Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Reacting to Tourism Minister’s comments against the Police, North Goa SP Nidhin Valsan said that the tourism department has enough powers to act independently against the touts and must stop blaming the Police for their inaction.
“Tourism dept has enough powers to act independently against the touts, and they need to stop blaming the Police for their inaction. Don’t put the blame on the Police; the Tourism department, as per law, can independently take action against touts,’ said SP Valsan.
He further said that if the tourism department wants to support, the Police are ready to give support.
“Calangute Police last year alone took action against 400 touts; this year, in 3 months, we have taken action on almost 100 touts. The tourism department is a nodal agency to take action against touts. Tourism and Police should work as a team to end tout menace,” he added.
“This drive will continue, carried out by Calangute Police, Coastal Police. We want to create a safe atmosphere for tourism,” said Valsan
He further said that action would be taken against these people, and the drive would keep on going so that Calangute Beach would be very clean.
Valsan said the Calangute Police took action against 400 touts last year, and this year as of now, action has been taken against 100 till now.
“Tourism department is also entitled to take action,” he added.
The SP said that the Police are working round the clock to safeguard the interest of the locals and tourists.
When questioned on Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte’s statement wherein he blamed the Police for failing to act against touts, SP said that he takes the feedback as a constructive approach.
“Police should not be blamed; if anyone has an issue, they should approach the authorities in their respective areas,” he added.
North Goa SP also said there is always a chance that touts are more in Calangute, a heavy tourism influx place.
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