The recent case of assault on a Delhi based tourist in a hotel in Anjuna invariably seems to linked to flouting of the Goa Smoking and Spitting prohibition act along with the national anti-tobacco act COTPA.

As per the new developments, the recent case of assault on a Delhi based tourist in a hotel in Anjuna invariably seems to linked to flouting of the Goa Smoking and Spitting prohibition act along with the national anti-tobacco act COTPA.
While the matter is under investigation, prima facie as per the recent news reports it is suggestive that violation of COTPA act section 4 which prohibits smoking or use of tobacco in public places lead to the altercation between the hotel staff and the tourist leading to injuries suffered by both parties.
While commenting on the topic Dr Shekhar Salkar, an anti-tobacco activist and president of National Organization for Tobacco Eradication (NOTE-India) said that this incident is a grim reminder of how tobacco directly and indirectly leads to havoc and disturbance in the social fabric of our country, Goa being a tourist state has its own set of challenges related to substance abuse, such incidents not only tarnish the name of our state but also spread negative image on law and order.
Dr Salkar further added that flouting of laws related to tobacco products must be dealt at par with violations of drugs and narcotic substance and state administration along with local police should combine forces to curb such incidents, especially in costal belt of the state.
He also urged the tourist to be responsible and respect the law of land to maintain their own dignity and the dignity of Goa.
Dr Devdutta Sail
Hon secretary
National organisation for tobacco eradication ( india)