Mapusa police have registered a case against a 34-year-old man for allegedly kidnapping and sexually abusing a minor boy in Bardez.
According to police, the complaint was lodged by the victim’s father who stated that the incident reportedly occurred on January 7 between 10 pm and 11 pm, when the 15-year-old boy was walking along a roadside in Mapusa.
Police said the accused allegedly approached the minor on a scooter and took him away without the consent or knowledge of his lawful guardian.
The accused has been identified as Mathew Almeida (34), a resident of Boavista, Bastora.
Police further stated that the accused, despite being fully aware that the victim was a minor, allegedly sexually abused and harassed the boy, including inappropriate physical contact.
Based on the complaint, police have registered offences under Sections 137(2) and 75(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Sections 8 and 8(2) of the Goa Children’s Act, Sections 8 and 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Sections 75 and 84 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act. Police said further investigation is underway.
