MAPUSA
In yet another incident highlighting safety concerns for tourists, a group of visitors from Mumbai was allegedly assaulted by staff at a shack on Calangute beach early Friday morning.
The confrontation reportedly began over a minor dispute with security guards outside the closed establishment.
Police have arrested six individuals, including security guards and waiters from Himachal Pradesh and Kerala, in connection with the assault.
According to police reports, the Mumbai tourists were enjoying their evening when a disagreement with the shack's security staff escalated into a physical altercation.
SP North Goa Akshat Kaushal confirmed the arrests and stated, “The injured tourist has been discharged from the hospital. The assault occurred over a petty issue when the shack was already closed.”
Police are investigating the circumstances and motives behind the incident.
This is the second reported assault involving tourists at Calangute within a week.
Earlier, on New Year’s Day, a 28-year-old tourist from Andhra Pradesh died after he and his friends were allegedly attacked by staff at another beach shack over a minor dispute.
Four individuals, including the shack owner and his son, were arrested in connection with that case.
Adding to the concern, Friday’s incident marks the second time in recent months that violence has occurred at the same shack.
A similar case of assault on tourists was reported at this location in September 2023.
The repeated incidents of violence against tourists at shacks in Calangute have raised serious questions about safety and hospitality standards in the popular tourist destination.
Local authorities are under increasing pressure to implement stricter measures to prevent such occurrences and ensure the safety of visitors.
Investigations into both incidents are ongoing, as stakeholders in Goa's tourism industry grapple with maintaining the state’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination.
