Accused apprehended in Panaji after 36-hour search; CCTV footage and intelligence inputs help police crack case
Goa Khabar: Mapusa Police have arrested a 28-year-old man in connection with a serious offence involving a minor girl. The arrest followed an intensive 36-hour search operation conducted by North Goa District Police and the Crime Branch.
The accused has been identified as Pundalik Kariyappa Gudge, a resident of Mapusa and a native of Dharwad, Karnataka.
According to North Goa District Police, the case was registered at Mapusa Police Station on November 9, 2026, under Crime No. 147/2026, invoking relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Goa Children’s Act and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Police said the investigation initially presented several challenges, as investigators had to establish the identities of those involved and reconstruct the sequence of events.
The investigating team examined CCTV footage from multiple locations, gathered intelligence inputs and verified information obtained during the investigation.
Based on crucial leads, police identified a suspect and launched an extensive search operation across Goa.
Joint teams searched major markets, bus stands, railway stations and other public locations over a period of approximately 36 hours.
The accused was eventually traced to Panaji and apprehended by a police team.
He was subsequently produced before the competent court, which granted five days of police custody.
Police said further investigation is underway to collect additional evidence and establish all relevant facts. Authorities are working towards filing a comprehensive chargesheet and ensuring a speedy trial.
The investigation was carried out by a team comprising officers and personnel from Mapusa Police Station, Anjuna Police Station, PRISM and the Crime Branch.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of senior police officers, including Ashish Shirodkar, SP/SDPO Mapusa, and Rahul Gupta, IPS, Superintendent of Police, North Goa District.
North Goa Police reiterated their commitment to conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring appropriate legal action in cases involving the safety and protection of children.
