Goa - trouble in Paradise..
It is well known that Goa is frequented by tourists, not only
for its lovely beaches and laid-back atmosphere, but mainly for its drugs and trance parties. Anjuna beach , where the
rape and
murder of the British teen Scarlett took place, is popularly known as the freak capital of the world. The drug cartels are increasing their presence in the state, especially in the coastal belts of Anjuna, Baga, Vagator, Palolem and Calangute. These are some of the "safe havens" for peddlars.The authorities are happy - business thrives - money keeps rolling in - unfortunate incidents are brushed aside as " accidents" and the psychedelic parties continue - Goa prospers - or does it?
The calm waters of the Arabian sea lapping the Indian shores were tinted ''scarlet'' this year. It would have just passed off as another case of drug overdose and drowning, but it took one brave mother, to battle this strong tide and force the authorities to take notice. There have been a lot of efforts to mask this murder as "ineffective child care" , "drug overdose" etc. All this in the name of "protecting Goa''s image". But at what cost? and for how long? Police and other news reports have questioned the mother as to how she could leave the child alone. Would we react the same way when Indian students are killed on foreign shores? Why not say here "How can their parents leave them all alone on foreign shores?"
The fact remains that a girl was murdered on these shores and the culprits have to be brought to book. This, in fact will give tourists faith in the police - not hiding the facts.
More than 40,000 tourists visit this silver sand paradise each year. Employ lifeguards - have police patrolling, employ undercover agents.. Goa - sit up and take action or soon the paradise will be lost forever....