Team Goemkarponn
MOPA: In a major crackdown on illegal taxi operations and touting at Manohar International Airport, Mopa, the Mopa Airport Police Station launched a special drive starting June 19, 2025, resulting in the registration of two FIRs, multiple MV Act cases, and the detention of vehicles and drivers involved in violations.
According to police, two separate offences were registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. In the first case, FIR No. 35/2025, the owner of a Suzuki Baleno bearing registration number GA-11-T-5670 allegedly forged the vehicle’s registration details. Though the vehicle was originally registered as a “Tourist Taxi” with the RTO Pernem, the owner is accused of illegally converting the registration to “Rent-a-Cab” without any supporting documentation, and renting it out to customers for profit.
In the second case, FIR No. 36/2025, the owner of a Toyota Glanza with registration number GA-03-V-3890, which is registered as a private vehicle, allegedly tampered with the registration plate to make it appear as a rent-a-cab. The vehicle was then rented out to customers without legal authorization, in violation of transport regulations.
Both offences have been booked under Sections 336(2), 336(3), and 340(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita along with Section 192-A of the Motor Vehicles Act.
In addition to these FIRs, three more cases were registered under Section 192-A of the MV Act against vehicle owners who illegally rented out their private vehicles to customers. Two such private vehicles were detained at the police station and their owners have been summoned for further legal proceedings.
The police also took action against touting at the airport by booking 10 drivers found soliciting passengers. Cases were registered against them and they were produced before the Directorate of Tourism at Patto, Panaji for further action.
The enforcement drive was conducted by PI Narayan Chimulkar of Mopa Airport Police Station under the supervision of SDPO Pernem and SP North, Porvorim. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to keeping illegal operators and touts in check to ensure safety and legal compliance at Goa’s international airport.
