PANAJI
The Tourism Department has imposed a penalty of Rs 25 lakh on shack owner Manuel Fernandes and forfeited his security deposit for allegedly subletting his shack at Arambol beach, where local businessman Amar Bandekar was brutally assaulted on January 26 leading to his death.
Fernandes has also been permanently blacklisted, and his shack license stands revoked. The department has also ordered the 'Sea Lounge Beach Shack' to be demolished within seven days.
Tourism Director Kedar Naik said the stringent action was taken due to a serious violation of the Goa State Shack Policy for Erection of Temporary Seasonal Structures, Beach Shacks, Deck Beds/Umbrellas for Tourist Season 2023-26 (three years).
“Based on a report submitted by the Police Inspector of Mandrem Police Station on January 27, 2025, it was found that Manuel Fernandes, allottee of Shack No 4 at Arambol Beach stretch, had sublet the shack in violation of Clause 20 of the policy. 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,” reads the order.
The inquiry revealed that Fernandes had sublet the shack to Lalchand Chauhan, a non-Goan from Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. Incidentally, among the three persons arrested for Bandekar’s murder, two are natives of Himachal Pradesh (Surender Kumar and Vibhishan Kumar) while the third (Lalit Thakur) is from Nepal.
Naik further stated that Fernandes’ shack license has been cancelled, and it must be demolished within seven days of receiving the order. “Failure to comply will result in the department carrying out the demolition at Fernandes' cost and risk with expenses recovered as arrears of land revenue,” he said.
In a further punitive measure, Fernandes has been permanently blacklisted and barred from participating in any future shack allotment under the Tourism Shack Policy.
As per the police report submitted to the Tourism Department, Bandekar was attacked by the accused over the relocation of chairs that were obstructing pedestrian movement. The dispute escalated into a heated argument between Bandekar and the shack workers, ultimately turning violent. The accused allegedly slapped, kicked and assaulted Bandekar with sharp and hard objects. The victim managed to escape but collapsed after running a short distance. He was rushed to CHC Tuem in a 108 ambulance, but upon arrival, the hospital medical officer declared him brought dead.
President of hack Owners Welfare Society Cruz Cardozo has supported the department's decision stating that by subletting the shack to an outsider, the owner facilitated illegal activities.
