PANAJI
Unruly tourist behaviour has emerged as a growing threat to Goa’s tourism ecosystem, with increasing instances of road rage, harassment, and disruptive conduct tarnishing the State’s image as a safe and welcoming destination.
The rising misconduct caused by a section of visitors is hampering the industry’s credibility and risks undermining years of effort to promote responsible, sustainable tourism. The Goan highlights some of the recent incidents.
19-year-old journalism student harassed at Baga (Oct 24)
A 19-year-old student’s vacation in Goa turned into a nightmare after she was surrounded, filmed, and propositioned by groups of men on Baga beach — an ordeal she captured on video that went viral, prompting Goa Police to act. In the video, the journalism student is seen strolling alone on the beach when she is approached by many men who pass sexually coloured remarks at her. The incident sparked renewed concern over women’s safety in the State. The police arrested Atendra Singh of Rajasthan, one of the accused. The police are in the process of tracing the others involved.
K'taka tourists held for harassing foreigners at Arambol beach (Nov)
A video went viral from Arambol beach, showing a group of men — tourists — coaxing and, at times, even physically putting their arms around two visibly uncomfortable foreign women for photographs. The video was filmed by another domestic visitor who even questioned the men for their behaviour. The footage did not just spark outrage online but also prompted the tourism department and police to promise tighter vigilance. Police arrested three men from neighbouring Karnataka in connection with the video. The accused — Karthik B R (28), B N Santhosha (33), and Ravi B N — were nabbed from Mysuru by Mandrem Police.
Drunk tourists from Jaipur assault police in Calangute (Oct 14)
Two tourists from Jaipur created a drunken ruckus in the heart of Calangute on the weekend night and went on to assault police personnel who tried to intervene. The incident highlights the growing public nuisance caused by unruly visitors. According to the police, the duo, who were placed under arrest, were heavily intoxicated, created chaos at a hotel and abused and assaulted police by grabbing their collars. The tourists even threatened police, claiming to be members of the Bishnoi gang and boasting that “no one could take action against them.”
Tourist–nightclub clash at Anjuna (Nov 2)
A group of tourists were involved in a scuffle at a popular club in Anjuna after they allegedly tried to disturb customers inside the premises. According to the nightclub management, the tourists were asked to leave following repeated disruptions. However, once escorted out, the individuals reportedly created a ruckus at the nightclub, leading to a physical altercation between the tourists and the club staff.
Tourist-driven car hits woman (Oct 15)
On the evening of October 15, a road accident at Marna-Siolim left a woman injured after a rented Thar, reportedly driven by tourists, rammed into her Activa scooter. The woman, who was riding with her daughter, sustained leg injuries. According to the police, the tourists were under the influence of alcohol, and locals had reported seeing them throw empty beer bottles out of their vehicle shortly before the collision.
