MAPUSA
A 25-year-old man seen riding a scooter in a viral social media video, which alleged that he was stalking women, has been detained by Calangute Police.
Police clarified that preventive action was taken against him after he was found under the influence of alcohol in a public place.
According to a police press release, the video was widely circulated on social media and aired by several news channels on July 18. Following this, Calangute Police immediately traced and detained the man.
The man was identified as Ratan Premsing Gorkha (25), a Bardez resident originally from West Bengal.
During questioning, Ratan told police that he was intoxicated at the time of the incident and had approached the girls only to ask for directions. He denied allegations of stalking, harassment or any other wrongdoing.
Police said that while the allegations made in the video were denied, Ratan was found under the influence of alcohol in a public place and his behaviour had the potential to cause public alarm and disturb peace.
Calangute Police subsequently initiated preventive action against him under the relevant provisions of Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, to prevent any further breach of peace.
Police said further inquiry is underway to verify the facts surrounding the viral video and the allegations against the individual.
