MARGAO
Women and children’s rights activist Auda Viegas has welcomed the recent verdict of the Fast Track POCSO Court in Panaji, which sentenced a father to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and fined him Rs 50,000 for repeatedly raping his daughter who has disabilities. Auda praised the court for considering every legal aspect of the case and delivering a strong judgment. She said the verdict sends a clear message to those involved in incest and those who abuse women with disabilities.
“As the president of Bailancho Ekvott and former Centre Administrator of Sakhi One Stop Centre, South Goa, I must place on record my deep appreciation for MLA Reginaldo Lourenco. He played a key role in bringing the woman with disabilities to us for counselling and legal help. The victim’s mother was forced to work abroad due to financial problems. From the very first day till rehabilitation, his patience, support and help towards the woman cannot be fully expressed,” she said.
Auda also praised the Police Inspector of Maina Curtorim police station, PI Arun Dessai, and his team for their dedicated efforts to trace and arrest the accused. “I have special words of appreciation for the investigating officer, Prashant Bhagat, who conducted a careful and strong investigation to support the case in court,” she added.
She said the case reached its legal conclusion only because of the cooperation between the community, leaders, police, the Sakhi One Stop Centre South Goa team and the voluntary services of a special educator.
