Panaji, March 29, 2026 | The Indian National Congress has made serious allegations in connection with an ongoing sexual assault case in Goa, claiming that more than 100 minor girls may have been victimised in a widening scandal. The claim was made by Goa Pradesh Congress President Amit Patkar during a protest held on Saturday.
The case involves Soham, a 20-year-old accused and the son of Sushant Naik, a member of the Curchorem Municipal Council in South Goa. He has been accused of sexually assaulting minor girls, recording obscene videos, and circulating them.
Allegations of Larger Network
Addressing the protest organised by the Goa Pradesh Mahila Congress, Patkar alleged that the scale of the case could be significantly larger than what has been officially reported so far. He claimed that the accused had been involved in such activities for nearly three years.
According to Patkar, victims are believed to be from multiple areas, including Khorlim, Madgaon, Vasco, and Ponda. He also raised concerns about the mental health of the victims, stressing the urgent need for counselling and support to prevent distress or extreme actions.
Police Action and Legal Proceedings
Soham was arrested on March 21, and authorities have registered four cases against him under multiple laws, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Goa Children’s Act, the Indian Penal Code, and the Information Technology Act.
However, according to the Crime Branch officials investigating the case, only three victims have come forward with formal complaints so far. Police have stated that efforts are ongoing to encourage other potential victims to report incidents, and the full scope of the case will become clearer as the investigation progresses.
Congress Alleges Delay in FIR Registration
The Congress leadership has also accused the police of initially hesitating to register cases. Patkar claimed that there was a delay in taking action, which may have impacted the reporting of the incidents.
He emphasised that prompt legal action and victim support mechanisms are critical in such sensitive cases.
BJP Response
Responding to the allegations, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Siddharth Ghons Desai clarified that the accused’s father, Sushant Naik, is not affiliated with the party.
He stated that Naik is an independent politician and pointed out that municipal elections in the region are not contested on party symbols. Desai also said that he had personally led protests demanding action in the case, following which the accused was arrested.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation remains underway, with authorities working to determine the full extent of the alleged crimes. Police have urged anyone with information or who may have been affected to come forward.
Officials reiterated that the current number of confirmed complaints stands at three, and any claims regarding a larger number of victims will be verified as part of the ongoing probe.
Focus on Victim Support
Amid the political exchanges, there has been growing emphasis on ensuring adequate support for victims. Experts and leaders have stressed the importance of counselling, legal aid, and protection mechanisms for minors involved in such cases.
As the investigation unfolds, the case has sparked widespread concern in Goa, with demands for accountability, transparency, and swift justice continuing to grow.
