Four days after a murder of Goa based business following altercation with shack owner at Arambol Beach in North coastal belt, the State tourism department has blacklisted the shack owner and has slapped a penalty of Rs 25 lakh for violation the shack allotment guidelines.
In a press statement issued today, the department has said that it has taken stringent action against Manuel Espritosanto Fernandes, the owner of the alleged shack where the crime took place, for violation of the Goa State Shack Policy for Erection of Temporary Seasonal Structures, Beach Shacks, Deck Beds/ Umbrellas, For Tourist Season 2023-26 (3 years).
As per the police report, it was found that Manuel Espritosanto Fernandes, allottee of Shack No. 4 at Arambol beach stretch, had sublet the beach shack in violation of Clause 20 of the policy.
The shack was illegally sublet to Lalchand Chauhan, a native of Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
"In view of this serious breach, the Department has imposed a penalty of Rs 25,00,000 and forfeited the security deposit paid by the allottee to the Government Treasury. The shack license issued also stands cancelled," the department said while directing to demolish the shack within seven days.
Additionally, the department said that Fernandes has been permanently blacklisted and debarred from participating in any future shack allotment processes under the Tourism Shack Policy.
"The Department of Tourism remains committed to upholding transparency and strict enforcement of regulations to maintain the integrity of Goa’s tourism sector," it said.
A 38 year old Amar Bandekar, resident of Arambol was killed on January 26 evening after an alleged altercation with the staff of the shack over the arrangements of chairs and beaches. Total three people are arrested in connection with the case.
