<p>In a tragic incident, a 34-year-old man was swept away by powerful waves while sitting on seaside rocks at Goa's Baga Beach. The victim, identified as Ashpak Masali from the Bijapur district of Karnataka, was later found dead after a search operation. The incident has sparked renewed concerns about tourist safety.</p><p><br>The scene captured on a phone has gone on social media, reportedly showing Ashpak Masali sitting on seaside rocks for a moment and playing with the water seconds before being swept away by a large wave. According to several reports, the 34-year-old man had come to Goa for a holiday with his friend, a woman from Sangli.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">33-year-old Sahas Ashpak Masali from Karnataka&#39;s Bijapur was washed away by strong currents at Baga Beach in north Goa. The incident happened while he was sitting on a rock near the shoreline when rough sea conditions triggered a series of powerful waves. A search and rescue… <a href="https://t.co/E5kc3T7UUu">pic.twitter.com/E5kc3T7UUu</a></p>&mdash; Vani Mehrotra (@vani_mehrotra) <a href="https://x.com/vani_mehrotra/status/2069970899424706658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Both spent the day at Baga, where Masali reportedly consumed alcohol and later decided to sit on the rocks. The woman was capturing the moment of him sitting on the rocks. Later, he was shockingly engulfed by the powerful wave. “I was standing above on the rocks, and he was sitting closer to the waves. I told him don’t go… he had taken drinks,” said the woman.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-is-the-b-52-bomber-expected-to-remain-in-service-until-the-2050s-1782285156068">Why is the B-52 bomber expected to remain in service until the 2050s?</a></p><h3>Officials issued advisory</h3><p>Masali remained afloat for several minutes after entering the water, but the turbulent sea conditions eventually overwhelmed him. Following alerts raised by the woman and other witnesses, rescue efforts were launched immediately. However, his body was later found along the Baga beach shoreline. “His friends had warned him not to go and sit on the rocks, but he did not listen. He went and sat on the rocks,” said a police constable.</p><p><br>Meanwhile, Drishti Marine, the government-authorised beach safety agency, had already advised both residents and tourists to avoid entering the sea and to remain vigilant around beaches and waterfront areas during the monsoon season. Officials noted that rocky sections become particularly slippery during heavy rains, while warning signs caution visitors about the danger of strong waves dragging people into the sea or accidents occurring while taking photographs near the coastline.</p>

Officials noted that rocky sections become particularly slippery during heavy rains, while warning signs caution visitors about the danger of strong waves dragging people into the sea or accidents occurring while taking photographs near the coastline.

In a tragic incident, a 34-year-old man was swept away by powerful waves while sitting on seaside rocks at Goa's Baga Beach. The victim, identified as Ashpak Masali from the Bijapur district of Karnataka, was later found dead after a search operation. The incident has sparked renewed concerns about tourist safety. The scene captured on a phone has gone on social media, reportedly showing Ashpak Masali sitting on seaside rocks for a moment and playing with the water seconds before being swept away by a large wave. According to several reports, the 34-year-old man had come to Goa for a holiday with his friend, a woman from Sangli.

<p>Officials noted that rocky sections become particularly slippery during heavy rains, while warning signs caution visitors about the danger of strong waves dragging people into the sea or accidents occurring while taking photographs near the coastline.</p>

VIDEO: Seconds after playing with water, Karnataka man dies after powerful wave drags him off rocks at Goa's Baga beach

