Goa Horror: BJP Councillor’s Son Held For Filming, Blackmailing Minors; POCSO Case Filed
A 20-year-old man, Soham Naik, son of a BJP councillor in South Goa, has been arrested for allegedly circulating sexually explicit videos, including those involving minor girls, and blackmailing victims. At least three victims have now come forward and recorded their statements, according to a report.
Naik was arrested on Sunday night after a large crowd gathered outside a police station, demanding an impartial probe into an alleged “sex racket”. Protesters urged police to register a suo motu FIR and warned of a bandh if action was not taken within 48 hours.
Police initially registered a suo motu FIR based on certain videos, invoking sections related to obscene acts and the IT Act. On Monday, provisions under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) and the Goa Children’s Act were added.
The case came to light after a report in a local daily alleged that the accused had circulated explicit videos of minor girls and boasted about them. He is also accused of engaging in sexual relations with at least 14 girls, including minors, and filming videos to blackmail them.
Victims record statements
Police appealed to victims to come forward. Two additional FIRs were registered on Tuesday after two victims recorded their statements. All three cases have now been transferred to the Crime Branch for investigation.
Details of FIRs
In one case, a minor alleged that between January and June 2023, the accused befriended her on the pretext of marriage, took her to isolated locations, and committed forceful sexual acts. The FIR states the incidents were recorded and shared with others.
