Team Goemkarponn
CURCHOREM: Under mounting public pressure, Curchorem police late on Sunday evening arrested a 20-year-old man in connection with the sex scandal that has shaken the town.
The accused, identified as Soham Naik, a resident of Madhegal-Curchorem, was taken into custody following widespread demands for swift action. Police said the arrest was made under Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 67A of the Information Technology Act (ITA), which deals with publishing or transmitting sexually explicit material online.
The case had sparked significant concern among locals, who gathered earlier in the day urging authorities to act promptly. Allegations of police delay had intensified public anger, leading to the expedited arrest. Further investigations are ongoing.
Tensions had escalated earlier on Sunday when residents issued a 24-hour ultimatum, warning of a road blockade if immediate action was not taken. A large crowd assembled outside the Curchorem police station, demanding the arrest of those involved, citing information from a recent media report. Locals expressed fears that delays could allow the accused to flee the state or country, and claimed political pressure might be affecting the police response.
Leading the protest, former councillor Anand Prabhudessai called for urgent clarification on the investigation and warned, “If no action is taken within 24 hours, we will be forced to block roads in Curchorem.” Protesters also urged MLA Nilesh Cabral to intervene, referencing his role in handling a similar controversy in 2007.
Residents criticised the police for what they described as a “wait-and-watch” approach, noting that expecting victims to come forward in such sensitive cases is unrealistic. The agitation gained momentum following a report in a vernacular daily, which locals say provided enough leads to identify those responsible.
Concerns deepened amid claims of potential minor involvement, sparking anxiety among parents and calls for immediate action to prevent further panic and reputational harm to the town. Rumours have already spread widely, affecting people not linked to the case.
Police, while not disclosing details, assured that proper procedures are being followed. Meanwhile, GPCC president Amit Patkar and social worker Rohan Gauns Dessai appealed to authorities to verify the media report, take strict action against the guilty, and ensure protection for victims and their families.
