department has sought to register a first information report (FIR) under sections relating to assault or criminal force with intent to outrage the modesty of a woman, sexual harassment and voyeurism.
The complaint was filed on January 1 after a viral video showed the unidentified man placing a rupee note in his mouth and gesturing toward the woman in a manner widely described as obscene. When the woman angrily shooed him away, the man was later seen in the footage continuing to make lewd gestures, which prompted outrage online and calls for police action.
Police sources told The Goan that the video, which went viral over the weekend, has been taken on record and efforts are underway to identify the accused. “We have begun an inquiry into the matter and the case would be registered accordingly,” the source said.
In a statement issued from the office of Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, the department said it follows a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of harassment. It assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible to ensure the safety, dignity and well-being of tourists visiting Goa.
