Goa Police Launch Inquiry Against Officer Accused of Pressuring Gangrape Survivor
Panaji: In a concerning development, Goa Police have initiated a formal inquiry against a lady police sub-inspector (LPSI) who allegedly pressured a 25-year-old mentally challenged woman, a survivor of an alleged gangrape, and her mother to favor the accused person. The officer is accused of coercing them to consent to his bail application on the grounds that he had spent one year in judicial custody.
Police Confirm Investigation into Serious Allegations
Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Kumar confirmed the inquiry, stating, "We are inquiring into the matter," highlighting the department's commitment to addressing the allegations. This case has drawn significant attention due to the vulnerable status of the survivor and the serious nature of the accusations against a law enforcement officer.
Background of the Gangrape Case
The incident traces back to January 2025, when police arrested five men for abducting and gangraping the mentally challenged woman. According to police reports:
- The prime accused first "enticed" and abducted the woman from the KTC bus stand in Margao.
- They travelled to Vasco by bus and then to Dabolim junction by scooter.
- At Dabolim, four others joined him in a car.
- The group then took the survivor to a flat in Cansaulim, where they allegedly gangraped her.
Victim Assistance Unit Uncovers Pressure Tactics
The Victim Assistance Unit (VAU) attended the South Goa district and sessions court to support the survivor during a hearing related to the accused individual's bail application. During interactions, the survivor and her mother expressed their wish to withdraw the case, citing continuous pressure from the investigating officer.
Emidio Pinho, the state government's VAU in-charge, revealed, "The survivor also disclosed that the investigating officer advised her to settle the case with the accused person for a substantial sum of money and demanded a portion of the compensation." This allegation adds a layer of financial exploitation to the already grave situation.
Pattern of Coercion and Inaction
According to the VAU report, the survivor's mother stated that on several occasions, the investigating officer consistently aimed to coerce the survivor and her family into withdrawing the case. Furthermore, it was disclosed that:
- After registration of the offence, family members of the accused person repeatedly visited the survivor and her mother.
- They took them to restaurants and attempted to persuade them to withdraw the case.
- Despite reporting these incidents to the investigating officer, no preventive or corrective action was taken, raising questions about police responsiveness.
This pattern of alleged coercion and inaction has sparked outrage and calls for accountability within the police force, emphasizing the need for robust victim protection mechanisms in sensitive cases.
