Team Goemkarponn
MAPUSA: In a landmark development, Goa has recorded its first full trial conviction under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, with the JMFC ‘D’ Court in Mapusa sentencing a 39-year-old man in a case involving stalking, criminal trespass, attempted assault, and intimidation.
The case was registered by Anjuna Police on May 26, 2025, following a complaint by a 20-year-old woman from Arpora, who alleged that the accused, Sarvesh alias Muru alias Babu Govekar, had been persistently following her over a long period.
On May 24, 2025, at around 3:15 pm, the accused allegedly entered the verandah of her house in Simwaddo, Arpora, armed with a koita, attempted to assault her while she was alone, wrongfully restrained her, used abusive language targeting her modesty, and threatened her and her family members with dire consequences, including death threats.
He was arrested on the same day the offence was reported, and after completion of investigation, a chargesheet was filed. Following trial, the court convicted the accused and sentenced him to three years’ simple imprisonment and a fine of Rs 15,000 under Section 78 of BNS, a fine of Rs 10,000 under Section 79, and one year’s simple imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 10,000 under Section 333, with additional imprisonment in default of payment of fines.
The court also directed that the total fine amount of Rs 35,000 be paid to the victim as compensation under the provisions of the BNSS, 2023. Police stated that this conviction marks a significant milestone in the implementation of the new criminal laws in the state.
The case was investigated by PSI Saish Kinlekar under the supervision of SP (North Goa) Harishchandra Madkaikar, SDPO Mapusa Wilson C. D’Souza, and PI Suraj H. Gawas.