<p>The Indian Racing Festival (IRF) is expanding its footprint with its maiden event in Goa, turning the coastal state into a buzzing motorsport destination. The two-day Formula Street Race Weekend, scheduled for February 14 and 15, will see Round 4 of the championship contested at the Manohar International Airport.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A specially constructed 2.064-kilometre FIA-compliant street circuit has been laid out within the airport premises. The track, featuring 12 corners, is designed to promote tight racing, bold overtakes, and strategic braking battles, creating the perfect setting for an action-packed contest. The Goa round marks a crucial phase in the Indian Racing League season. With the championship standings finely balanced, even the smallest advantage on this technical layout could influence the title race.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Competitors will race in identical Ligier JS F422 cars equipped with 1.3-litre turbocharged Alpine engines. With uniform machinery across the grid, performance gaps are minimal, shifting the focus squarely onto driver ability, race craft, and tactical execution. A distinctive feature of the league is its inclusive team composition. Each team includes four drivers: an experienced international racer, a young overseas talent, an Indian driver, and a female competitor. The structure aims to strengthen global competitiveness while fostering domestic talent and improving gender representation in Indian motorsport.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ddca-clears-air-on-controversial-video-showing-vendor-refilling-soft-drinks-during-t20-world-cup-1770910366622"><strong>DDCA clears air on controversial video showing vendor refilling soft drinks during T20 World Cup</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Among the key contenders is Divy Nandan of Hyderabad Black Birds. The driver, who claimed pole position at the 2024 F4 India Championship round in Chennai and has experience in GB3 and British F4, is known for his quick adaptation to demanding circuits. Chennai Turbo Riders will rely on Aqil Alibhai, the reigning Formula 4 India champion. His entry into the IRL grid adds further international flavour to the championship.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Kichcha's Kings Bengaluru will look toward Ruhaan Alva, the youngest race winner in league history. The 2024 F4 India vice-champion, already boasting podium finishes in the UK, is regarded as one of India’s rising racing prospects. Kolkata Royal Tigers feature British GT champion and Aston Martin Academy graduate Tom Canning. He is joined by accomplished GT4 racer Jemma Moore, whose endurance racing background adds depth to the squad.</p><h2>Who are the owners of the teams?</h2><p>The league’s growing popularity is also reflected in its celebrity team owners. Actor John Abraham heads Goa Aces JA Racing, Arjun Kapoor supports Speed Demons Delhi, and former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly leads Kolkata Royal Tigers. Naga Chaitanya backs Hyderabad Black Birds, while Kichcha Sudeep represents Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru. Dr. Swetha Sundeep Anand leads Chennai Turbo Riders.</p><h2>Where will it be shown and live-streamed?</h2><p>The event will be telecast on Star Sports Select 2 and streamed live via JioHotstar. Tickets are available through the District by Zomato platform.</p><h2>See the complete squad here</h2>

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Teams</td><td>Drivers</td><td>Nationality</td></tr><tr><td>Hyderabad Black Birds</td><td>John Lancaster</td><td>British</td></tr><tr><td>Hyderabad Black Birds</td><td>Divy Nandan</td><td>Indian</td></tr><tr><td>Hyderabad Black Birds</td><td>Mohamad Ryan</td><td>Indian</td></tr><tr><td>Hyderabad Black Birds</td><td>Gabriela Jilkova</td><td>Czech</td></tr><tr><td>Chennai Turbo Riders</td><td>Aqil Alibhai</td><td>South African</td></tr><tr><td>Chennai Turbo Riders</td><td>Viswas Raj</td><td>Indian</td></tr><tr><td>Chennai Turbo Riders</td><td>Tijil Rao</td><td>Indian</td></tr><tr><td>Chennai Turbo Riders</td><td>Laura Camps</td><td>Spanish</td></tr><tr><td>Speed Demons Delhi</td><td>Alister Yoong</td><td>Malaysian</td></tr><tr><td>Speed Demons Delhi</td><td>Ishaan Madesh</td><td>Indian</td></tr><tr><td>Speed Demons Delhi</td><td>Shahan Ali Mohsin</td><td>French</td></tr><tr><td>Speed Demons Delhi</td><td>Caitlin Wood</td><td>Australian</td></tr><tr><td>Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru</td><td>Sachel Rotge</td><td>French</td></tr><tr><td>Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru</td><td>Ruhaan Alva</td><td>Indian</td></tr><tr><td>Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru</td><td>Kyle Kumaran</td><td>Indian</td></tr><tr><td>Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru</td><td>Jem Hepworth</td><td>British</td></tr><tr><td>Goa Aces JA Racing</td><td>Raoul Hyman</td><td>British</td></tr><tr><td>Goa Aces JA Racing</td><td>Akash Gowda</td><td>Indian</td></tr><tr><td>Goa Aces JA Racing</td><td>Chetan Surineni</td><td>Indian</td></tr><tr><td>Goa Aces JA Racing</td><td>Fabienne Wohlwend</td><td>Liechtenstein</td></tr><tr><td>Kolkata Royal Tigers</td><td>Tom Canning</td><td>British</td></tr><tr><td>Kolkata Royal Tigers</td><td>Sohil Shah</td><td>Indian</td></tr><tr><td>Kolkata Royal Tigers</td><td>Sandeep Kumar</td><td>Indian</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

