MAPUSA
A violent altercation involving 10-15 bouncers armed with wooden clubs at a club along the popular Baga’s Tito’s Lane left two youth severely injured, while five persons have been arrested and the club were the incident took place has been sealed.
The incident triggered public outrage and many villagers gathered at the Calangute Police Station late Monday evening to condemn the incident and to demand action in the matter.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Monday when two youths attempting to stop a fight at Down Town club in Baga were brutally beaten, leaving them with severe head injuries.
According to witnesses, the two youths were trying to rescue a friend involved in a skirmish when they were attacked by bouncers wielding wooden clubs.
Both victims sustained serious injuries, with one requiring 12 stitches and the other 8. Their skull fractures resulted in heavy bleeding, sparking public outrage.
Calangute Police quickly responded by arresting five individuals involved in the incident, but the club’s owner, Maninder Singh alias Pagi, managed to evade authorities.
The Down Town club has since been sealed and the police have assured that further arrests will follow.
The disturbing video of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, shows bouncers charging out of the club with wooden clubs, aggressively chasing people down the street.
In one clip, a man can be seen using pepper spray against an individual outside the club, further escalating the situation.
The incident has upset the local community, with many villagers gathering at the Calangute Police Station late Monday evening to demand action.
Calangute MLA Michael Lobo and local panchayat members also visited the station, expressing their concern over the severity of the attack.
Lobo condemned the violent actions of the bouncers and demanded their immediate arrest.
"The local boys were severely beaten by the bouncers and the owner of the club, who is known for running two notorious establishments in the area, should also be arrested," Lobo said, visibly agitated after viewing the video.
He called for stricter policing in the Tito’s Lane area, particularly over the weekend, stating that such incidents tarnish the reputation of the State.
"Armed police should be stationed along Tito’s Lane from Friday to Sunday to prevent further violence and restore law and order," Lobo urged.
Lobo also called for a limit on the number of bouncers clubs are allowed to employ, stating that the presence of so many bouncers outside clubs creates a "fear psychosis" and contributes to the frequent altercations.
"No club or restaurant should have more than one security guard outside. Large groups of bouncers only escalate fights and create problems," he added.
Calangute Police Inspector Paresh Naik promised strict action against those responsible for the violence.
"We will not allow such incidents to take place in Calangute. The police will deal with those who disrupt law and order with a heavy hand," Naik said, adding that more arrests are expected as the investigation continues.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with locals demanding stronger measures to prevent such violence and protect the safety of the public in the popular tourist area.
