'For 3 years, 1 foreigner died every week in Goa'

Panaji: One foreign tourist died every week over the last three years in Goa, Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar told the Goa legislative assembly Thursday.

Lawmakers in Goa are now worried about the deaths as in 40 percent of the cases, the authorities have not been able to ascertain the cause for death due to delay - in many cases, of more than two years - in receipt of forensic test results.

"Over 160 foreigners died in the last three years in Goa. Will the (home) minister enquire and take this issue seriously?" Parrikar said during question hour.

Of the 161 foreigners who died mostly in the coastal beach villages of Goa like Anjuna, Calangute and Arambol, 62 were British tourists and 25 were Russians.

Others were from Japan, Germany, Switzerland, Israel, Australia, Nigeria, etc.

"Many foreigners are dying because of overdose or drug related complications. And in nearly half the cases, we have not received the reports of the forensic analysis of the viscera," Parrikar said.

In response to queries from the opposition, Home Minister Ravi Naik said he would treat the issue of foreigner-related deaths "seriously".

In unnatural deaths, where the forensic experts are not able to ascertain the cause of death, extracts from stomach and viscera taken during the autopsy are sent to central forensic sciences laboratories in Hyderabad and Mumbai for analysis.

Over the years, long queues and waiting periods at these laboratories have resulted in police not being able to investigate the case for lack of forensic opinion, which drives investigation and prosecution.

Over half a million foreign tourists visit Goa annually.