PANAJI
The net is closing in on Soham Naik, as the Crime Branch has registered four FIRs in the alleged sex scandal against the youth and is set to add a fifth.
Statements of two victims have already been recorded, and the investigation team is in the process of registering yet another FIR based on their accounts.
Sources said that the sleuths are also recording statements of at least three more victims — all sisters — indicating that the scope of the case may expand further in the coming days.
Naik is accused of sexually exploiting several victims on the pretext of marriage, allegedly luring them into relationships before abusing their trust.
"We are still in the process of recording more statements. As of now five victims' statements are confirmed. A fifth FIR is expected to be registered today (Saturday) or tomorrow," an official said.
The CB is also considering recording the victims’ statements before a magistrate to strengthen the prosecution’s case. Naik's family's statements are also likely to be recorded, sources added.
Meanwhile, the Children’s Court in Friday extended the 20-year-old's police custody by four more days.
On Thursday, a team from the Crime Branch, accompanied by a mobile forensic unit, took the accused to his residence, where officials carried out an intensive search of the house, sources said. During the search officials recovered photographs and a mobile phone.