Indian Racing Festival 2026: When and where to watch on TV, laptop. Check out full squad, race format and live streaming details

The Indian Racing Festival (IRF) is expanding its footprint with its maiden event in Goa, turning the coastal state into a buzzing motorsport destination. The two-day Formula Street Race Weekend, scheduled for February 14 and 15, will see Round 4 of the championship contested at the Manohar International Airport. A specially constructed 2.064-kilometre FIA-compliant street circuit has been laid out within the airport premises. The track, featuring 12 corners, is designed to promote tight racing, bold overtakes, and strategic braking battles, creating the perfect setting for an action-packed contest. The Goa round marks a crucial phase in the Indian Racing League season. With the championship standings finely balanced, even the smallest advantage on this technical layout could influence the title race. Competitors will race in identical Ligier JS F422 cars equipped with 1.3-litre turbocharged Alpine engines. With uniform machinery across the grid, performance gaps are minimal, shifting the focus squarely onto driver ability, race craft, and tactical execution. A distinctive feature of the league is its inclusive team composition. Each team includes four drivers: an experienced international racer, a young overseas talent, an Indian driver, and a female competitor. The structure aims to strengthen global competitiveness while fostering domestic talent and improving gender representation in Indian motorsport. Also Read: DDCA clears air on controversial video showing vendor refilling soft drinks during T20 World Cup Among the key contenders is Divy Nandan of Hyderabad Black Birds. The driver, who claimed pole position at the 2024 F4 India Championship round in Chennai and has experience in GB3 and British F4, is known for his quick adaptation to demanding circuits. Chennai Turbo Riders will rely on Aqil Alibhai, the reigning Formula 4 India champion. His entry into the IRL grid adds further international flavour to the championship. Kichcha's Kings Bengaluru will look toward Ruhaan Alva, the youngest race winner in league history. The 2024 F4 India vice-champion, already boasting podium finishes in the UK, is regarded as one of India’s rising racing prospects. Kolkata Royal Tigers feature British GT champion and Aston Martin Academy graduate Tom Canning. He is joined by accomplished GT4 racer Jemma Moore, whose endurance racing background adds depth to the squad. Who are the owners of the teams? The league’s growing popularity is also reflected in its celebrity team owners. Actor John Abraham heads Goa Aces JA Racing, Arjun Kapoor supports Speed Demons Delhi, and former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly leads Kolkata Royal Tigers. Naga Chaitanya backs Hyderabad Black Birds, while Kichcha Sudeep represents Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru. Dr. Swetha Sundeep Anand leads Chennai Turbo Riders. Where will it be shown and live-streamed? The event will be telecast on Star Sports Select 2 and streamed live via JioHotstar. Tickets are available through the District by Zomato platform. See the complete squad here

<p>Indian Racing League heads to Goa for Round 4 with a new street circuit, star drivers, and celebrity owners. Action begins on Saturday (February 14)</p>

