MAPUSA
Calangute police have stepped up their crackdown on touting in the coastal belt, initiating preventive action against 30 alleged touts between November 1 and 12. This takes the total number of such actions in their jurisdiction to 813 this year.
Of the 813 actions recorded in 2026, 682 touts were apprehended under the Tourist Trade Act, while 131 others were taken into custody under Sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
The latest drive comes amid persistent complaints about touting in Calangute and neighbouring coastal areas, particularly the harassment of tourists, unauthorised solicitation and its impact on legitimate tourism businesses.
Despite repeated police action, residents, political representatives and tourism stakeholders maintain that the practice continues to thrive.
Earlier action
In October, Calangute police arrested 13 alleged touts during a two-day operation on October 14 and 15, invoking preventive provisions of the BNSS.This followed an announcement in August that police had registered offences against 520 alleged touts during the 2025-26 tourist season.
Political criticism
The issue has also drawn criticism from political representatives. Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte had questioned the effectiveness of police action, stating that fines alone would not resolve the problem and that repeat offenders needed to be dealt with more firmly.
Calangute MLA Michael Lobo and local representatives have also repeatedly demanded action against touts operating in the beach belt.
Residents of Calangute and Anjuna have complained that touts harass tourists, stop vehicles, aggressively solicit customers and mislead visitors with offers of unauthorised services. The Calangute Congress Block Committee has also demanded sustained action against illegal touting and other unauthorised activities.
Shack owners’ concerns
Shack operators have raised similar concerns. Manuel Cardozo, president of the Traditional Shack Owners Association, had earlier alleged that touts were facilitating illegal activities, including prostitution and massage parlours, while questioning the effectiveness of periodic arrests and fines.
Shack owners have also blamed harassment by touts and beach hawkers for damaging Goa’s tourism image and discouraging visitors.
Police assurance
Police have maintained that the enforcement drive will continue, with the objective of eliminating illegal touting, preventing tourists from being misled or harassed and ensuring that Goa remains a safe and welcoming destination.
