MAPUSA
Goa, known for its vibrant tourism and lively music scene, has long been a magnet for travellers seeking a mix of sun, sand and sound.
However, the controversy surrounding loud music in the State has recently added another chapter to the already contentious history of the Goa Police.
The stand “ or at least the viewpoint of some officers “ on this heated topic could further entangle the force in controversy.
Within the police ranks, opinions on Goa’s music scene are sharply divided, with some officers openly asserting that without music, tourism in Goa would wither.
These officers, in candid conversations with this journalist, argue that the State’s allure, particularly for elite Indian tourists, lies in its nightlife, which seamlessly blends good food, drinks, and, of course, music.
"These elite Indian tourists are high spenders," a police officer confided. "They come here, enjoy themselves, spend a significant amount of money, and then leave. On the other hand, foreign tourists often sit with just one glass of beer and some chips all day, hardly contributing to the local economy," he added.
THE PROTESTS
The officer’s comments underscore a broader sentiment within certain sections of the police force “ that the recent protests against loud music, such as the one in Anjuna, are overblown.
"Only a handful of the protesters were actual locals; most were from other parts of the state," another officer remarked, dismissing the concerns raised by residents. "At the most, one or two people living near the clubs might be genuinely affected by the noise, but for the rest, it's not a real issue."
This dismissive attitude extends to activists who have spoken out against the disruption caused by loud music.
A cop went as far as labelling them as extortionists, accusing them of filing noise complaints against clubs and restaurants to extract money.
"It’s a business for them," the officer claimed, even going so far as to name individuals allegedly involved in such schemes.
THE TENSIONS
The tension between the police and activists is palpable, with some officers vehemently defending club owners. They insist that club operators have taken substantial steps to minimise noise disturbances for local residents.
"There’s no loud music in Anjuna," one officer assured this journalist, even offering to personally escort the reporter around the area to prove his point.
THE PRESSURES
The deep-seated ties between the police and the nightlife industry are evident, with journalists being pressured to soften their coverage of loud music.
A couple of years ago, this journalist was approached by a senior police officer with an “offer” to downplay the issue while reporting.
"Please tone down your reportage on loud music," the officer pleaded, trying to push an envelope across the table during a conversation in a city restaurant.
Such incidents highlight the complex and often murky relationship between the police, the music scene and the tourism industry in Goa.
As the beat of trance music continues to echo along the coast, it drowns out the voices of ordinary residents whose lives are disrupted, all while some police officers allegedly profit from their suffering.
This situation highlights the urgent need for accountability and transparency within the Goa Police to ensure that the interests of both locals and tourists are fairly balanced.
THE 'PAYOUTS'
According to a source familiar with the coastal belt, it is an open secret that clubs and restaurants pay off the police to overlook violations.
"Each club or restaurant along the Assagao-Anjuna-Vagator coastal belt reportedly pays around Rs 1 lakh per night as hush money," the source revealed.
"With over 75 such establishments in the area, the sums involved are staggering. Where this money ends up is anyone’s guess."
While the officers argue that music is vital to sustaining tourism in the State, the apparent disregard for the well-being of local residents, coupled with accusations of corruption, suggests a deeply flawed system.
