A video showing an Indian tourist repeatedly approaching and attempting to interact with foreign women on a Goan beach has gone viral on social media triggering widespread outrage among tourists and locals. In recent times the harassment of foreign female tourists on Goan beaches continues to mar its reputation as a top tourist destination. A disturbing trend has emerged where some local tourists, upon encountering foreign women, often dressed in swimsuits and alone, engage in inappropriate and intrusive behaviour. This includes asking for photos and videos, touching them without consent, or making unsolicited advances. Local authorities should make it explicitly clear that harassment, both verbal and physical, will not be tolerated on Goan beaches. Section 354 of IPC punishes anyone who assaults or uses criminal force against a woman with the intent to outrage her modesty. Presence of a sizable number of lady police personnel on the beaches will ensure that women tourists feel safe. By deploying CCTV cameras at strategic locations on beaches and encouraging tourists to report incidents through dedicated mobile apps or hotlines, Goa can create a more efficient mechanism for tracking and preventing harassment.
