Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Days after controversy erupted over the unauthorized International Oceanman Open Water Swimming Event at Miramar, the Merces JMFC Court has granted bail to event organiser Kapil Arora, who was arrested by Panaji Police for allegedly conducting the event without necessary permissions, cheating, and endangering participants’ lives.
Defence counsel Adv. Salil Lawande confirmed that Arora was released on bail upon furnishing a personal bond of ₹10,000.
Meanwhile, the Tourism Department has imposed a ₹50,000 fine on Arora for organising the event without mandatory approvals. A Tourist Warden posted at Caranzalem Beach has also been suspended for negligence and failure to report the unauthorised activity.
Tourism Director Kedar Naik clarified that no permission had been issued for the event, which was halted midway after protests from local fishermen. He said an inquiry was initiated after videos of the chaos surfaced on social media.
Naik added that monitoring across beach stretches will be intensified to prevent similar violations. He urged organisers to comply with the Goa Tourist Places (Protection and Maintenance) Act, 2001, and obtain all necessary clearances before hosting events.
He warned that any unauthorised event in the future will invite strict action, including impounding of vehicles, fines, and FIRs against violators.
