Team Goemkarponn
ANJUNA: Tensions flared outside the Anjuna Police Station as hundreds of taxi operators gathered to protest what they described as targeted harassment by local police authorities. The protest was sparked by two major grievances—the labeling of a fellow taxi operator, known locally as ‘Mogambo,’ as a “history-sheeter” and the ongoing crackdown on those opposing the Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines, 2025.
Taxi unions are demanding clarification and accountability after the police reportedly initiated action to declare Mogambo a “history-sheeter” and expel him (tadipar) from North Goa, citing multiple complaints filed against him. Protesters say these charges are politically motivated and aimed at silencing dissent within the taxi community.
Simultaneously, taxi operators have accused the Anjuna police of threatening those who oppose the newly proposed app-based taxi regulations. According to the unions, officers have warned of criminal cases against operators resisting the adoption of aggregator platforms. These platforms, backed by government policy, aim to modernize and regulate taxi services across the state.
Union representatives argue that the aggregator system threatens their traditional way of working and cite the failure of the government-supported GoaMiles app as a cautionary tale. They allege that these policies are an attempt to corporatize Goa’s transport sector and marginalize local operators.
“This is not just about Mogambo. Today it’s him, tomorrow it could be any of us,” said one protester. “We will not be silenced—either by bogus criminal labels or by forced app-based systems that don’t suit Goa.”
The protest highlights ongoing tensions between traditional taxi operators and the push for modern, app-based transport services in Goa. The taxi unions have long opposed aggregator platforms, citing threats to their livelihoods and unfair regulatory advantages.
The protest in Anjuna was sparked by allegations that police have been threatening and intimidating taxi owners who publicly oppose the aggregator policy. Taxi unions claim officers have warned that criminal cases will be filed against those resisting the introduction of app-based taxi systems. “If the government continues to harass us, we will not stay silent,” said one operator at the demonstration.
