TEAM HERALD
CALANGUTE: Concerns are being raised over the growing number of spas operating even late into the night in and around Calangute.
While Calangute police claims that they have been keeping a check on activities in spas, the local MLA Michael Lobo has suggested that the State government should set up a committee to monitor the affairs of the spas.
Speaking to Herald, residents voiced apprehension over activities of those spas in and around Calangute which operate till 10 pm or beyond.
“Of late, many spas are mushrooming in Calangute, but their night operations have led residents to question the nature of business activities in these places,” said a resident, Florian Fernandes.
“Some spas are open till 10-11 pm, with male customers standing outside the premises. We fail to understand why spas are kept open till late night, especially when women staffers are present in the premises. The spa should have a certain fixed time to shut down operations for the day, else there are fears these spas could be involved in illegal activities,” Fernandes added.
Asked to comment on the operations of spas after dusk, Calangute Panch and de facto leader Joseph Sequeira said, “We give them the licence to run the business establishment based on an NOC from the Health department. We have no other powers or control over their activities, but I feel that their timings should be from 9 am to 6 pm.”
Calangute Police Inspector Rajesh Kumar also clarified that the police has no role in the process of granting permissions to the spas.
“However, we do keep a check on the activities inside the premises by deputing decoy customers,” said PI Kumar.
When contacted, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo also stated that permissions to operate spas were granted on the basis of NOCs from the Health department.
“The health department officials conduct a site inspection on sanitation grounds, but thereafter there is no control on any business activity inside the premises. The State government needs to look into the affairs of the spas by setting up a monitoring committee comprising representatives from the local body, police, NGOs, etc,” opined Lobo.
“Late evening operations should be curtailed, as it could lead to promotion of illegal activity like sex or prostitution in the guise of massage parlours. There should be transparency in the operations of the spas, else locals are justified in voicing their suspicion against such activity,” Lobo added.
