Panaji: The tourism department has imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on the owners of Planet Goa Restaurant and Shack, where a group of tourists was assaulted. The department has also taken an undertaking from the shack owner that a similar situation will not be repeated. But it has permitted the shack to continue operations till the end of the season.“The matter has been closed after the hearings concluded and a fine of Rs 50,000 has been imposed on the licence holder,” said tourism director Kedar Naik.During the hearing, the shack operator claimed that the tourists instigated the fight with the shack workers.The tourism department suspended the licence of the shack on March 25 after the violent scuffle between the tourists and shack operators. A video of the attack showed shack employees brawling with a group of tourists from Bengaluru. Police said the fight was triggered by an argument after staff asked the group of seven tourists from Bengaluru, including 27-year-old businessman Sayed Zakir, to vacate a beach bed. The fight escalated, and the shack workers allegedly attacked the tourists using metal rods and beach umbrella poles.The shack’s licensee, Francisco Rosario, denied the victim’s version of the assault.“He assured that the staff involved were let off and they have gone back home. With that we have allowed them to restart. The season will end in 15 days,” said Naik.
