The Cuncolim police have arrested Melson Coutinho, a resident of Cuncolim, for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman and cheating her of cash and gold ornaments worth around Rs 90 lakh under the pretext of marriage and medical expenses.
Police said the accused came in contact with the complainant through social media and promised to marry her. He allegedly called her to his residence, where he forcefully had sexual intercourse with the victim.
Subsequently, the accused is reported to have dishonestly induced the woman to part with cash and jewellery belonging to her, her mother and sister, claiming he needed money for marriage and medical treatment and promising to return it. Believing him, the victim handed over valuables worth Rs 90 lakh on different occasions.
When the complainant asked him to return the money and jewellery, the accused allegedly threatened to upload her nude photographs on social media.
During the investigation, a team led by Police Inspector Diego Gracias of Cuncolim Police Station, under the supervision of Superintendent of Police (South) Tikam Singh and SDPO Margao Sidhant Shirodkar, was formed to trace the accused. He was arrested on Wednesday.
