Police said that the case first came to light following protests by local residents outside the Curchorem police station, demanding swift action against the accused, the news agency reported
Investigators believe that more victims may come forward as the probe progresses. Representational Pic/File/iStock
A 20-year-old son of a councillor from the Curchorem Municipal Council in Goa has been arrested in connection with an alleged Goa sex scandal involving multiple victims, police said, reported the PTI.
According to the officials, the accused was taken into custody on March 22 after serious allegations of sexual exploitation and circulation of obscene videos surfaced.
The suspect has been identified as Soham Naik, an official said, according to the PTI.
Police said that the case first came to light following protests by local residents outside the Curchorem police station, demanding swift action against the accused, the news agency reported.
Multiple complaints filed
According to officials, four females, including two minors, have so far filed formal complaints against Naik. Among the complainants are two sisters, one of whom is a minor, who have accused him of rape and exploitation, as per the PTI.
Police said that even the accused’s girlfriend is among those who have approached authorities with allegations.
Investigators believe that more victims may come forward as the probe progresses.
Case handed over to crime branch
The investigation has now been transferred to the Goa Police Crime Branch for a more detailed inquiry. A senior official stated that statements from the victims have been recorded, and efforts are ongoing to identify and contact other potential victims linked to the case, according to the PTI.
The accused is in the crime branch custody, an official said, adding that further investigations in the matter were underway.
Forensic examination
Officials said that Naik’s mobile phone has been sent for forensic analysis to retrieve digital evidence, including videos and communication records.
He has been booked under multiple legal provisions, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Goa Children’s Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and the Information Technology Act.
Political response
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has clarified that neither the accused nor his father has any connection with the party, reported the PTI.
Meanwhile, the police said that the investigation is still at a crucial stage, with authorities working to gather further evidence and ensure justice for the victims.
(with PTI inputs)
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