Police claim crackdown, but network thrives across State
PANAJI
Goa Police claim to be cracking down on unchecked escort services sites, but a quick glance online tells a different story. Despite measures to tackle the illicit industry, online advertisements for escort services are booming, brazenly advertising Goa as a destination for “naughty fun,” displaying contact numbers, names and even photos of women marketed as Escort.
Far from being confined to the coastal tourist hotspots, this industry has spread into Goa’s hinterland. Small villages like Bicholim, Sanguem, Valpoi and Canacona have been swept up in the wave with agencies listing “escort services” even in these quieter, more rural areas.
One of these sites operated by one ‘VIP escort girl’ goes as far as categorising services by region with offerings branded as “South Goa Escorts”, “Anjuna Escorts”, “Baga Beach Escorts”, “Valpoi Escorts”, etc.
“Goa is one of the most happening places in India, and no night is complete without some naughty fun. Welcome to Goa Escort Services…..and we will offer you an amazing time with high profile models,” reads an extract of the site.
Particularly popular among these advertisements are foreign women, especially Russians, who are touted as high-profile companions, some even posing as “travel guides” to accompany clients to shopping spots along the coastal belt.
Another site, “pinkgoa.in,” doesn’t hold back proclaiming that it offers “Low-Cost VIP Goa Escorts” with “100% Verified Females” and “Free Doorstep Delivery,” positioning itself as a prominent player in the market.
Escort agencies have expanded their services with elaborate packages including travel companionship, designed to cater to diverse client demands. Sites like Missmedison.com, Datemetonight.net, Vivastreet.co.net, and Walkgirlssafe.com among a whole bunch of unregulated and unchecked sites, have marketed Goa as a “sex tourism” hotspot.
Goa Police had just recently claimed that the Cyber Crime Cell has been identifying such illegal platforms and ensuring these are blocked under the IT Act 2000. However, in 2017, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, New Delhi turned down the department’s request to block such websites. The police had identified around 90 websites including some social media platforms through which the flesh trade was reportedly operated.
WHAT THEY SAID...
We identified and recommended blocking 78 such websites in our official communication to the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MEITY) and I4C. Our team is consistently following up on the proposal. There is a process involved, which is why it has been taking some time. These sites should be blocked within 2-3 days
— Rahul Gupta, SP (Crime Branch)
We have been raising this issue with the authorities and have even submitted reports, analysing the data including the phenomenon. We have provided enough information for the police to act. In Goa, there is online and offline trade. Our role starts post rescue as collecting intelligence, taking action to rescue the victim and breaking the organised network is the responsibility of the police. They have to take action, however whatever support they require from us, we will provide them
— Arun Pandey, ARZ Director
