from Lenny Barretto in Panaji for Daijiworld News Network - Goa

Panaji, Feb 21: Welcome to the world of Ingo Grill!

Going around with five guards in his own brain child – Ingo night bazaar – at Arpora in North Goa, this German national Ingo Grill, who has been deported by chief secretary for creating a law and order situation in the state, is a happening man. The additional district and sessions judge has given Ingo temporary relief till next hearing.

"I repent for setting up such a concept in Goa….. There is no night life in Goa and I began this concept five years back to give night life to this tourist state… but what I see is that police are harassing us,’’ Ingo rues.

The Saturday Night Bazaar (Pic courtesy: GoanVoice)

This German national came into focus following protests over his Saturday night market at Arpora. After facing locals for noise pollution, Ingo shifted the market to another place in Goa where he faced similar fate.. and now again he is back in Arpora.

"We have charged him for creating law and order problem in the state,’’ confirms deputy inspector general of police Ujwal Mishra.

But this foreign national claims otherwise. "I had an offer from Tamil Nadu to set up similar market but I refused as I wanted to give something to the tourists here,’’ says Ingo, a conceptualizer of this hippy market.

Going by Ingo’s statistics, 14 per cent out of 500-odd stalls in this market are owned by foreigners. Rest are locals.

Amidst the dazzling music and No Drug sign boards, this market comes to life every Saturday. "We suspect the drug deal in that market,’’ claims a senior police officer. But Ingo denies. "Where are drugs. Show me!,’’ he quipped.

Started five years back, this market has everything on sale right from shoes to liquor. Contrary to other markets, this place gets into its mood at 5 in the evening and is abuzz till wee hours. Live entertainment here cannot be missed.

Maybe a traditional Kathakali dancer or a foreigner couple tuning in guitar strings to sing ``Hare Krishna Hare Ram…,’’ the stage is never empty.

"There are around 500 local families dependent on this market,’’ says one Rodrigues, a local claiming to be a close friend of Ingo. And while there is much debate on whether foreigners should be allowed to do business in Goa, Ingo flashes his multiple entry business visa.

As the night gets in full mood, Ingo’s market gets more colourful. Few Indian tourists bargaining for T shirt with OM written on them can be spotted amongst the white-skin foreign crowd.

The omlette-pav, kanda bhajji and hot tea serving small stalls are donned by locals are happening spots in the chilly night.

And one gets out of this crowded market, you cannot miss the motorcycle pilot or a taxi driver asking in Hippie-accent English "Mam, taxi?’’.