MARGAO, Jan. 30 -- Team Herald

Shack owners have urged the government to take strict action against subletting the beach huts, holding this practice responsible for the rising crime on Goa's beaches.

Cruz Cardozo, president of the Shack Owners Welfare Society (SOWS), stated that at least 35% of the 361 licensed beach shacks in Goa have been sublet to operators from outside the State. He claimed that these non-Goan operators are linked to violent incidents, including recent murders, petty crimes, and other unlawful activities that have tarnished the State's tourism image. Cardozo warned that if such activities continue, Goa's tourism sector-particularly the shack business-will suffer severe consequences.

"We have informed Tourism Minist...