The recent episode at the popular Anjuna bar and restaurant involving the drugging and alleged murder of Sonali Phogat has once more tarnished the reputation of Goa as a safe and world class popular tourist destination. Over the years, ever since the hippies ushered in the new era of drugs in the state in the mid sixties, there has been an endless proliferation of the drug menace. Needless to say that this would not have been possible without the blessings of politicians and the Goa police. Successive govts in Goa have vowed to rid the State of killer drugs, but till date it is more of lip service than action. The question therefore is how do other countries like the UAE, Singapore , Malaysia, and others manage to attract thousands of tourists all the year round when possession and consumption of drugs attracts life imprisonment or even death. Why then do we not emulate their example to cleanse the drug infested Augean stables in Goa of dirt and filth by enacting similar stringent laws and punishment?
