Goa Police Files FIR Against Former Minister in Sexual Assault Case
In a significant development, the Goa police have officially registered a First Information Report (FIR) against former water resource minister and ex-GFP Siolim MLA Vinod Paliencar. The case involves serious allegations of sexual intercourse with a 24-year-old woman, which the survivor claims was obtained through deceitful promises of providing a job and career assistance.
Legal Framework and Charges
The FIR has been meticulously filed under Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This specific section is designed to penalize acts of sexual intercourse that are secured through deceptive means. It explicitly covers situations where false promises—such as those of marriage or employment—are made without any genuine intention of fulfillment, thereby exploiting the victim's trust and vulnerability.
Survivor's Account and Timeline of Events
The survivor, a native of Delhi, detailed a harrowing four-year ordeal in her formal complaint to the authorities. According to her statement, she first met Vinod Paliencar four years ago, when she arrived in Goa in August 2019 with aspirations to build a career in music. Upon her arrival, she was approached by two unidentified men who, learning of her musical ambitions, claimed to know someone who could assist her. They subsequently escorted her to a flat where she was introduced to Paliencar, who identified himself as a minister.
"Paliencar had sex with me the first day I came to Goa," the survivor recounted in her complaint, highlighting the immediate nature of the alleged assault. Over the following years, Paliencar provided her with accommodation, initially in one flat and later moving her to a new location in January 2020, a short distance from the original residence. Throughout this period, she asserts that he continued to make false promises regarding job opportunities and music career support, none of which materialized.
Police Investigation and Medical Examination
Mapusa Police Inspector Navin Desai confirmed the registration of the case, stating, "We have registered a case against Paliencar." As part of the standard investigative protocol, the police have conducted a thorough medical examination of the survivor to gather forensic evidence. This step is crucial in building a robust case and ensuring that all aspects of the complaint are meticulously verified.
Denial and Recent Developments
The situation escalated in December 2025, when the survivor was abruptly instructed to vacate the flat immediately. In response, she contacted the police for assistance. When authorities questioned Vinod Paliencar about the allegations, he firmly denied any knowledge of the woman or how she came to reside in the flat. This denial stands in stark contrast to the survivor's detailed account, which includes allegations of repeated deceit and unfulfilled promises that she claims have devastated her career and personal life.
Broader Implications and Legal Proceedings
This case underscores the critical importance of legal provisions like Section 69 of the BNS in addressing sexual offenses predicated on deception. It also highlights the vulnerabilities faced by individuals seeking employment and career opportunities, particularly in scenarios where power dynamics are skewed. The Goa police's proactive registration of the FIR signals a commitment to investigating such allegations thoroughly, regardless of the accused's political or social stature.
As the investigation progresses, further details are expected to emerge, potentially shedding light on the full extent of the allegations and the legal outcomes that may follow. The survivor's courage in coming forward serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in combating sexual exploitation and the need for vigilant enforcement of laws designed to protect victims.
