The Goa Police on Thursday arrested a man hailing from Uttarakhand who worked at a hotel in Goa for allegedly attacking a woman tourist from the Netherlands. The alleged incident had taken place late Friday night. According to the news agency ANI, the accused has been identified as Abhishek Verma. He also stabbed another person namely Eurico, who went to help the woman tourist. According to a police official, the knife used in the crime has been recovered.
Superintendent of Police (North Goa) Nidhin Valsan told reporters that the accused, who is from Dehradun, worked as a bar tenderer at the hotel in Pernem area. The woman said in her complaint that an unknown man aged between 25 to 30 years trespassed into her rented tent on the hotel premises, as reported by the news agency PTI. As she started screaming, the accused tried to hold her and threatened her.
When a local man came to her rescue, the intruder ran away. He then returned carrying a knife and attacked her as well as her rescuer before fleeing. Police registered a case under various sections of Indian Penal Code related to trespassing, outraging modesty, attempt to murder and causing grievous hurt, amongst others.
"The incident happened inside a hotel premises by the hotel's bartender who was allegedly drunk. Soon after the incident the accused was arrested. Hotel owners should be careful while hiring," North Goa Superintendent of Police (SP), Nidhin Valsan said as quoted by ANI. During investigation, Pernem police identified the accused and he was arrested. Further probe is on.
Goa Tourism minister Rohan Khaunte condemned the incident and said that this incident will not be left unnoticed. He also assured that appropriate action will be taken.
"This incident has to be condemned. Every tourist destination has its own challenges. We will not leave any such incident unnoticed, and action will be taken. We've to appreciate the fact a local Goan risked his life to save a tourist. We will ensure that Goa is a safe destination," Rohan Khaunte said as quoted by ANI.
Reacting to the incident Goa Forward Party President Vijai Sardesai said that this is a reflection of the collapse of law and order and the security of women in the state.
"This is the second incident in the last one week. At the moment, there is an extortion racket being run with help of Goa police in north Goa. This is a reflection of the collapse of law & order and the security of women in the state," Vijai Sardesai said as quoted by ANI.