MAPUSA
Former minister and Siolim MLA Vinod Palienkar has been booked by the police for allegedly sexually exploiting a 23-year-old woman on the pretext of providing her with a job.
According to a complaint lodged on January 31, 2026, the victim from Canca-Bardez alleged that the accused established a relationship with her between August 2019 and January 8, 2026, while she was residing at the same address.
In her complaint, the woman alleged that Palienkar induced her into the relationship by making false and misleading assurances regarding career opportunities.
Relying on these promises, she claimed she was drawn into the relationship, during which she was allegedly subjected to sexual harassment, abuse and sexual assault.
The complainant further alleged that the accused failed to fulfil the promised career opportunities and dishonestly cheated her, causing mental, emotional and personal harm.
Sources in the police informed that the woman used to work as a housemaid at the former minister's house.
Police have registered a case under Sections 69, 75(2) and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Palienkar was elected to the Goa Legislative Assembly from Siolim on a Goa Forward Party ticket in the 2017 Assembly elections.
He had served as the Water Resources and Fisheries Minister in the BJP-led coalition government headed by the then chief minister late Manohar Parrikar.
Cops keep case under wraps for fortnight
In a development that was kept under wraps for nearly a fortnight, Goa police maintained complete secrecy over the registration of a case against former minister Vinod Palienkar in connection with allegations of sexual exploitation and cheating.
The FIR, registered about two weeks ago, did not figure in the regular police bulletin circulated to the media.
There was also no official mention of the case either by the police station concerned or by senior police officers, despite the high-profile nature of the accused.
Sources informed that the police had issued a notice to the former minister in the matter and that he has appeared before the investigating officers on four occasions for questioning.
Confirming the registration of the offence, Mapusa Police Inspector Navin Desai said, “We have registered a case against the former minister.”
When asked whether Palienkar would be arrested, the PI said, “The investigation is on,” indicating that no decision has yet been taken on further action.
Police have booked the former MLA under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the probe is currently underway.
