A group of 20 tourists from Latur, Maharashtra, faced a harrowing night on the side of the highway in Goa after Pedne Traffic Police took action against drunk drivers without considering the plight of the passengers.
The incident unfolded yesterday evening at around 6 pm when the traffic police launched a special campaign against drunk driving on the highway at Nhaybag Poraske Pedne. Two Krajar four-wheelers were flagged down, and both drivers were found to be under the influence of alcohol. Prompt action was taken against them, including impounding their vehicles and taking them to the police station. However, shockingly, the passengers, including a pregnant woman, two sick individuals, and four women, were left stranded on the highway with no provisions for accommodation or food.
Ranjana Hasure, one of the passengers, expressed her dismay, questioning the authorities’ negligence towards the safety and well-being of the passengers, particularly women. She highlighted the disparity in treatment, pointing out that while drivers were taken into custody, passengers were abandoned without any concern for their safety.
Pedne traffic police inspector Bishwajit Chodankar defended the actions, citing the necessity of cracking down on drunk driving to prevent accidents. However, he acknowledged the oversight in not arranging accommodation for the stranded passengers and emphasized the need for a more considerate approach, especially towards women.
Local residents who learned about the tourists’ plight in the morning expressed sympathy and concern over the lack of support provided to them. Advocate Jitendra Gaonkar, a local resident, lamented the situation, acknowledging the duty of the police but also expressing sadness over the passengers, especially women, being left to sleep on the streets.
The incident has sparked outrage among the community, raising questions about the authorities’ handling of such situations and the need for better protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved in police actions.
