GoaMiles drivers have reported fresh attacks by groups travelling on two-wheelers in the Calangute-Baga-Anjuna-Vagator tourism belt, with a video of one alleged assault and a complaint submitted to Calangute police. Police said they are investigating the matter.
The reported incident took place late on Friday night near a petrol pump close to Dolphin Circle, where a GoaMiles taxi was parked. A driver told the Times of India that a group allegedly began assaulting him and warned that outside taxis would not be allowed to operate in the area.
The drivers alleged that local taxi groups have been targeting GoaMiles vehicles operating in the Calangute-Candolim belt. According to their account, groups on bikes approach taxis parked by the roadside, threaten drivers and, in some instances, allegedly remove passengers from vehicles.
“We’re also Goans. We should also be allowed to do our business. We are not interfering with them. But they come and assault us, drag our guests out, abuse them and take videos and put them on social media,” the cabbies said outside Calangute police station, as quoted by the Times of India.
The drivers also claimed that videos of such confrontations were being circulated on social media, potentially affecting the reputation of the service among tourists and other passengers. Their complaint comes against the backdrop of Goa’s fragmented taxi market, in which app-based and local taxi operators serve the same tourism-heavy roads and destinations.
The affected belt includes Calangute, Baga, Anjuna and Vagator, among the state’s busiest tourist areas. Taxis operating there connect visitors to hotels, beaches, restaurants and nightlife venues, making the safety of drivers and passengers a direct transport and tourism concern.
The drivers have called for government action, arguing that incidents involving threats or violence could undermine visitor confidence and make it harder for transport operators to work across the tourism belt. The report did not specify whether arrests had been made or whether any individuals had been formally identified.
Calangute police are investigating the complaint and the video submitted by the drivers. Further action will depend on the police inquiry into the alleged assault and the identity of those involved.
