PANAJI
A fresh theory of suspected sexual exploitation in ‘X’ Club Bar & Restaurant at Calangute has been flatly denied by women who were spotted serving meals and beverages to guests in the club on September 30-October 1. The women have reportedly claimed they are ‘waitresses’ hired by the nightclub per event.
The revelation could disappoint the officers investigating a stabbing that left Ravi Shirodkar severely wounded.
Anjuna police’s confidential report to its coastal counterpart in Calangute requested to rescue the girls supposedly forced into prostitution. “…4-5 girls were kept by Manoj Singh at ‘X’ Club Bar & Restaurant to entertain the customers visiting the Club. It is also suspected that Manoj Singh might be forcing the said girls into prostitution activities,” a two-page report by Anjuna Police Inspector Prashal Dessai to Calangute police on October 3, stated.
All of them, most of whom are middle-aged and temporarily living in Goa were identified. They deposed before the Calangute police in the presence of a local NGO where they denied being victims of human trafficking or prostitution.
One of whom is expectant, also rubbished her involvement in any sex trade. “They were hired as waitresses by the Club’s management per event. They are hired on a per day or per event basis at different party venues in the coastal belt,” sources said.
On the night, hours before the stabbing incident at Nagoa, Tarzan Parsekar celebrated his birthday while the women served drinks and meals at the nightclub.
The Anjuna police have arrested 13 persons in connection with the case but it has failed to ascertain the exact motive of the crime. Moreover, the police have maintained silence over the report that a house leased to Singh doubled as a gambling den and allegedly operated by Parsekar. Singh continues to be on the run.
