Two sexual assaults involving four-year-old girls within three days have raised serious concerns over child safety in Goa. Even as outrage over the Mapusa incident was subsiding following the accused’s arrest, a similar case emerged in Canacona. While the Mapusa case triggered widespread protests, the reaction to the Canacona incident was comparatively muted. Is society becoming insensitive to such crimes? Goa must not follow states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where frequent reports of sexual violence risk normalising such incidents. With both accused arrested, the challenge now is ensuring speedy trials and convictions. Justice delayed only adds to the trauma of victims and their families. India must debate harsher punishments, including chemical castration, for particularly heinous child sexual offences, while ensuring penalties are legally sound and proportionate. Goa also needs stronger child-protection mechanisms, monitoring of abandoned premises, public awareness and swift police action, with parents, schools, communities and authorities working together.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
