Panaji: Announcing a slew of measures to curb harassment of both locals and tourists, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said that only police inspectors with body cameras would be authorized to issue challans for traffic violations. He also stated that tourists arriving in the state with gas stoves to cook on the roadside will face strict action by the local police.
Sawant was addressing a press conference at Mantralaya, Porvorim, after chairing a meeting of high-ranking officials to review the implementation of new criminal laws in the state.
The Chief Minister said that from today onwards, only officers of the rank of Police Inspector with a body camera installed on their uniform will be eligible to issue challans for traffic violations during the daytime.
He also mentioned that during the nighttime, either a Police Inspector or a Police Sub-Inspector will be eligible to issue challans for traffic violations.
The Chief Minister added that the state police will identify traffic violations through other methods, including dash cams, digital cameras installed on roadsides, or other gadgets with artificial intelligence.
He clarified that no official of the rank of Constable, Head Constable, or Assistant Sub-Inspector will be eligible to issue challans.
“If any officer of that rank is found issuing a challan, citizens can click their picture and send it to the police department. Such officials will be suspended from duty,” Sawant said.
The Chief Minister stated that similar instructions have been given to the State Transport Department. He added that the taluka nodal officer with a body camera will be authorized to issue challans.
“This will stop harassment of locals and tourists. It will also eliminate allegations against police officers regarding bribery,” he said.
Cracking down on low-spending tourists who carry gas stoves and cook food by the roadside, the Chief Minister said that all tourist vehicles entering the state will be thoroughly checked at the border.
He mentioned that gas stoves or cylinders would be seized at the border by the police.
Sawant also stated that if tourists are found cooking by the roadside, their gas stoves and cylinders will be seized, and their vehicle will be challaned.
The Chief Minister explained that this action is being taken to reduce roadside garbage generated by such tourists.
In another announcement, the Chief Minister declared that activities such as begging, offering massages on the beach, and touting would be completely banned.
“Anyone found offering massages, begging, or touting will be immediately arrested by the police,” he added.
