A local scooter rider was hit from behind and dragged for about 40 metres on Tuesday evening by a ‘rent a car’ being recklessly driven by a drunk tourist along with his female friend at the Saligao“Chogm Road, just before the Hindu cemetery. The rider suffered serious injuries to his head, face, legs and shoulders and was bleeding heavily. Locals at the spot gave him first aid before he was taken by ambulance to the District Hospital in Mapusa, which arrived late by 35 minutes.
Saligao police were called to the site for investigation. Although a plastic liquor bottle smelling of vodka was clearly found in the car by locals, the police were seen making a half-hearted ‘panchanama’, acting as if nothing serious had happened, and treating the driver like a VIP.
By now, the drunk driver must have been allowed to walk free after paying the police their ‘share’, because this has sadly become the pattern in Goa. Instead of giving justice to victims, police accept bribes and release such tourists quickly, letting them escape accountability for accidents.
The government must act against this rent-a-car menace. Reckless tourist drivers should be punished, but car owners must also be held responsible. After every such accident, their cars should be seized and kept at the police station for six months or even a year. Only then will they learn a lesson and accidents on Goan roads be reduced.