<p>A Russian man has been arrested for reportedly murdering two women from his country in Goa. He was already accused of killing two other Russian women, according to a report by the Indian Express. The arrested individual, identified as Alexei Leonov, appears to have “psychopathic” tendencies, police confirmed.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The murder was claimed by Leonov in front of the police. However, investigators familiar with the inquiry said his claims need to be cross-checked as they appear “sketchy and inconsistent”. In response, police are currently looking into whether he is connected to as many as five deaths in the coastal state.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“He claimed that he used to befriend foreign nationals, usually fellow Russians. The modus operandi in the killings, as per his disclosures, is either slitting the throat or suffocating the victims,” the investigator said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Two victims have been formally identified as 37-year-old Elena Kasthanova and 37-year-old Elena Vaneeva. In another case involving a 40-year-old woman from Assam—initially recorded as an “unnatural death” on January 14—police said circumstantial evidence and statements point towards Leonov’s involvement, though the exact cause of death will only be confirmed after a postmortem. Sources said Leonov told investigators that he had drugged the woman and killed her using a wooden stick.</p><h3>Leonov discloses his murder amid questioning</h3><p>During further questioning, Leonov reportedly disclosed that he had killed a Russian woman last month. Acting on this information, police traced the body of a foreign national whose death had been registered as “unnatural” in December 2025. However, officials said a detailed investigation and autopsy are needed to determine whether it was a murder and if Leonov was responsible.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Requesting anonymity, a senior police officer said, “We cannot take all his statements at face value. Just because he was known to someone, and that person ended up dead, does not necessarily establish that he killed her.” Leonov has also allegedly claimed to have killed another Russian national recently, though police have not yet recovered a body corresponding to this assertion.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In an official statement issued on Saturday, police said the accused confessed to his role in the murders of Elena Kasthanova and Elena Vaneeva. Authorities stated that Leonov was a close associate of both women and that the alleged motive was a financial dispute. He also claimed to have been in a relationship with both victims and living with them, though police said these assertions are being treated with caution.</p><p><br>Describing the motives behind the alleged killings, an investigator told the Indian Express, “While a monetary dispute may have been the trigger for the murder cases that have been confirmed, he seems to have developed obsessive relations with the two, leading him to the crimes, as per his disclosures.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Kasthanova was employed as a go-go dancer and usher at weddings and arrived in Goa from Russia on December 24. Later, she was found murdered at 9.15 pm on Thursday at her rented house in Arambol. Based on the input of the FIR, Leonov reportedly assaulted Kasthanova and tied her hands behind her back with a rope and then he allegedly slit her neck using a sharp-edged weapon.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Additionally, Vaneeva was an artist and a bubble performer who arrived in Goa last week and got acquainted with Leonov. On Wednesday night, Leonov allegedly killed Vaneeva sometime after 11 pm by “slitting her neck with a sharp knife”. Following the murder, the police took the accused to 14-day police custody on Saturday. Currently, police are questioning him to ascertain if he has murdered more people.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-man-dies-by-suicide-after-video-alleging-harassment-on-bus-goes-viral-men-s-rights-activists-demand-police-action-against-woman-1768816853744"><strong> </strong>Kerala man dies by suicide after video alleging harassment on bus goes viral; men's rights activists demand police action against woman</a></p>

During questioning, Leonov reportedly disclosed that he had killed a Russian woman last month. Acting on this information, police traced the body of a foreign national whose death had been registered as “unnatural” in December 2025.

A Russian man has been arrested for reportedly murdering two women from his country in Goa. He was already accused of killing two other Russian women, according to a report by the Indian Express. The arrested individual, identified as Alexei Leonov, appears to have “psychopathic” tendencies, police confirmed. The murder was claimed by Leonov in front of the police. However, investigators familiar with the inquiry said his claims need to be cross-checked as they appear “sketchy and inconsistent”. In response, police are currently looking into whether he is connected to as many as five deaths in the coastal state. “He claimed that he used to befriend foreign nationals, usually fellow Russians. The modus operandi in the killings, as per his disclosures, is either slitting the throat or suffocating the victims,” the investigator said. Two victims have been formally identified as 37-year-old Elena Kasthanova and 37-year-old Elena Vaneeva. In another case involving a 40-year-old woman from Assam—initially recorded as an “unnatural death” on January 14—police said circumstantial evidence and statements point towards Leonov’s involvement, though the exact cause of death will only be confirmed after a postmortem. Sources said Leonov told investigators that he had drugged the woman and killed her using a wooden stick. Leonov discloses his murder amid questioning During further questioning, Leonov reportedly disclosed that he had killed a Russian woman last month. Acting on this information, police traced the body of a foreign national whose death had been registered as “unnatural” in December 2025. However, officials said a detailed investigation and autopsy are needed to determine whether it was a murder and if Leonov was responsible. Requesting anonymity, a senior police officer said, “We cannot take all his statements at face value. Just because he was known to someone, and that person ended up dead, does not necessarily establish that he killed her.” Leonov has also allegedly claimed to have killed another Russian national recently, though police have not yet recovered a body corresponding to this assertion. In an official statement issued on Saturday, police said the accused confessed to his role in the murders of Elena Kasthanova and Elena Vaneeva. Authorities stated that Leonov was a close associate of both women and that the alleged motive was a financial dispute. He also claimed to have been in a relationship with both victims and living with them, though police said these assertions are being treated with caution. Describing the motives behind the alleged killings, an investigator told the Indian Express, “While a monetary dispute may have been the trigger for the murder cases that have been confirmed, he seems to have developed obsessive relations with the two, leading him to the crimes, as per his disclosures.” Kasthanova was employed as a go-go dancer and usher at weddings and arrived in Goa from Russia on December 24. Later, she was found murdered at 9.15 pm on Thursday at her rented house in Arambol. Based on the input of the FIR, Leonov reportedly assaulted Kasthanova and tied her hands behind her back with a rope and then he allegedly slit her neck using a sharp-edged weapon. Additionally, Vaneeva was an artist and a bubble performer who arrived in Goa last week and got acquainted with Leonov. On Wednesday night, Leonov allegedly killed Vaneeva sometime after 11 pm by “slitting her neck with a sharp knife”. Following the murder, the police took the accused to 14-day police custody on Saturday. Currently, police are questioning him to ascertain if he has murdered more people. Also read: Kerala man dies by suicide after video alleging harassment on bus goes viral; men's rights activists demand police action against woman

