While the Arpora street brawl exposed the underground party which was going on, it was certainly not a one-off or unique. The entire Northern Coastal belt stretching from Arpora to Anjuna, Morjim and Arambol has seen all COVOD restrictions flouted with absolute impunity with the police not doing enough for organizers of these parties most foreigners, to be wary of the law. On July 6 a Russian hotel owner was arrested in Morjim for throwing a massive party. Then in Ashwem, a big party was held in a stone quarry when curfew and Section 144 restrictions were in place and in Arambol, locals managed to foil two parties that were planned in the jungles. Is there no fear of the law that not only are parties being held but drug dealers and buyers are doing business openly? Let’s hear some local voices of those connected to the nightlife and hospitality scene
There are parties taking place behind my
house at a nightclub every weekend. Over five hundred people attend it.
Everyone knows about it in Anjuna. These parties have been happening right
through the lockdown. I am sure the police are aware of this party but chose to
look the other way. In the morning when I take my dogs out for a walk, I can
see people leaving the location in groups. It is very popular; the organiser
does not advertise on social media. He has his links in the system. I also know
of an event planner who said he was organising parties and weddings and would
be willing to organise a show for anyone. The sops at all these functions are
ignored and we can see what’s happening in Goa- Nupura Hautamaki, Anjuna
Many house parties are being held in villas and they are big
parties. Most of the guys who attend these parties are not from my group but I
have heard of them. I heard about what happened at Arpora. People who want to
party will party come what may COVID or no COVID-Dylan Fernandes student
Yes, I attend parties and we had one over the weekend with a
couple of friends. There was another one with around twenty guests but precautions
were taken with phones, bags all being sanitised. The house was big so it was
not a problem. Before the lockdown, I used to go to clubs to party and yes, I
am aware parties are still taking place.- Ruchika Kavlekar, Panjim
I am aware a lot of house parties are taking place as yes also
several underground parties are taking place. These are against the rules but I
suppose people are fed up with the lockdown and want an opportunity to relax
and party-Adora Pereira, Old
Goa
I am aware really big parties are taking place in Goa but it
would be risky to attend because of the large crowds and the chances of
contracting the virus increases. This is the status on the ground. I think even
if the police come or a terrorist comes, people will still step out, it’s gone
beyond control. People will do what they want. Ideally, a party at home will be
great but if people want to party outside they will- Siddesh Kavthanker Vasco
This lax attitude to house parties was due to the fact Goa was pretty ok in the beginning which reinforced the notion that Goa was safer. They should have implemented the protocols sprightly. I am aware of house parties taking place. No action being taken is perhaps due to the fact the cops are busy during the day and then unbale to move ot and check perhaps. With regards to the drugs, it has always been a case of there being demand which is met by supply. That has always been the case. I am not surprised by drugs being available at the party- Sahil kumar, Vagator