PANAJI:
The new Goa Pradesh Mahila Congress president, Pratiksha Khalap, on Thursday said they would take to the streets if the police enquiry report reveals any wrongdoing on the part of the investigators.
"There is room for suspicion in the alleged rape case in Margao. The police will submit a report in this matter according to the chief minister. If the report reveals that something wrong happened, we will take to the streets to get justice for the victim," Khalap said while addressing her maiden press conference at the Congress headquarters after taking charge of the party's women's wing.
In the Margao case, the victim had given a statement but on the next day she changed it. She said she was not abused. If she has made the statement on her own, then nothing can be done but the circumstances in which she changed her statement must be inquired. Is anyone trying to suppress this matter? This should also be investigated," Khalap said.
Khalap also questioned the parading of the victim before the media, even with her face covered, by the NGO Bailancho Ekvott led by Auda Viegas.
She said it must be seen if this (subjecting the victim to the media) is permissible, even if they had her face covered. The victim’s emotional State should have been taken into account before presenting her to the media, she added.
Law and order deteriorating
Khalap meanwhile said that cases of violence against women were on the rise in the State.
"There has been at least one woman filing a complaint with the police everyday last year (2024)," Khalap said, adding that the number of women who are victimised but do not come forward to complain fearing societal backlash is even higher.
Khalap demanded specific budgetary provisions for women's safety, adding that the Congress is committed to providing justice to women and will organise a 'Nyay Yatra' on April 3.
