MAPUSA
Calangute police have arrested 13 alleged touts in a two-day crackdown on October 14 and 15, invoking preventive provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) as authorities step up efforts to curb illegal solicitation and harassment of tourists along the State’s coastal belt.
According to police, seven persons were arrested on October 14 and another six on October 15.
Those arrested include residents of Calangute, Arpora, Candolim and Nagao, as well as persons originally from other States.
Preventive action was initiated against all 13 under Sections 126 and 170 of the BNSS. Further investigation is underway, police said.
The drive is aimed at preventing tourists from being misled, cheated or harassed by illegal agents who allegedly approach visitors with misleading offers and lure them to establishments or services under false pretences, damaging Goa’s image as a tourist destination.
The latest arrests come amid renewed concern over the persistence of touting in the coastal belt, despite repeated police drives and action by the Tourism Department.
In August this year, Calangute police said they had registered offences against 520 touts during the 2025-26 tourist season. Police also reported detaining 56 touts in a single week, including 12 cases registered over a weekend.
The alleged modus operandi included targeting single male tourists with offers of women, dance bars and massage parlours, while couples were allegedly lured with heavily discounted holiday packages and surprise gifts.
Earlier, in April, Calangute police arrested 13 persons in a special anti-tout drive covering Calangute and Baga. Each was fined Rs 5,000 under the Tourist Trade (Prevention of Unlawful Activities) Act, following the circulation of videos purportedly showing drug-related activity and solicitation in the coastal belt.
The problem has also drawn attention from tourism authorities following an alleged assault on a journalist at Baga earlier this month.
The Tourism Department subsequently urged the police to take strict action against touts and unauthorised solicitation in coastal areas.
Repeated enforcement drives have, however, raised questions about whether arrests and fines alone can effectively eliminate the menace.
With tourist safety and Goa’s reputation at stake, sustained action against repeat offenders and those operating illegal businesses remains crucial.
