PANAJI
The North Goa Police busted a major sextortion racket in the State that targeted rich businessmen from Gujarat by blackmailing them with false rape allegations. Two women, known for previously filing rape complaints against men in both Goa and Gujarat, along with their male accomplice Vishwadeep Gohil were arrested on Monday.
Their arrest by Calangute police followed when they attempted to extort another susceptible victim. The group also has connections to a murder case involving Manisha Goswami, who had honey-trapped a Gujarati businessman, ultimately leading to his suicide.
Superintendent of Police (North Goa) Nidhin Valsan said that the accused were arrested following a complaint from Kiran Patel, a Gujarat-based businessman. Patel accused the women of developing a friendship with him and later threatened him of filing fabricated rape charges until he paid them Rs 2 lakh.
“During the investigation, it was learnt that the accused is involved in filing complaints of rape at various police stations in Goa and Gujarat. The details of these cases are being obtained from the concerned,” he said
Sources told The Goan that Patel initially connected with one of the women through a dating app where she posed as a beautician, gained his trust, and expressed interest in expanding her business. They maintained regular contact via calls and WhatsApp.
“After gaining his trust, she convinced him to book a flight to Goa and a hotel in Calangute. Upon arrival, they spent time at Calangute and Baga beaches, sharing ‘cozy, lonely and quality time’ and checked into a hotel.
Later, she left under the pretext of meeting her female friend,” revealed a source quoting the complaint copy, adding that Patel soon realised that she had filed a rape complaint against him.
Sources said that she then pressured Patel to settle the matter privately, demanding Rs 15 lakh, which was eventually negotiated down to Rs 2 lakh.
Patel eventually reported the matter to the police with a written complaint letter, leading to a discreet investigation and subsequent arrests.
