Goa Court Grants Four-Day Custody Extension in Curchorem Pocso Case
The children's court in Margao on Friday extended the police custody of Soham Naik, the prime accused in the Curchorem sexual assault case, by four days. This extension was granted as the crime branch pressed for additional time to interrogate the accused thoroughly.
Fresh FIR Brings Total Cases to Four
With a new First Information Report (FIR) registered against him on Friday, the total number of cases against the 20-year-old now stands at four. The latest complaint has been filed by a minor girl, and police officials indicated that more survivors are likely to come forward to lodge their complaints in the coming days.
Serious Charges Under Pocso Act
Naik faces severe charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. The allegations include:
- Sexually assaulting minor girls and young women
- Recording obscene videos and photographs of victims
- Blackmailing victims by threatening to circulate the material on social media platforms
Background of the Accused and Case Transfer
Soham Naik is a resident of Madhegal, Cacora, and his father Sushant Naik serves as a councillor of the Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council. The accused was arrested following significant public uproar outside the Curchorem police station. Given the sensitivity of the case and the need to protect survivors' confidentiality, the investigation was subsequently transferred to the crime branch.
Investigations have revealed that both the accused and some of the survivors were minors at the time of the alleged incidents. Director General of Police Alok Kumar stated on Thursday that a "fair and prompt" investigation will be conducted, assuring the public that there should be no doubt about the process.
Political Pressure and Demands for Resignation
Meanwhile, a delegation from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by state president Valmiki Naik, met the Deputy Inspector General of police in Panaji on Friday. They submitted a memorandum demanding a time-bound investigation in the case.
The AAP alleged that initial attempts were made to conceal the identity of the accused person's father and that only lenient cybercrime sections were applied until non-governmental organizations intervened, leading to the invocation of Pocso provisions. The party has demanded the resignation of councillor Sushant Naik on moral grounds, citing his son's serious charges.
The case continues to develop as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the allegations and ensure justice for all survivors involved.
