PANAJI
With Goa inching closer to the peak tourist season, Director General of Goa Police Jaspal Singh has directed his force to analyse the crime pattern in tourist-frequented areas and step up efforts to prevent the occurrence of such crimes.
Addressing a joint meeting of Tourist Police, Coastal Police and Police personnel of coastal areas along with Inspector General of Police Omvir Singh, Deputy Inspector General of Police, and SP North Nidhin Valsan, Singh also urged them to ensure their continued presence in the areas with heavy footfalls.
“Tourist and Coastal Police should ensure patrolling on the beaches and at high tourist footfall areas. Analyse the crime pattern in tourist areas and make efforts to prevent the occurrence of such crimes,” he said.
The personnel were further directed to man the kiosks meant for reporting points for tourists while also patrolling the areas to prevent hawkers on the beaches as well as beggars and other anti-social elements. “The Tourist Police should be able to intervene in the event of pickpocketing, eve teasing, harassment or any other crime,” the DGP said as he also asked the officials to not shy away from taking action against tourists involved in drug trafficking or consumption.
Stating that in Indian Culture a tourist is equated with Gods (Atithi Devo Bhava), Singh also said that any crime with a tourist sends a wrong message and deters potential tourists. Assisting visitors with directions, sharing information about accommodation, etc was also discussed at the meeting held in the capital city on Wednesday.
