Tourist taxi operators from Cavelossim along with Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas submitting a memorandum to South Goa SP Akshat Ayush.
MARGAO
Tourist taxi operators from Cavelossim on Thursday lodged a complaint with Colva police alleging illegal interception of a taxi, harassment of tourists and criminal intimidation.
A delegation of taxi operators, accompanied by Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas, also met South Goa Superintendent of Police Akshat Ayush and submitted a memorandum demanding strict action.
The operators said their association is affiliated with Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia Resort, Cavelossim. According to the complaint, the hotel reception had requested a taxi for a drop-off from the resort to Panaji. As per the association’s queue system, it was Clinton Barretto’s turn, and he proceeded to pick up the guests.
However, after Barretto left the hotel with the passengers, the driver/ owner of another vehicle, along with around nine to 10 persons, allegedly intercepted and blocked his taxi on the Navelim highway.
The group allegedly harassed the tourists, forced them to get out of Barretto’s taxi and compelled them to board another vehicle. The complaint also alleged that the group used abusive language and threatened the taxi operator.
Describing the incident as a violation of the law, the operators said forcibly stopping a vehicle on a public highway and intimidating tourists tarnished Goa’s tourism image.
They demanded strict legal action against the vehicle’s owner/ driver and others involved to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
