Residents had issued 24-hour ultimatum threatening road blockade
A large crowd at the Curchorem Police Station, demanding the arrest of the accused in the alleged scandal.
SANGUEM
With pressure mounting on the police over the past two days, Curchorem Police on Sunday late evening arrested a 20-year-old youth in connection with the sex scandal that has gripped the town.
The accused, identified as Soham Naik, a resident of Madhegal-Curchorem, was taken into custody following growing public outrage and demands for swift action.
Police informed that the arrest has been made under Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 67A of the Information Technology Act (ITA), which pertains to publishing or transmitting sexually explicit material in electronic form.
The case had triggered widespread concern in Curchorem, with locals gathering earlier in the day and pressing the police to act promptly against those involved. Allegations of delay in action had further intensified public anger, prompting authorities to move swiftly. Further investigation in the matter is underway.
Earlier, tensions escalated in Curchorem on Sunday as residents issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the police, threatening a road blockade if immediate action is not taken in connection with an alleged scandal that has stirred widespread outrage.
A large crowd gathered outside the Curchorem Police Station, demanding the arrest of the accused, citing details reportedly revealed in a recent media report. Locals expressed fears that delays in action could allow the accused to flee the state or even the country, and alleged that political pressure might be influencing the police response.
Leading the protest, former councillor Anand Prabhudessai urged authorities to clarify the status of the investigation and act without delay. “If no concrete action is taken within 24 hours, we will be forced to resort to a road blockade in Curchorem,” he warned. Protesters also called on MLA Nilesh Cabral to break his silence and intervene, recalling his role during a similar controversy in 2007.
Residents criticised the police for what they termed a “wait-and-watch approach,” pointing out that expecting victims to come forward in such sensitive cases is unrealistic. The agitation gained momentum following a report in a vernacular daily, which locals claim provides sufficient leads to identify those responsible.
Concerns intensified amid claims of potential minor involvement, prompting anxiety among parents and calls for immediate action to prevent further panic and reputational damage to the town. Rumours related to the case have already spread widely, affecting individuals not connected to the incident.
While police have refrained from providing details, they stated that due procedure is being followed. Meanwhile, GPCC President Amit Patkar and social worker Rohan Gauns Dessai called on authorities to verify the media report, take strict action against the guilty, and ensure protection for victims and their families.
