PANAJI
A 39-year-old man was arrested for stalking and sexually harassing college students near Goa University and the Women’s Hostel. The arrest was possible after some students confided in Goa Police, who held an outreach programme for the varsity students, particularly female college-goers, on Friday. The accused identified as Viraj Chari is married with children.North Goa SP Nidhin Valsan said the students reached out to their women staff after taking part in a self-defence workshop conducted on the GU campus. They were also briefed on how to tackle eve-teasing and sexual harassment.
“Our aim to hold the outreach programme was for young girls and college students to give them an insight on the legal provisions for their safety. We also demonstrated self-defence techniques and asked them to speak up in case they have any concerns. It was hereafter that some of them disclosed to our women staff about an unknown man stalking and sexually harassing them,” Valsan said.
The students disclosed that the man “ unidentified until his arrest -- would touch them inappropriately on the pretext of asking for directions. A photograph of the car, in which the accused visited the campus almost on a daily basis, was shared with the policewomen. Armed with a few more leads and security camera footage, the police team swooped down on the accused on the same day.
The SP stated that the accused is booked and arrested under section 354-D (stalking) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code.
The police have shared their helpline number, and contact details of the women police station, Pink Force, control room and the local police stations.
