Old Goa Police Arrest Suspended PI Vikas Deykar, Rajani Palekar in POCSO Case

Both accused arrested after police found inconsistencies in their statements; further investigation underway

Goa Khabar: Old Goa Police have arrested two accused, including suspended Police Inspector Vikas Deykar, in connection with a case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

The arrested accused have been identified as PI Vikas Deykar (40), who is presently under suspension from the Goa Crime Branch, and Rajani Palekar (37), a resident of Vasco, Goa.

According to a press note issued by the North Goa District Police, the arrests were made on Wednesday in connection with FIR No. 132/2026 registered at Old Goa Police Station.

Inconsistencies Found During Interrogation

Police stated that both accused had earlier joined the investigation after being served notices under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

However, during further interrogation on Wednesday, investigators reportedly noticed material inconsistencies in their statements. Both accused allegedly failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding crucial aspects of the case.

Police Cite Need for Custodial Interrogation

According to police, the decision to arrest both accused was based on evidence collected during the investigation, their alleged involvement in the offence and their reported lack of cooperation.

Police also cited the necessity of custodial interrogation and concerns that the accused could potentially influence witnesses or tamper with evidence.

Following these developments, both accused were formally placed under arrest on November 4.

Further Investigation Underway

The North Goa District Police confirmed that further investigation into the case is underway.

The arrests mark a significant development in the ongoing POCSO investigation involving the suspended police inspector and the second accused.