Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has held a senior IPS officer accountable for the disarray surrounding the Oceanman open-water swimming event at Caranzalem Beach, claiming it was conducted without proper authorisation from the state government.
Khaunte expressed displeasure over what he described as a casual attitude among certain IPS officers posted in Goa, saying some appear to treat their assignments like extended holidays. He urged such officials to stay in touch with ground realities and to respect the sentiments of coastal communities who depend on the sea for their livelihood.
The controversy erupted when Mumbai-based organiser Kapil Arora was arrested for holding the two-day international swim competition without obtaining required permissions or ensuring safety measures such as lifeguards and security staff. Police said Arora had collected ₹3.26 lakh in registration fees from participants without fulfilling statutory obligations.
A local court later released Arora on bail against a personal bond of ₹10,000. Following the incident, the Tourism Department fined him ₹50,000, while the Fisheries Department ordered an internal probe into the violations.
Around 800 swimmers from 20 countries had signed up for the Oceanman event, bearing their own travel and accommodation expenses. However, local ramponkar fishermen protested the event, arguing that it interfered with their traditional fishing activities.
Khaunte reiterated that while Goa welcomes global sports and adventure tourism events, organisers must adhere to all safety protocols and secure official clearances before proceeding.
