Tourists from Sankeshwar, Karnataka, have alleged that officials from the Goa forest department assaulted them and demanded large sums of money from their wallets during a visit to the renowned Sural Falls near Belgaum. The incident took place near Kanakumbi in Khanapura Taluk, where Sural Falls, often dubbed the “Venezuela of Karnataka,” is situated. With the onset of the rainy season, this scenic waterfall draws numerous tourists from Karnataka. Nonetheless, recent visitors encountered unwelcome aggression.
According to the accusations, officials of the forest department have exploited the surge in tourist visits by coercing money and using physical force. Five young individuals from Sankeshwar in Hukkeri taluk alleged they were struck with sticks on their backs, legs, and hands. They asserted that the forest personnel not only physically assaulted them but also extracted ₹9,000 from their wallets, demanding payment through online means.
The tourists alleged that officials frequently target visitors to the waterfall, consistently engaging in assaults and demanding money under various pretexts. The accusations of extortion and misconduct involve both the Sural Waterfall police and forest department officials.
This event has sparked worries regarding the safety of tourists who visit Sural Falls, a well-known destination situated on the Karnataka-Goa border.
