The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has stepped in after a local village council in Socorro served an evacuation notice to the family of a man arrested for the alleged rape of a six-year-old girl. The commission has taken serious note of the panchayat's action following public pressure.
GHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognisance, Demands Report
Acting on its own initiative, the commission has issued a formal notice to the secretary of the Socorro panchayat. The GHRC, chaired by Desmond D’Costa with member Pramod Kamat, has directed the panchayat official to submit a detailed report on the incident by January 6, 2026. This move comes after neighbours gathered outside the accused's residence, demanding the eviction of his family members in the wake of his arrest.
Horrific Details of the Crime Emerge
The case, registered by Porvorim police, stems from a complaint filed by the minor victim's mother. According to Police Inspector Rahul Parab, the accused was hired by the family to transport the girl to and from school. He allegedly began by inappropriately touching the child at various locations in Porvorim before November 2025. The abuse escalated to sexual assault and rape, with the accused threatening the girl to stay silent about the horrific acts.
A medical examination conducted at the Goa Medical College in Bambolim confirmed evidence of sexual assault. Police acted swiftly on the complaint, traced the accused, and placed him under arrest. He was subsequently produced before the Judicial Magistrate First Class in Mapusa, who remanded him to four days of police custody for further investigation.
Community Outrage and Legal Implications
The incident has sparked significant outrage in the local community, leading to the demonstration outside the accused's home. However, the panchayat's decision to issue an evacuation notice to the accused's family has raised questions about collective punishment and the rights of family members not charged with any crime. The GHRC's intervention highlights the need for due process and adherence to legal and human rights frameworks, even in the face of emotionally charged and heinous allegations. The commission's forthcoming report is expected to clarify the legality and rationale behind the panchayat's controversial action.
