MAPUSA
Goa’s serene coastlines and vibrant tourist life have been overshadowed by a disturbing trend: the use of hired bouncers to settle personal disputes, often with violent consequences.
This trend of hiring bouncers to intimidate or attack rivals over property disputes or personal grievances reflects a breakdown of the rule of law and raises serious questions about public confidence in the police.
In the recent Anjuna case, around 20 individuals reportedly assaulted the father-son duo over a property dispute, in a brutal display that serves as yet another reminder of a growing and troubling pattern in Goa.
Increasingly, individuals involved in local disputes have turned to bouncers to instill fear, execute violent retribution and exert dominance.
The phenomenon is not limited to isolated incidents; rather, it seems to be becoming an accepted means of settling scores, with police frequently accused of taking a passive stance, if not openly turning a blind eye.
Sinister tactics at play
One of the most shocking instances of bouncer intimidation occurred just four months ago in Assagao.
A Goan family’s home was demolished by bouncers who arrived alongside earthmoving machinery.
In this case, police allegedly watched as the hired muscle tore down the house. While the family members were not physically harmed, they endured hours of mental trauma.
Adding to the nightmare, there were allegations that the male head of the household and his son were abducted, driven around for hours and had their phones forcibly switched off, causing their family extreme distress.
Just last month, another violent clash highlighted the danger posed by these "private enforcers."
At a club in Baga’s popular Tito’s Lane, a group of 10 to 15 bouncers, ironically hired to maintain order, reportedly beat two young men with wooden clubs in the early hours of the morning.
The severity of the injuries left the youths with lasting head trauma, sparking public outrage.
Cops under scanner
The increasing prevalence of bouncer-related violence has drawn scrutiny towards Goa Police, with many residents questioning their effectiveness.
Locals argue that if police cannot enforce peace, those with the resources will continue to hire private forces to intimidate or settle scores, often outside legal channels.
Prominent local figures are now demanding accountability.
“It’s a disgrace. The rule of law must be upheld and police must show that they stand with the citizens, not with private mercenaries,” said Laxmidas Chimulkar, Sarpanch of Anjuna.
Advocate Mahesh Rane pointed out that people often hire bouncers for illegal activities, as the police are limited by legal constraints.
“This culture of using bouncers needs to end. If it continues, it could lead to the emergence of a parallel force, which may become difficult to control in the long run,” Rane warned.
Police acknowledge growing apprehension
A senior police official acknowledged the rising concerns, stating, "we are taking these incidents seriously and will be conducting a thorough review of bouncer-related violence across the State. Goa’s law enforcement will not tolerate any form of violence or coercion and we urge the public to come forward with any information."
While Goa has a vibrant police force, it is clear that the unchecked use of bouncers reflects an underlying issue: a lack of fear or respect for legal consequences.
As such, addressing this trend will require law enforcement to take a stronger stand against private vigilantism and reassure the public of their safety.
For Goa to maintain its image as a safe tourist destination, both authorities and community members must collaborate to reestablish law and order, ensuring that violence by proxy through hired bouncers is neither tolerated nor normalized.
