The badly damaged car of the tourists. Captured by : The Goan
MAPUSA
Domestic tourists visiting Goa have become notorious for unruly behaviour, reckless driving and causing a nuisance, much to the frustration of the locals.
In yet another case of reckless driving by tourists in the State, a Karnataka-registered car caused havoc in the early hours of Thursday, ramming into a parked vehicle and dragging it several metres, injuring two labourers walking along the road at Baga, Calangute.
The incident occurred around 5 am, when the vehicle, allegedly being driven by an intoxicated tourist, lost control and crashed into a stationary car before dragging it some distance. The impact resulted in injuries to two labourers who were walking along the roadside at the time.
Eyewitnesses reported that the tourists -- instead of stopping to assist the injured or assess the damage -- fled from the scene immediately.
“The car came speeding down the road and crashed into another vehicle. It was a horrifying sight and the two labourers were lucky to escape with minor injuries. What’s worse is that they didn’t even stop to check if anyone was hurt. They just ran away,” said a taxi driver, Rajesh Naik.
Local taxi drivers, who witnessed the reckless driving, attempted to chase the fleeing vehicle but were unsuccessful as the tourists managed to escape.
The Calangute Police were informed and have since booked the driver, conducting an alcohol test to confirm intoxication levels.
Official confirmation of the results is awaited.
This incident is yet another addition to a growing list of cases where tourists visiting Goa have been engaging in reckless and irresponsible behaviour.
The previous day, another group of tourists reportedly assaulted a local taxi driver over a minor accident and severely damaged his vehicle in the heart of Calangute.
Many locals are expressing frustration over the increasing number of such cases, stating that the influx of domestic tourists has led to a rise in public nuisance and disregard for law and order.
“These tourists come here, drink heavily and then drive around recklessly, endangering the lives of locals. We have seen so many cases of them getting into fights, damaging property and even refusing to pay at restaurants and hotels,” said a shack operator, requesting anonymity.
“The authorities must take stricter action before something worse happens,” he added.
A taxi operator, Chetan Kamat, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Goa is a place for relaxation and tourism, but that doesn’t mean visitors can behave irresponsibly. The government needs to step up enforcement and make sure such incidents do not go unchecked.”
The repeated instances of reckless driving, physical assaults and unruly behaviour by some tourists have raised concerns among the local community.
Many are now calling for stricter traffic regulations, increased patrolling by law enforcement and stringent penalties for those found violating the law.
Authorities have a pressing responsibility to ensure the safety of both locals and visitors while also maintaining Goa’s reputation as a hospitable and safe destination.
Calangute Police have assured that investigations are underway.
