A judicial magistrate's court in Mapusa has ordered five days of police custody for a 34-year-old man, a resident of Bastora, following his arrest for the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of a 15-year-old schoolboy. The arrest came after a swift investigation by Mapusa police, triggered by a complaint from the victim's father.
Details of the Disturbing Incident
The traumatic event unfolded on Wednesday night. The young victim was walking back to his home after attending tuition classes sometime between 10 pm and 11 pm. According to police reports, the accused, who was on a motorcycle, offered the boy a lift. However, instead of taking him to his destination, the man diverted the motorcycle to a deserted spot within Mapusa.
It was at this isolated location that the accused allegedly subjected the minor to a severe sexual assault and unnatural torture. Displaying immense courage, the boy managed to escape from the clutches of the assailant. He subsequently reached his home and immediately informed his parents about the horrific ordeal.
Swift Police Action Leads to Arrest
The boy's father lost no time and filed a formal complaint at the Mapusa police station. Acting promptly on the complaint, the police launched an immediate search operation to nab the perpetrator. Utilising local intelligence and resources, the police team successfully identified the suspect and placed him under arrest in the early hours of Thursday.
The case has been registered under multiple stringent sections. The charges invoked include relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Goa Children's Act, and the Juvenile Justice Act. This multi-pronged legal approach underscores the seriousness of the alleged crimes.
Legal Proceedings and Custody
Following the arrest, the accused was produced before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court in Mapusa. The court, after considering the nature of the allegations and the requirements of the investigation, remanded the 34-year-old Bastora resident to five days of police custody. This custody will allow the investigating officers to interrogate the accused thoroughly, potentially recover evidence, and delve deeper into the case.
Incidents of crimes against minors, especially of a sexual nature, continue to be a grave concern across the country. The application of the POCSO Act, which mandates strict punishment for offenders, is a critical step in ensuring justice for vulnerable victims. The Goa police's rapid response in this case highlights the importance of immediate reporting and proactive investigation in such sensitive matters.
