NT Reporter
Calangute
The Calangute police detained a group of tourists from Karnataka following an altercation that broke out over music at a beach shack in Calangute late Friday night. According to sources, the tourists had been at the restaurant since evening and were allegedly under the influence of alcohol. The quarrel began when the group demanded that Kannada songs be played, instead of Hindi music.
Shack staff told them that only Hindi music would be played, which led to heated arguments.
The tourists told the shack workers that having given them business they had the right to request for Kannada music.
The visitors allegedly damaged liquor bottles and beer mugs. When the owner asked them to compensate for the damages, the tourists started wrangling and allegedly attempted to assault staffers.
The owner maintained that the tourists claimed that they were from the Navy.
Reacting to the incident, Local MLA Michael Lobo called for stricter law enforcement on beaches so as to rein in unruly behaviour of tourists.
“Strictness on beaches is necessary. Tourists should face police action if they assault or attempt to attack local business operators and their staff,” he said.
A strong message must go out that tourists can’t behave irresponsibly. Squabbles and fights should be avoided,” Lobo said.
The shack owner said, “Restaurant and shack owners are often blamed whenever there is a clash with tourists. But the latest incident shows who is actually at fault. Such incidents should not happen. Guests are treated like God, but that does not mean locals should tolerate abusive behaviour.”
