Accused held for Pernem girl’s molestation, was on the run

Mapusa: Police have arrested the accused in the case of assault and molestation of an SC community girl from Pernem. The accused, who police said was on the run since the alleged crime (Monday evening), was arrested at Bhedshi village inside the Maharashtra border near Dodamarg, on Saturday morning.
The alleged molestation of the minor girl belonging to the SC community on Ambedkar Jayanti had sparked outrage in Pernem, with the members of the community claiming that they were given unfair treatment by police.
“The investigations were carried out by a DySP-rank officer as mandated by the law. We were in search of the accused in the case,” North Goa SP Akshat Kaushal said. “We finally arrested him while he was hiding at Bhedshi village.” The SP said that the further judicial process has already been initiated.
Pernem police on Thursday had constituted a team to trace an electricity department employee in connection with the alleged sexual harassment of the 17-year-old.
According to sources, the girl was allegedly molested by a known person. Irate villagers had then marched to the Pernem police station for three consecutive days, alleging the inefficiency of police in investigating the matter and arresting the accused.
The investigation officer, a PSI, was transferred to the north district reserve line pending an inquiry in this connection. A detailed inquiry was sought to be conducted by a DySP, and a report will be submitted within two days.
“There was no delay in the arrest of the accused. He was on the run,” Kaushal said.
The minor’s mother had said that while her daughter was by the road near a shop, the accused approached her and asked if she had a scooter licence. The girl replied, “Who are you to question?” He then allegedly grabbed her hand, tore off the collar of her dress, and abused her with derogatory words involving the caste. The girl’s neighbours said she was asked to appear before police multiple times, but there was no action against the accused.