Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Nov 24: A day after two Russian women accused a Goa policeman of verbally abusing them during a late-night traffic stop, officers at the Mandrem police station met with the tourists on Sunday and issued an apology, assuring them such behaviour would not be repeated.

Evgenia Belskaia — who was behind the wheel during the incident — said in a social media update, “We found the guy, he said sorry, so he will never be rude with anyone.” She added that police had told them to report any further misconduct directly, promising action if complaints arise.

The two women, Belskaia and a DJ who goes by the handle Krispie_Kristina, had taken to social media on Saturday alleging that a male policeman hurled expletives at them, called Belskaia a “bitch”, and told them to “go to your country.” The officer reportedly released them after checking Belskaia’s licence but shouted more abuses as they drove off.

The incident occurred while the women were travelling with two others from Siolim to Morjim. Belskaia said the officer’s hostility was apparent from the moment they were stopped and claimed that, based on what she has heard from others, such behaviour was “a normal situation” in the area.

The episode adds to growing concerns over tourist safety and behaviour of certain local operators in Goa. Recently, a German travel influencer, Alexander Welder, reported being stalked and harassed by rickshaw drivers for choosing an app-based GoaMiles cab — prompting police intervention.

In another widely publicised case, police arrested three men from Karnataka after a viral video showed them harassing two foreign women on a North Goa beach. Tourists have frequently raised grievances about Goa’s transport system, dominated by traditional taxis due to the government’s restrictions on app-based services.

The Mandrem incident has once again drawn attention to the need for improved policing standards and a safer environment for visitors in the state.