Bouncers have bounced back, this time in Baga. Around 10 to 15 bouncers armed with wooden clubs at a popular nightclub in Baga went berserk inflicting severe injuries on two local youths leading to skull fractures and profuse bleeding. The attack evoked spontaneous reactions from locals who condemned the incident and demanded action. The police have arrested five people and sealed the club.
The northern coastal belt is familiar with skirmishes since it hosts a buzzing nightlife. Areas like Baga, Candolim, Calangute, Anjuna, Arpora, and others have constantly reported untoward incidents. While altercations are part and parcel of nightlife, the rampant behaviour of bouncers in recent times has left Goans shaken.
Bouncers are hired by individuals or establishments as a layer of security, to control or manage boisterous or unruly crowds and ensure peace. However, they have in turn been enforcing a violent brand of justice that is both brutal and against the very premise on which they are hired blurring the line between security and aggression.
As a society such violent behaviour of those hired to maintain peace raises questions on regulations, accountability, policing and safety. Lest we forget, not too long ago, Assagao was shaken when bouncers were engaged in a controversial demolition of a residential bungalow as police remained silent spectators. The incident not only triggered outrage among citizens but exposed a blatant disregard for the law by those in power. It is the Assagao incident that put the spotlight on the trend of engaging bouncers.
It appears that many of these violent acts of bouncers get overshadowed due to the tenuous connections between nightclubs and law enforcement. Accountability suffers when there is corruption and collusion in any system. In a land which promises the thrills of tourism and party life, safety should be the priority. People cannot be risking lives through such ordeals where those hired to secure lives, turn lawbreakers.
The government must step in with strict regulations. Yes, the chief minister has assured on the floor of the Legislative Assembly this July that his government plans to introduce a bill that will mandate registration of personal bouncers. He mentioned that the new legislation will aim at regulating the profession of bouncers and address the gaps in the system while providing a structured framework for employment and recognition.
We are not painting the job of a ‘bouncer’ black, what we are arguing is the need to have a system in place where a muscular physique or martial arts skill is not the only qualifier. There has to be a comprehensive background check, besides requisite training. Temperament, communication and conflict resolution skills are crucial in this area of work because it’s all about troubleshooting and diffusing crises.
Nightlife can get rowdy at times, but as a State, we should be well prepared to handle scenarios. If protocols are being violated with impunity, like in the Baga case where bouncers went on a rampage, the failure of the system is as clear as daylight. If not addressed appropriately, there will always be a sense of insecurity. A free-for-all situation arises when there are no deterrents and when those taking the law into their hands consider themselves unstoppable.
Transferring a police officer or two for lapses or a lack of alacrity will not help the overall situation. What we truly need is a situation where elements like these respect the law, and the police. Right now, party venues and bouncers have won the confidence of a shaky system, and that has taken us downhill.
