CANACONA
The victim's father has accused BJP South Goa District Vice-President Mahesh Naik of abusing and pressurising him to withdraw the police complaint against his son, Pratik, who was arrested by Canacona police.
Speaking to meadia persons outside the Canacona police station, the girl's father said the incident took place as they were leaving the Canacona police station after filing the police complaint on Wednesday night.
“Mahesh Naik began pressuring me to withdraw the police complaint and abused me when I refused to do so. I then asked him if he would do the same if the victim had to be his daughter and he said my daughter's name would be tarnished,” alleged the father.
“I then told him that we would take care of our daughter till our last breath. He then began abusing me and even threatened to put me in jail by using his political clout and said I would not be able to do anything in the matter,” he further alleged.
Attempts were made to contact Mahesh (Govind) Naik to respond to the incident and the allegations against him, but his phone was switched off and he did not respond to the calls.
Meanwhile, Congress leaders visited the victim at the Canacona CHC and later went to the police station to enquire about the case.
Speaking to reporters, GPCC General Secretary Janardhan Bhandari claimed that women and girls in Canacona are not safe and demanded strict action against the accused.
Canacona Congress Block President Pranay Bhagat said police should not fall prey to political masters and must ensure justice to the victim and her parents.
