Two Tamil Nadu natives arrested recently; Goa floats new beach rules for tourists

PANJIM: Reports say Goa police have initiated strict measures to prevent locals from taking selfies and videos with foreigners on beaches without consent. This tendency to rope a foreigner into the frame, deemed uncivilised, became a topic of discussion after a spate of such videos went viral. In one such video, a foreign woman was forced by locals for a photo, and the discomfort was largely palpable on her face. If found breaching this rule, police can detain the person and keep him/her in detention under preventive rules.

Last day, two tourists from Tamil Nadu were arrested at Baga beach in North Goa after it was found that they were pestering foreigners for selfies and videos. As per reports, the action will be taken according to Section 170 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which does not require a warrant for arrest.

Police and authorities fear the chances of tourism plummeting if locals continue misbehaving with foreigners. The recent such incidents have already reflected poorly on the state. Goa, which boasts of its economic gains to the tourism sector, is taking all effective measures to ensure a conducive atmosphere for foreigners.

Recently, a local was booked for filming the video of a foreign woman while she was swimming in Calangute beach. Two others were also arrested for harassing a Russian woman on the beaches of the state. Police patrolling during night hours have been made effective.