Daijiworld Media Network - Curchorem

Curchorem, Mar 23: With pressure mounting over the past two days, Goa Police on Sunday late evening arrested a 20-year-old youth in connection with a sex scandal that has gripped Curchorem town.

The accused, identified as Soham Naik, a resident of Madhegal-Curchorem, was taken into custody following growing public outrage and demands for swift action.

Police said the arrest was made under Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 67A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which deals with publishing or transmitting sexually explicit material in electronic form.

The case had triggered widespread concern, with a large number of residents gathering earlier in the day and pressing the police to act promptly against those involved. Allegations of delay in action further intensified public anger.

Tensions escalated as locals issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the police, threatening a road blockade if immediate action was not taken. A large crowd assembled outside the police station, demanding arrests based on details reportedly revealed in a recent media report.

Leading the protest, former councillor Anand Prabhudessai urged authorities to clarify the status of the investigation and act without delay. “If no concrete action is taken within 24 hours, we will be forced to resort to a road blockade,” he warned.
Protesters also called on MLA Nilesh Cabral to intervene, recalling his role during a similar controversy in 2007.

Residents criticised what they termed a “wait-and-watch approach” by the police, stating that expecting victims to come forward in such sensitive cases is unrealistic. The agitation gained momentum after a report in a vernacular daily, which locals claimed contained enough leads to identify those responsible.

Concerns grew amid claims of possible minor involvement, prompting anxiety among parents and calls for immediate action to prevent further panic and reputational damage to the town.

Rumours related to the case have also spread widely, affecting individuals not connected to the incident. Police, however, said due procedure is being followed and further investigation is underway.

Meanwhile, Amit Patkar and social worker Rohan Gauns Dessai urged authorities to verify the media report, take strict action against those responsible, and ensure protection for victims and their families.