Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Mar 30: A major sex scandal in Goa has sparked widespread outrage after a 20-year-old man was arrested for allegedly sharing sexually explicit photos and videos of several girls, including minors, police said.

The accused, Soham Naik, has been booked on charges of rape, circulation of obscene material, cheating and criminal intimidation, along with provisions under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) and the Information Technology Act.

Investigators said the accused allegedly targeted multiple victims, with initial estimates suggesting 15 to 30 girls may have been exploited. However, leaders of the Indian National Congress have claimed the number could be significantly higher. Police have so far received four complaints, including one from the accused’s girlfriend, and are working to identify more victims.

Officials confirmed that among the victims are two sisters, one of whom is a minor, both of whom have accused the accused of rape.

The case has also triggered a political controversy after it emerged that the accused is the son of a municipal councillor allegedly linked to the Bharatiya Janata Party. The party, however, has distanced itself from the accused and condemned the incident.

Meanwhile, Goa Congress chief Amit Patkar has questioned the delay in action, alleging that the crimes had been ongoing for nearly three years and raising concerns over the response of authorities.

Police said the investigation is ongoing, with efforts focused on gathering digital evidence, tracing additional victims, and uncovering the full extent of the alleged offences.