Sex scandal: Forensic report in, set to steer investigation

PANAJI
The investigation into the Curchorem sex scandal, which has so far led to five First Information Reports against Soham Naik, has entered a more critical phase after the Crime Branch received the most-awaited forensic analysis report of his mobile phone from the Verna Forensic Science Laboratory.

The report arrives even as the overall investigation appears to be running into procedural setbacks, with key complainants either turning uncooperative or becoming difficult to trace, at least for now.

Naik was recently granted interim anticipatory bail in one of the five cases registered against him, with the investigation team now heavily relying on the forensic report. Sources revealed that the experts have reportedly retrieved videos and photographs that were allegedly deleted before the device was seized by police.

The forensic findings are also said to include a detailed log of calls, text and WhatsApp messages made and received by Naik during the period relevant to the alleged offences.

The development could prove pivotal in a case that has stirred considerable public attention. But while the CB attempts to piece together allegations spread across these complaints, the probe has also been complicated by a few reversals from complainants.

In one of the cases, a teenage complainant who had accused Naik of repeatedly raping her between July 2025 and March 2026 under the pretext of marriage had lately declined to undergo a medical examination. In an email sent to the Goa Police days earlier, the complainant had alleged that the assaults took place over several months at different locations, including near the Quepem waterfall.

She had also accused Naik of circulating obscene images of her on social media without her consent.

In another case, sources said the complainant has allegedly since taken a U-turn, reportedly stating that Naik was only a friend. In the first FIR registered against Naik, the complainant was said to be untraceable.