Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: As many as 256 cases of crimes against tourists — both domestic and international — have been registered in Goa since 2023, with theft being the most common offence. This information was revealed by Chief Minister and Home Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant in a written reply to an unstarred LAQ tabled by MLA Venzy Viegas during the ongoing Assembly session.
Of the total, 225 cases were registered by domestic tourists and 31 by international tourists. While the reply does not provide a district-wise or nature-wise breakdown beyond the mention of theft, it highlights the challenges of tourist safety that continue to persist in Goa.
CM said that to address these concerns, the government has implemented several security measures aimed at creating a safer environment for tourists. These include a 24×7 Goa Tourism Helpline (1364) offering multilingual assistance, the deployment of “112 Pink Force” for women’s safety, and regular police patrolling in major tourist zones including beaches, bus stands, railway stations, and places of worship. Coastal police units have also been tasked with monitoring shorelines to prevent illegal activities.
Additionally, a dedicated Tourist Police Unit has been set up to ensure that tourists are not harassed or cheated, and awareness campaigns have been launched advising visitors to avoid isolated areas and late-night travel.
The state government reiterated its commitment to providing a safe and secure experience for all tourists visiting Goa.
