GOA – Indian police have arrested at least 40 people in a crackdown on suspected drug dealers and other criminals in Goa following a pate of attacks on tourists, a top police officer said.
Scarlett Keeling, a 15-year-old British girl, was sexually assaulted and murdered last month prompting criticism of the police for failing to protect her and others visiting the popular tourist destination.
A German woman was molested on a beach last week, police said.
“I will be ruthless, no one can take Goa for granted,” Kishan Kumar, the inspector general of police told Reuters, referring to the drive against criminals.
“Anybody lurking in the beaches after midnight with suspicious intent will have to face lot of questioning from now on.”
Keeling’s case also highlighted the safety of tourists in India and the easy availability of drugs, especially in Anjuna beach, famous for drug and booze parties, and where Keeling’s body was eventually found.
Two people have been arrested in the case so far. Police said that Keeling was raped and then left to die.
At least 126 foreign nationals have died in Goa in the past two years, 40 of them British, officials said.
The Indian media have severely criticised the police for not doing enough to protect tourists and the Indian government now say they could employ ex-military personnel to protect tourists in beaches around the country.