<p>During questioning, Leonov reportedly disclosed that he had killed a Russian woman last month. Acting on this information, police traced the body of a foreign national whose death had been registered as “unnatural” in December 2025.</p>

Serial killings? Russian man arrested for murder of 2 women from his country in Goa, police verify claims of more murders

Goa Stampede: 6 Killed, Over 15 Injured In Stampede At Shirgao's Lairai Devi temple

Goa stampede: 6 killed, over 15 injured in stampede at Shirgao's Lairai Devi temple

<p>One of India’s top global tourist hotspots is dying a slow death, prompting netizens to share shocking stories of their own experience visiting the now ill-fated region. The Indian state here in question is Goa, also known as "the pearl of the east”, known for its Gothic churches, age-old ruins, palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, ferry rides, and bubbly folk music. But the state is getting attention on Indian internet for all the wrong reasons for quite some time now.</p>

<p>According to data shared by Goa’s tourism department, only 450,000 foreign tourists visited Goa in 2023, a whopping drop from 937,000 annually in 2019 or the pre-Covid era. The report, however, mentioned that domestic tourism in&nbsp;the state was picking up. Over 7 million domestic tourists visited Goa in 2022, almost equalling the pre-Covid figure of 7.08 million in 2018.</p>

<p>Reacting to the shocking figures, several X users highlighted on social media how ‘Goa taxi mafia’ was responsible for the decline of the tourism industry in the state.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj_7JCVlsqJAxVTUGwGHeJbB18QxfQBKAB6BAgaEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fact-check-did-ratan-tatas-pet-dog-goa-die-three-days-after-his-death-767791" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fact-check-did-ratan-tatas-pet-dog-goa-die-three-days-after-his-death-767791&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj_7JCVlsqJAxVTUGwGHeJbB18QxfQBKAB6BAgaEAE">Fact check: Did Ratan Tata`s pet dog `Goa` die three days after his death?</a></strong></p>

<p>“Goa is doomed all thanks to the alliance of local taxi mafia and administration,” wrote one X user.</p>

<p>It must be noted that ride-hailing services like Uber and Ola are banned in the state in the face of vehement opposition from local taxi unions. Ola, India’s own version of Uber, was launched in 2014, but was banned in Goa following massive strikes by the local taxi unions.</p>

<p>Another X user recounted his experience when ‘more than 10 taxi drivers ganged up against him’. “Goa’s taxi mafia is responsible for it,” he wrote, claiming that a German woman was forced to pay ₹1,800 ($21) to a taxi driver for a 37 km ride.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj_7JCVlsqJAxVTUGwGHeJbB18QxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-planning-a-trip-to-goa-why-sindhudurg-is-a-better-option-instead-767788" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-planning-a-trip-to-goa-why-sindhudurg-is-a-better-option-instead-767788&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj_7JCVlsqJAxVTUGwGHeJbB18QxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">Planning a trip to Goa? Why Sindhudurg is a better option instead</a></strong></p>

<p>“I went to pick up a friend (from Germany) from Benaulim Beach and I was accompanied by another friend (a local Goan). A taxi guy (in Benaulim) saw us, he stopped us and in no time there were 10+ taxi drivers ready to beat us up,” he recalled.</p>

<p>“I paid INR 2000 for a flight ticket from Mumbai to Goa in 2018 &amp; paid INR 2500 for a freaking TAXI from Goa Airport to Arambol! Their Taxi Mafia is next level,” a second user said.</p>

<p>Other users on internet revealed how more and more Indian tourists were now preferring visiting Thailand over Goa because of the Southeast Asian nation’s “higher standards of living and better preserved natural environment.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


One of India’s top global tourist hotspots is dying a slow death, prompting netizens to share shocking stories of their own experience visiting the now ill-fated region.

