Goa Police Take Action Against YouTuber for Alleged Tourist Harassment at Morjim Beach
In a significant move to protect tourists, the Mandrem police in Goa have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against a YouTuber, identified by the handle '@GudduVlogs7', for allegedly harassing both domestic and international visitors at Morjim beach. The case highlights growing concerns over the misuse of social media platforms for inappropriate behavior under the guise of content creation.
Complaint Details and Allegations of Misconduct
According to the complaint filed by PSI Sunil Patil, a video surfaced online showing the accused engaging in what police describe as "improper behaviour" while claiming to create content. The YouTuber is alleged to have wrongfully restrained tourists, including foreign nationals, and intruded upon their privacy without consent. This incident has raised alarms about the safety and dignity of tourists in popular coastal areas.
Further allegations in the complaint state that the YouTuber coerced female tourists into posing for photographs and videos against their will. A police officer involved in the case remarked, "The accused was observed passing vulgar comments and recording videos in an improper manner," underscoring the severity of the misconduct. Such actions not only violate personal boundaries but also tarnish the reputation of Goa as a tourist-friendly destination.
Legal Charges Under BNS 2023
Police have booked the YouTuber under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, reflecting the seriousness of the offenses. The charges include:
- Section 126(2): Punishment for wrongful restraint, which involves unlawfully restricting someone's movement.
- Section 79: Word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman, addressing the harassment of female tourists.
- Section 353(1): Statements conducing to public mischief, related to actions that disturb public order.
These legal provisions aim to curb such nuisances and ensure accountability for those exploiting tourists for online content.
Broader Police Sweep Against Public Nuisance
In a related crackdown on public nuisance and tourist harassment, police conducted a sweep that led to additional arrests. On February 14, three men from Ballari, Karnataka—identified as Ashish K J (27), K Chetan (26), and R Kumar (35)—were picked up for allegedly misbehaving with locals and coercing foreign tourists into taking photographs. The trio has been placed under preventive arrest under Section 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), highlighting ongoing efforts to maintain law and order in tourist hotspots.
This police action underscores a proactive approach to safeguarding tourists' rights and promoting a secure environment in Goa. Authorities are urging visitors to report any such incidents promptly, emphasizing that such behavior will not be tolerated and will face strict legal consequences.
