Panaji, Mar 14 (IANS): A day after a video clipping showing a former Goa Minister driving an SUV on a beach and later abusing and threatening a water sports operator went viral, the latter's family on Tuesday demanded police protection.

Speaking to reporters, water sports operator Melroy Da Silva's mother Fanny said she would hold the state government responsible if her son or any other family member was attacked.

"I request the Tourism Minister (Manohar Ajgaonkar) to take action and ensure safety for the family. If anything happens to the family, I will blame the state government," she said.

The Minister on Tuesday directed police authorities to act against former Minister Francisco alias Mickky Pacheco for breaking the law and driving the vehicle on the Betalbatim-Utorda beach stretch.

"If politicians start driving cars on beaches, locals will also do it. No one is allowed to do it. The police should take action in such cases," Ajgaonkar told reporters here, emphasising that driving vehicles is not allowed on Goa's beaches under the law.

A video clipping of Pacheco driving the SUV along the Betalbatim-Utorda beach stretch on Sunday went viral on the social media on Monday.

In the video, Pacheco is seen running over a parachute and getting into an altercation with Da Silva, who filmed the act.