The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Goa has questioned the state's BJP government over the safety of children after two cases of alleged sexual assault on minor girls. According to Goemkarponn, AAP Goa Women's Wing President Mamata Naik-Maben spoke about the matter at Panaji, asking how children can feel safe when people meant to protect them are themselves accused of such crimes.
Key points
- AAP Goa's women's wing president raised two cases of alleged sexual assault on minor girls.
- One case involves a Crime Branch Police Inspector, accused of assaulting a 16-year-old girl.
- The other involves a 32-year-old Bal Rath driver, accused of assaulting several schoolgirls.
- She demanded strict action, an impartial investigation and fast-tracked court proceedings.
The two cases mentioned
Ms Naik-Maben referred to the alleged sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl by Crime Branch Police Inspector Vikas Deykar. She also referred to a case in which a 32-year-old Bal Rath driver is accused of sexually assaulting multiple schoolgirls. Both matters involve allegations, and the accused have not been proven guilty in court.
She asked whether proper background checks and verification were done before people were appointed to positions linked to the safety of children.
Questions on police procedure
Ms Naik-Maben also raised concern over how the minor girl was allegedly called to the police station late at night. She asked why the girl was summoned at such an hour and why no woman police officer was present during the interaction.
She put these questions to Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, who also holds the Home portfolio, and asked about the accountability of his government in protecting children in the state.
What AAP is demanding
Ms Naik-Maben demanded strict action against both accused and a thorough and impartial investigation. She also asked for both cases to be fast-tracked in court so that the victims get justice.
She said that registering FIRs and suspending the accused is not enough. In her view, the government must make sure the investigations are done properly, the victims receive justice, and everyone found responsible is held accountable.
She also called on the government to take concrete steps to restore public confidence in the safety of children across Goa.
Why it matters
The cases raise questions about the safety of children and about the checks applied to people who work with them or deal with them in an official role. The report does not mention any response from the government or the police to the points raised by AAP.
