‘Ramponkars’ block swimmers over traditional fishing rights; participants stranded amid safety concerns; police intervene, file case against organiser
Police intervene as traditional fishermen and organiser clash over unauthorised swim event at Caranzalem on Sunday.
PANAJI
A conflict between 'ramponkars' and water sports organisers brewing for some time at Caranzalem flared up on Sunday leading to a heated confrontation and disruption of a scheduled ocean swim event.
The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of Sunday morning, led to chaos on the shoreline and forced the cancellation of the swim midway, leaving participants and spectators stunned.
According to eyewitnesses, tensions flared when a group of fishermen objected to the event being held in waters they traditionally use for fishing.
The fishermen alleged that the organisers had failed to consult or coordinate with them, leading to safety concerns and disruption of their livelihood.
The situation escalated into a verbal altercation, with some fishermen reportedly entering the water to block the swimmers’ path.
The Panaji police responded swiftly and intervened to prevent further escalation.
In the aftermath, a case was registered against the event’s organiser, identified as Kapil Arora, a resident of Mumbai.
Police officials stated that Arora had not obtained any official permissions from local authorities or coastal safety agencies to conduct the event.
“Organising such an event without proper clearance is a serious violation,” said a senior police officer from Panaji Police Station.
“Not only were the lives of participants endangered due to lack of safety measures, but there was also unauthorised collection of money from them. We have booked Arora under relevant sections and further investigation is underway,” the police official said.
Participants, many of whom had travelled from other parts of India to take part in the swim, expressed disappointment and concern over the lack of organisation.
“We paid a registration fee and were told everything was cleared with the authorities. There were no lifeguards, no medical support, and no coordination with local stakeholders,” said a Bengaluru man who had come to participate in the event.
Local Caranzalem fishermen meanwhile have had skirmishes with water sports organisers in the past as well and have for long been voicing concern about unregulated water sports and recreational events.
They claim it interferes with traditional fishing zones and poses risks to both fishermen and tourists.
The Goa tourism department has not yet officially reacted to the episode.
As the investigation continues, authorities have urged event organisers to adhere to legal protocols and engage with local communities to avoid such conflicts in the future. The incident has sparked renewed debate over balancing tourism-driven activities with the rights and safety of traditional coastal livelihoods.
Organiser booked for unauthorised event, endangering lives
PANAJI: The scene of the conflict shifted to the Panaji police station in the afternoon where an offence was registered against the organiser, Kapil Arora, a resident of Mumbai, following a complaint by one of the participants.
Police said the complaint alleges that Arora endangered lives as no arrangements for lifeguards and security were made for the Oceanman swimming event at Caranzalem beach despite having charged registration fees of over Rs 3 lakh. Police said the investigation is ongoing.
