Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: In a joint operation along with the tourism department, Goa police on Saturday detained 30 touts operating in Calangute, the popular coastal area in North Goa.
“In a joint operation by Goa Police and tourism department more than 60 constabulary staff were deployed in plain clothes at calangute police station jurisdiction from police stations Valpoi bicholim Colvale and tourist police to nab touts,” said SP North Goa Nidhin Valsan
He further said that the raid started from early morning till late night and due to rigorous efforts these police personnel nabbed 30 touts.
Valsan said that Calangute police arrested them Goa Tourist Trade Act and produced before the Directorate of Tourism for taking further action.
SP Valsan stated that police cannot be blamed for not acting against touts. The Tourism department, per law, can also independently take action against touts, said Valsan.
He added that the police are always available if the tourism dept. requires support and Tourism dept. is a nodal agency to take action against touts. Valsan was speaking during an inspection of Hawkers and Touts at Calangute.
The Calangute Sarpanch stated that if the Panchayat had executive powers a lot would be done to shut down, touts and other illegalities in Calangute. He added that the Police should take action against the illegalities.
The SP said that the police are working round the clock to safeguard the interest of the locals and tourists.
“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.
Citizens say that the nefarious activities are carried on under the very nose of the authorities as these elements give a dam to the law.
He further said that action would be taken against these people, and the drive would keep going so 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.
