Goa Crime Branch Makes Arrest in Viral Tito's Lane Solicitation Video Case
The Crime Branch of the Goa Police has made a significant arrest in connection with a disturbing viral social media video that allegedly shows unidentified men soliciting a woman near the popular Tito's Lane at Baga in North Goa. The arrest was made on Thursday, marking a decisive step in the investigation.
Suo Motu Action and FIR Registration
Taking suo motu cognizance of the clips that were circulating widely online, the Crime Branch promptly registered a First Information Report (FIR). The FIR includes serious charges such as unwelcome physical advances involving explicit sexual overtures, demanding sexual favours, and the dissemination of content containing sexually explicit material.
Rahul Gupta, the Superintendent of Police for the Crime Branch, provided detailed insights into the case. He explained that the Social Media Monitoring Cell in Panaji first identified the videos on a YouTube channel and a Facebook account belonging to a native of Uttar Pradesh.
Technical Analysis and Arrest
The PRISM unit of the police then conducted a thorough technical analysis to trace the accused. Following this, a dedicated team led by SP Rahul Gupta traveled to Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, where they arrested 48-year-old Saurabh Sahni.
During interrogation, Sahni allegedly confessed to soliciting the woman for prostitution and recording the video on September 19, 2024, near the end of Tito's Lane in Baga. He further admitted to saving the video on a hard disk and later uploading it to his YouTube channel on April 12, 2026, with the intention of boosting his subscriber count.
Video Upload and Lack of Concealment
After the video garnered few views on YouTube, Sahni reportedly uploaded the same clip to his personal Facebook account. Critically, he told the police that he did not blur or conceal the survivor's face before posting the video online, exacerbating the harm caused.
Survivor Identification and Ongoing Investigation
The Crime Branch successfully traced the woman featured in the video, who is a foreign national, and recorded her statement. The investigation remains active as authorities work to identify and trace other co-accused individuals seen in the clip.
This case highlights the growing challenges of cybercrime and the importance of vigilant social media monitoring. The Goa Police's proactive approach underscores their commitment to addressing such offenses and ensuring justice for survivors.
