MAPUSA
Alarmed over an alleged unchecked tout menace, villagers of Anjuna-Caisua approached Anjuna Police on Thursday seeking stringent action against those allegedly harassing and misleading tourists.
A delegation, including Congress leader Vivek D’Silva, resident Gajanan Tilve and taxi leader Yogesh Govekar alias Mogambo, submitted a memorandum alleging aggressive touting at Anjuna beach, the ‘Flea Market’ road, Chapora Fort road, parking areas and outside restaurants.
They alleged touts stopped vehicles and pedestrians, surrounded tourists, used abusive or intimidating language and harassed women, couples and families. Some allegedly falsely claimed links with hotels and licensed operators to sell substandard or non-existent services.
D’Silva claimed many were outsiders and alleged tourists were being defrauded through misleading offers, including scratch-card scams. He sought action beyond arrests and fines, including removal of offenders from Goa.
The allegations come amid recent police action over alleged holiday-package fraud in the Anjuna-Calangute belt.
Villagers also alleged links between touting, narcotics and illegal parties. They demanded an FIR against unidentified touts, increased patrols, preventive action against habitual offenders and joint verification of unlicensed operators, warning that inaction could trigger confrontations while stressing they opposed vigilantism.
