Cops book hotel owner 15 days after tourists fell off balcony

Police have booked owner of a hotel for allegedly endangering human life, almost a fortnight after five tourists fell into the cliff from the balcony while clicking selfies, at Anjuna village here.
"Owner of the hotel, Edwin Nunes, has been booked under various sections (of IPC) dealing with endangering human life and personal safety of the tourists," Anjuna Police Inspector Paresh Naik told reporters today.
The incident occurred on February 23 when the tourists, including four women in their late 20s, were clicking selfies in the balcony of the hotel which is located on a cliff.
Two women are still admitted in a city hospital with the doctors fearing that they might be paralysed for life.

A formal complaint regarding the accident was lodge with local police yesterday by Delhi-based Lakhwinder Lamba whose daughter Karishma was holding the mobile phone when the mishap occurred, Naik said.
According to the complainant, the tourists were leaning against the railing, which is made up of bamboo, when it became loose.

"They (tourists) were at the balcony of the hotel which had these unsafe railing," Naik said quoting the complaint.
Nunes has been booked under sections 336 (endangering life or personal safety of others), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) of IPC.

Incidentally, the Goa State Pollution Control Board recently ordered shutting down of Nunes' shack 'Curlies' located on Anjuna beach, for alleged violation of norms.