ARPORA: Arpora-Nagoa locals gathered outside a renowned discothèque on Monday morning, alleging that the place is a hotspot for prostitution and other illegal activities.
Over 30 locals later marched to the Anjuna Police Station demanding that the licences of establishments indulging in illegal activities be revoked. They threatened to take the law into their hands if the authorities failed to act into the matter.
It may be recalled that on Saturday domestic tourists, who were bleeding profusely were spotted running for their life after visiting a spa in the same locality. It is learnt that they were duped of cash and were also beaten mercilessly that they were seen running to the taxi stand for help. After this incident, over 25 girls from the said spa ran helter-skelter in various directions from the spot of which six were taken into custody by Anjuna Police. It is learnt that illegal activities are taking place at this establishment. Locals allege that the Spa owner has been arrested by Goa Police on three occasions under Immoral Trafficking Act.
Ward panch Vidhyadhar Divkar where these establishments are situated demanded action be taken in the matter as he is struggling to get the licences of these establishments revoked.
“I will not allow these activities to be carried out in my ward. Spas are being run by outsiders, who are spoiling the image of Goa. Customers are beaten up and robbed. We need tourists and do not want to see them being treated in this manner,” he said.
Ana D’Mello, a local alleged that these massage parlours are looting the tourists and the police refuse to act on complaints. “They are escorted and promised that they would receive cross massage and prostitutes but instead are cheated and robbed. There are bouncers who beat the tourists until they give all their cash, gold ornaments and swipe their cards forcefully. The tourists do not bother to complain as they come here to have a good time. We do not want Goa to be portrayed as a sex hub and want immediate action in the matter,” she alleged.
A local tourist taxi operator on condition of anonymity pointed out that the police are hand-in-glove with these pimps.
Anjuna PI Chetan Patil said, “We have carried out surprise checks at these places two to three times but didn’t find any illegal activities being carried out. The locals are demanding the closure of these establishments. Revoking the licence lies solely in the hands of the panchayat,” he said.
