PANAJI: Following murder at Arambol Beach, the Congress party today claimed that the increasing crime rate is one of the reason for decline in tourist footfall in the coastal State of Goa.
Addressing a press conference, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Amit Patkar said that the tourists are not feeling safe anymore in Goa and hence prefer other destinations for leisure.
He said that the crimes against tourists and the overall safety issues are driving visitors away from Goa while maintain the deteriorating law and order situation in the State.
Referring to the murder that took place at Arambol Beach in North Goa on Sunday late evening, Patkar alleged that majority of the shacks are run and operated by outsiders, more particularly those from Himachal Pradesh. He said that the shack, where the murder took place, was also owned by non Goans.
Further, Patkar slammed tourism department for failing to enforce directives of the High Court and National Green Tribunal pertaining to restrictions over beach beds and shack operations.
Patkar also spoke out about the recent gang rape incident in South Goa, calling it "unfortunate" that Goan police officers who are handling such cases are being transferred. Patkar specifically pointed to the transfer of South Goa SP, Sunita Sawant, and alleged that there may be a conspiracy behind the move by the BJP-led government.
