PANAJI
Even as the Crime Branch obtained police custody of Soham Naik in a second alleged rape case, the investigation is facing mounting hurdles that could derail its momentum.
The most immediate concern arises from the first FIR, where the complainant, a key figure in the case, is purportedly untraceable. Her absence has stalled efforts to record testimony at a crucial stage of the investigation.
Police sources told The Goan the survivor had earlier approached the Goa police via email, and attached supporting photographs that allegedly showed her nude images -- allegedly clicked/accessed by Naik to threaten her. That material has been an important part of the case record, but officials are now unable to move forward without her statement.
“She is not to be contacted, and her family claims they do not know her whereabouts,” a source said, adding they are making efforts to reach out to her for testimony.
The setback has emerged just as officers are attempting to piece together a string of allegations across five FIRs, each handled separately but believed to carry overlapping elements.
The probe has been further slowed by delays in the forensic examination of Naik’s seized mobile phone. The device, considered central to the investigation, was sent for data recovery soon after the FIRs. The investigation teams found that relevant content was erased, and its retrieval is essential for presenting a watertight case in court.
“We are still waiting for the forensic report. Until then, we cannot access potentially critical material,” the source said.
Naik, son of a BJP-backed councillor, was arrested on March 21 following public outrage over serious allegations. The case was later transferred to the Crime Branch, with Director General of Police Alok Kumar stating that the shift would help ensure a more rigorous investigation while safeguarding the identities of those involved. The Goan tried contacting the Crime Branch but officials remained unavailable for comment.