One of India’s top global tourist hotspots is dying a slow death, prompting netizens to share shocking stories of their own experience visiting the now ill-fated region. The Indian state here in question is Goa, also known as "the pearl of the east”, known for its Gothic churches, age-old ruins, palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, ferry rides, and bubbly folk music. But the state is getting attention on Indian internet for all the wrong reasons for quite some time now. According to data shared by Goa’s tourism department, only 450,000 foreign tourists visited Goa in 2023, a whopping drop from 937,000 annually in 2019 or the pre-Covid era. The report, however, mentioned that domestic tourism in the state was picking up. Over 7 million domestic tourists visited Goa in 2022, almost equalling the pre-Covid figure of 7.08 million in 2018. Reacting to the shocking figures, several X users highlighted on social media how ‘Goa taxi mafia’ was responsible for the decline of the tourism industry in the state. Also read: Fact check: Did Ratan Tata`s pet dog `Goa` die three days after his death? “Goa is doomed all thanks to the alliance of local taxi mafia and administration,” wrote one X user. It must be noted that ride-hailing services like Uber and Ola are banned in the state in the face of vehement opposition from local taxi unions. Ola, India’s own version of Uber, was launched in 2014, but was banned in Goa following massive strikes by the local taxi unions. Another X user recounted his experience when ‘more than 10 taxi drivers ganged up against him’. “Goa’s taxi mafia is responsible for it,” he wrote, claiming that a German woman was forced to pay ₹1,800 ($21) to a taxi driver for a 37 km ride. Also read:Planning a trip to Goa? Why Sindhudurg is a better option instead “I went to pick up a friend (from Germany) from Benaulim Beach and I was accompanied by another friend (a local Goan). A taxi guy (in Benaulim) saw us, he stopped us and in no time there were 10+ taxi drivers ready to beat us up,” he recalled. “I paid INR 2000 for a flight ticket from Mumbai to Goa in 2018 & paid INR 2500 for a freaking TAXI from Goa Airport to Arambol! Their Taxi Mafia is next level,” a second user said. Other users on internet revealed how more and more Indian tourists were now preferring visiting Thailand over Goa because of the Southeast Asian nation’s “higher standards of living and better preserved natural environment.” (With inputs from agencies)

Internet decries ‘taxi mafia’ as Goa’s foreign tourism sees massive decline

<p>India’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday (August 16) suspended an Indian Police Service (IPS) official accused of molesting a woman at a night club.</p>

<p>IPS Dr A Koan was serving as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in India’s southwestern state of Goa. Last week, he was relieved of his duties and ordered to report to the state Director General of Police (DGP).</p>

<p>A statement released by the MHA on Wednesday read, “The President of India, in exercise of the powers conferred under Rule 3 of ALL India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, hereby places Dr. A. Koan, IPS (AGMUT:2009) under suspension with immediate effect.”</p>

<p>Koan is a 2009-batch IPS officer of the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram and Union Territories) cadre.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>According to media reports, IPS officer Koan allegedly molested a woman at a night club in Goa on August 7. A CCTV footage showing the woman engaged in a heated argument with another person accompanying the IPS officer is also circulating on social media.</p>

<p>A different CCTV footage showed the IPS officer walking around in the washroom in a drunken state.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">ये गोवा के <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NightClub?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NightClub</a> की CCTV है जिसमें महिला A Koan से अपने साथ हुयी बदतमीज़ी के बाद झगड़ती हुयी दिखायी दे रही है और एक व्यक्ति माफ़ी मांग रहा है। तीसरा वीडियो बाथरूम का है जिसमें A Koan नशे की हालत में उसी व्यक्ति के साथ है जो महिला से माफ़ी मांगता दिख रहा है। <a href="https://t.co/p7qrT2P9pl">https://t.co/p7qrT2P9pl</a> <a href="https://t.co/LVYY1HMDXY">pic.twitter.com/LVYY1HMDXY</a></p>
— Jitender Sharma (@capt_ivane) <a href="https://twitter.com/capt_ivane/status/1689328684975685632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>State chief minister assured 'strict action'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>NDTV quoted Goa DGP Jaspal Singh as saying that Koan “had already sent a report detailing facts to the state government". He further warned that “IPS officers should not be judged based on isolated instance of misdemeanour".</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Indian Air Force deploys fighter jets along Line of Actual Control (LAC)</strong></p>

