Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Congress leader and advocate Amit Palekar has alleged that club owners and beachside restaurant operators in Goa are being subjected to extortion, claiming that the alleged practice is putting pressure on businesses already struggling to survive.
Palekar questioned who was allegedly supporting and facilitating the extortion and asked Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant whether he was aware of the situation and supported action against such practices.
“As lawyer of restaurant and shack owners, I can tell you only one thing — enough is enough, stop this,” Palekar said, urging the government not to ignore the alleged harassment of business operators.
He alleged that while legitimate club and restaurant owners were facing difficulties, certain dance bars were continuing to operate and allegedly make large profits with the support of people linked to the BJP.
Palekar also called upon Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte to take note of the issue and act, warning that continued alleged extortion could have wider implications for Goa’s tourism industry.
“Every day is not a good day. Every night is extortion night,” Palekar said, while demanding greater government attention to the concerns of restaurant, club and shack operators.
The allegations come amid wider concerns over the operating environment for tourism-related businesses in Goa. Palekar called for the government to intervene and ensure that legitimate businesses are able to operate without intimidation or alleged extortion.
