Goa Gangrape Survivor Alleges Police Pressure to Favor Accused and Withdraw Case
In a disturbing development from Panaji, a 25-year-old mentally challenged woman, who survived an alleged gangrape, and her mother have come forward with serious allegations against a lady police sub-inspector (LPSI). They claim the officer pressured them to favor the accused person and consent to his bail application, citing that he had already spent one year in judicial custody.
Victim Assistance Unit Intervenes in Court Hearing
The Victim Assistance Unit (VAU) of the state government attended the South Goa district and sessions court to support the survivor during a hearing related to the bail application of the accused. During their interaction, the survivor and her mother expressed a desire to withdraw the case entirely. They attributed this decision to continuous pressure from the investigating officer, who allegedly urged them to consent to bail on the grounds of the accused's time in custody.
Allegations of Financial Coercion and Misconduct
Emidio Pinho, the in-charge of the state government's VAU, revealed shocking details. The survivor disclosed that the investigating officer advised her to settle the case with the accused for a substantial sum of money and even demanded a portion of the compensation, Pinho stated. This raises grave concerns about ethical breaches within the police force.
According to the VAU report, the survivor's mother described how the investigating officer consistently aimed at coercing the survivor and her family into withdrawing the case. Furthermore, it was disclosed that after the offence was registered, family members of the accused repeatedly visited the survivor and her mother.
- They took them to restaurants on multiple occasions.
- They attempted to persuade them to withdraw the case.
- Despite reporting these incidents to the investigating officer, no preventive or corrective action was taken.
Impact on Survivor and Family Leading to Withdrawal Desire
Due to sustained pressure, interference, loss of trust in the investigation, and resulting fear and mental distress, the survivor and her mother stated that they felt unsafe. This environment of intimidation directly contributed to their wish to withdraw the case, Pinho emphasized, highlighting the systemic failures in protecting vulnerable victims.
Background of the Case: January 2025 Arrests
In January 2025, Goa police arrested five men for abducting and gangraping the mentally challenged woman. Police reports indicate that the prime accused first enticed and abducted the woman from the KTC bus stand in Margao. The journey continued as they traveled to Vasco by bus and then to Dabolim junction by scooter.
- Once in Dabolim, four others joined the prime accused in a car.
- They then took the survivor to a flat in Cansaulim.
- It was at this location that they allegedly gangraped her, leading to the serious charges.
This case underscores critical issues in the justice system, particularly regarding the treatment of survivors with disabilities and the alleged misconduct by authorities tasked with their protection.
