Social media the new helpline for harassed tourists!

In recent weeks, Goa has witnessed a steady stream of tourists taking to social media to narrate disturbing experiences - harassment, intimidation, overcharging and other unpleasant episodes.

- AGNELO PEREIRA

These videos and posts, often uploaded in moments of distress, have triggered swift police reactions.

What is emerging is a new ecosystem where Instagram, not an official government mechanism, has become the first point of redress for visitors.

Pattern of viral complaints

The most recent case involved tourist Soumya Khanna, who shared a video detailing how she was harassed by men who passed obscene comments, mistook her for a foreign national and even asked "how much." The post triggered widespread outrage.

VIRAL COMPLAINTS & QUICK POLICE RESPONSE