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<p>"Don't judge officers of IPS based on isolated instance of misdemeanor. They come out of long, arduous and meticulous training to serve the nation. They have sacrificed lives at the altar of nation and are fighting terrorism, insurgency and naxalism and daily crime," he posted on X.</p>

<p>Additionally, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured of strict action against the IPS officer.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bolsters-defence-along-china-border-with-fighter-deployments-enhanced-infra-and-real-time-monitoring-625075"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;India bolsters defence along China border with fighter deployments, enhanced infra, and real-time monitoring</strong></a></p>

<p>Such behaviour would not be tolerated, Pramod Sawant said in the state assembly on Wednesday after Goa Forward Party (GFP) MLA Vijai Sardesai raised the matter in the House.</p>

<h2><strong>Koan—A serial offender?</strong></h2>

<p>The GFP MLA also claimed that the accused IPS officer had a track record of “misbehaving with women.”</p>

<p>Sardesai also claimed that he can produce a video clip wherein Koan can be seen asking a staffer at a casino to “sit next to him”.</p>

<p>However, the legislator refused to share more details about the incident.&nbsp;</p>

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India’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday (August 16) suspended an Indian Police Service (IPS) official accused of molesting a woman at a night club. IPS Dr A Koan was serving as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in India’s southwestern state of Goa.

India’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday (August 16) suspended an Indian Police Service (IPS) official accused of molesting a woman at a night club. IPS Dr A Koan was serving as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in India’s southwestern state of Goa. Last week, he was relieved of his duties and ordered to report to the state Director General of Police (DGP). A statement released by the MHA on Wednesday read, “The President of India, in exercise of the powers conferred under Rule 3 of ALL India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, hereby places Dr. A. Koan, IPS (AGMUT:2009) under suspension with immediate effect.” Koan is a 2009-batch IPS officer of the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram and Union Territories) cadre. What happened? According to media reports, IPS officer Koan allegedly molested a woman at a night club in Goa on August 7. A CCTV footage showing the woman engaged in a heated argument with another person accompanying the IPS officer is also circulating on social media. A different CCTV footage showed the IPS officer walking around in the washroom in a drunken state. ये गोवा के #NightClub की CCTV है जिसमें महिला A Koan से अपने साथ हुयी बदतमीज़ी के बाद झगड़ती हुयी दिखायी दे रही है और एक व्यक्ति माफ़ी मांग रहा है। तीसरा वीडियो बाथरूम का है जिसमें A Koan नशे की हालत में उसी व्यक्ति के साथ है जो महिला से माफ़ी मांगता दिख रहा है। https://t.co/p7qrT2P9pl pic.twitter.com/LVYY1HMDXY — Jitender Sharma (@capt_ivane) August 9, 2023 × State chief minister assured 'strict action' NDTV quoted Goa DGP Jaspal Singh as saying that Koan “had already sent a report detailing facts to the state government". He further warned that “IPS officers should not be judged based on isolated instance of misdemeanour". Watch: Indian Air Force deploys fighter jets along Line of Actual Control (LAC) × "Don't judge officers of IPS based on isolated instance of misdemeanor. They come out of long, arduous and meticulous training to serve the nation. They have sacrificed lives at the altar of nation and are fighting terrorism, insurgency and naxalism and daily crime," he posted on X. Additionally, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured of strict action against the IPS officer. Also read: India bolsters defence along China border with fighter deployments, enhanced infra, and real-time monitoring Such behaviour would not be tolerated, Pramod Sawant said in the state assembly on Wednesday after Goa Forward Party (GFP) MLA Vijai Sardesai raised the matter in the House. Koan—A serial offender? The GFP MLA also claimed that the accused IPS officer had a track record of “misbehaving with women.” Sardesai also claimed that he can produce a video clip wherein Koan can be seen asking a staffer at a casino to “sit next to him”. However, the legislator refused to share more details about the incident. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India’s home ministry sacks top police official accused of molesting woman in Goa

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India’s home ministry sacks top police official accused of molesting woman in Goa