Congress Marches to Goa Police Headquarters, Demands Justice for Minor Girls and Stronger Measures for Women’s Safety

Congress alleges 63% rise in sexual abuse cases over five years; demands preventive policing, accountability and action-taken report within seven days

Goa Khabar: The Goa Pradesh Youth Congress, along with the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC), Goa Pradesh Mahila Congress and other frontal organisations, staged a protest march to the Goa Police Headquarters in Panaji on Thursday, demanding justice for minor girls who have been victims of sexual assault and stronger measures to ensure the safety of women and children across the state.

The protest was organised in response to recent cases of alleged sexual assault reported in Mapusa, Canacona and Curchorem. Congress leaders and workers raised slogans of “Suraksha Badhao, Beti Bachao” and accused the BJP-led state government of failing to prevent crimes against women and children.

A Congress delegation led by PCC Media Chairman Amarnath Panjikar and Goa Pradesh Youth Congress President Adv. Archit Naik, accompanied by spokesperson Adv. Shabnam Khan, former Mahila Congress President Adv. Pratima Coutinho and other office-bearers, submitted a memorandum to Director General of Police Alok Kumar.

The delegation demanded immediate and impartial investigations into recent sexual assault cases, stronger preventive policing, accountability of negligent officials and effective implementation of laws protecting women and children.

Congress Alleges 63% Increase in Sexual Abuse Cases

Addressing the media, Amarnath Panjikar expressed concern over the law and order situation in Goa and claimed that crimes involving sexual abuse of women and children had increased by 63 per cent over the past five years.

He further claimed that while the national crime rate against women stood at 4.3 per cent, Goa’s figure was 13.3 per cent. These figures were cited by the Congress leader and were not independently verified.

Panjikar questioned the effectiveness of the Home Department and accused the government of failing to take adequate preventive measures.

He said Goa should be recognised nationally for development, prosperity and positive achievements rather than incidents of sexual violence against women and children.

Questioning the government’s campaigns promoting women’s empowerment and child protection, Panjikar said slogans such as “Beti Bachao” and “Nari Shakti” would have little meaning unless the government ensured the safety of women and minor girls.

He maintained that arresting accused persons after crimes had occurred could not be considered sufficient evidence of effective policing.

Panjikar demanded greater accountability from the Home Department and police authorities, stressing that preventing crimes must receive as much attention as investigating them.

Government Failing to Implement Existing Laws: Shabnam Khan

Goa Pradesh Mahila Congress General Secretary and PCC Spokesperson Adv. Shabnam Khan accused the government of failing to effectively enforce existing laws meant to protect women and children.

She said the presence of legislation alone was insufficient unless authorities ensured its proper implementation.

Khan emphasised the need for better coordination among the police, government departments and child protection agencies to ensure timely intervention and assistance to vulnerable children.

She also stated that all stakeholders should work together to strengthen the protection and security of women and children.

Goa’s Reputation as a Safe Destination at Risk: Archit Naik

Goa Pradesh Youth Congress President Adv. Archit Naik expressed concern over recent incidents of sexual violence and described Goa as becoming the “rape capital of the country.”

Naik claimed that increasing crime was creating fear among residents and could damage Goa’s reputation as a peaceful and safe tourist destination.

He said the government must take immediate measures to restore public confidence and ensure that women and children can live without fear.

Naik demanded intensified police patrolling, improved surveillance in vulnerable areas, strict enforcement of child protection laws and action against officials found negligent in their duties.

Pratima Coutinho Questions Silence of BJP Women Leaders

Former Mahila Congress President Adv. Pratima Coutinho questioned the silence of women leaders associated with the BJP over recent sexual assault cases involving minor girls.

She said women’s safety should remain above party politics and urged women leaders across political parties to speak out against such incidents.

Coutinho stated that she had requested the DGP to ensure speedy investigations and fast-track trials in cases involving sexual assault of minors.

She demanded strict punishment for those convicted, including the death penalty wherever legally applicable.

Coutinho also stressed the importance of providing adequate protection, legal assistance and support to survivors and their families throughout the investigation and judicial process.

Congress Demands Action-Taken Report Within Seven Days

In the memorandum submitted to DGP Alok Kumar, the Congress delegation demanded immediate, impartial and time-bound investigations into recent sexual assault cases involving minor girls.

The party also called for strict action against police officials found negligent, increased night patrolling, better surveillance in vulnerable areas and effective enforcement of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Congress sought a comprehensive review of crimes against women and children in Goa, improved coordination between police and child protection agencies, and appropriate assistance and security for survivors and their families.

The delegation demanded a written action-taken report within seven days, detailing the measures initiated by the police in response to the memorandum.

Several Congress Leaders Participate in Protest

The protest witnessed participation from several Congress leaders and office-bearers, including GPCC General Secretary Everson Valles, Minority Department Chairman Nazir Khan, Social Media Department Chairman Himanshu Tivrekar, District Presidents Shashank Narvekar, Mangaldas Naik and Rajesh Verekar, spokesperson Vivek D’Silva, Samil Volvoikar, Narayan Redkar, Saeesh Aroskar, Pralay Bhagat, Chandan Mandrekar, Bhola Ghadi, Khemlo Sawant, Pramesh Mayekar, Warren Alemao, Balkrishna Hoddarkar, Dyaneshwar Govekar, Moinuddhin Khan and Jakwan Mulla, among others.

Congress leaders maintained that the government’s responsibility extended beyond registering FIRs and arresting accused persons. They said effective governance required preventive policing, accountability, timely investigations and measures to ensure the safety and dignity of women and children.

The party warned that it would continue raising the issue until the government and police administration took concrete steps to address its concerns.

Congress reiterated that the protection of women and children must remain a top priority for the state government and demanded immediate corrective measures from the Home Department.