Crimes involving sexual abuse of women and children have reportedly increased by 63% in five years; Congress demands stronger preventive policing, accountability and time-bound justice: Amarnath Panjikar
Panaji, November 12, 2026:
The Goa Pradesh Youth Congress, along with the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC), Goa Pradesh Mahila Congress and other frontal organisations, marched to the Goa Police Headquarters in Panaji on Thursday, demanding justice for minor girls who have fallen victim to sexual assault and urgent intervention to ensure the safety, security and dignity of women and children across Goa.
The protest witnessed the participation of a large number of Congress leaders and workers, including GPCC General Secretary Everson Valles, Minority Department Chairman Nazir Khan, Social Media Department Chairman Himanshu Tivrekar, District Presidents Shashank Narvekar, Mangaldas Naik and Rajesh Verekar, Spokesperson Vivek D’Silva, Samil Volvoikar, Narayan Redkar, Saeesh Aroskar, Pralay Bhagat, Chandan Mandrekar, Bhola Ghadi, Khemlo Sawant, Pramesh Mayekar, Warren Alemao, Balkrishna Hoddarkar, Dyaneshwar Govekar, Moinuddhin Khan, Jakwan Mulla and other party functionaries. Raising slogans of “Suraksha Badhao, Beti Bachao”, the protesters expressed deep anguish over repeated incidents of sexual violence against minor girls, particularly the recent cases reported in Mapusa, Canacona and Curchorem.
A delegation led by PCC Media Chairman Amarnath Panjikar and Goa Pradesh Youth Congress President Adv. Archit Naik along with Spokesperson Adv. Shabhnam Khan , Former Mahila President Adv. Pratima Coutinho and other office bearers submitted a memorandum to Director General of Police Alok Kumar, demanding immediate action, stronger preventive policing, accountability of police officials and time-bound investigations into crimes against women and children.
Addressing the media, Congress leader Amarnath Panjikar expressed grave concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Goa and claimed that crimes involving sexual abuse of women and children had increased by 63 per cent over the last five years. He further pointed out that while the national crime rate against women stands at 4.3 per cent, Goa’s figure is reportedly 13.3 per cent, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of the Home Department and the government’s commitment to women’s safety.
“Goa should be leading the country in development, prosperity and positive achievements. Instead, we are witnessing horrifying incidents of sexual violence against women and innocent children. What is the use of slogans like ‘Beti Bachao’ and ‘Nari Shakti’ when our daughters are not safe? Women’s safety cannot be reduced to political slogans and election speeches. The government must answer why such incidents continue to occur and what concrete preventive steps it has taken to protect our children,” Panjikar said.
Panjikar questioned the effectiveness of preventive policing, stating that arresting accused persons after a crime has been committed cannot be presented as a measure of success. He demanded accountability from the Home Department and police authorities, stressing that the government must act before innocent lives are destroyed rather than merely react after incidents occur.
He reiterated that Congress has consistently fought for the protection, dignity and rights of women and children and will continue to raise its voice until the government takes concrete and measurable steps to ensure their safety.
Goa Pradesh Mahila Congress General Secretary and PCC Spokesperson Shabnam Khan accused the state government of failing to effectively implement laws designed to protect women and children.
“All stakeholders are willing to work together towards ensuring the safety and protection of women and children. However, the government does not appear serious about effectively implementing existing laws and ensuring their enforcement. Having legislation on paper is not enough. What matters is whether these laws are implemented on the ground,” Khan said.
She stressed the need for effective coordination among the police, government departments and child protection agencies to ensure timely intervention and protection of vulnerable children.
Goa Pradesh Youth Congress President Adv. Archit Naik expressed serious concern over the increasing incidents of sexual violence and described Goa as becoming the “rape capital of the country.”
“Crimes are rising, and Goans are living in fear. Goa is known across the world as a peaceful and safe tourist destination. But with the present crime situation, tourists will hesitate to visit the state. Even Goans are being forced to worry about their own safety. The government cannot continue to remain indifferent while the safety of our daughters is compromised,” Naik said.
He demanded intensified police patrolling, effective surveillance, strict enforcement of laws protecting children and immediate action against officials found negligent in discharging their duties.
Congress leader Pratima Coutinho questioned the conspicuous silence of BJP’s women leaders over repeated incidents of sexual violence against minor girls.
“Where are the BJP Mahilas? Why are they silent when innocent girls are becoming victims of such heinous crimes? Women’s safety must be above party politics. Their silence raises serious questions about their commitment to the cause they claim to represent,” Coutinho said.
She said she had urged the DGP to ensure that investigations and trials in sexual assault cases involving minors are fast-tracked and that those found guilty receive the strictest punishment permissible under law, including the death penalty wherever legally applicable.
Coutinho further stressed that justice must be delivered without unnecessary delay and that survivors and their families must receive adequate protection, assistance and support throughout the legal process.
CONGRESS MEMORANDUM SEEKS TIME-BOUND ACTION
In its memorandum submitted to DGP Alok Kumar, the Youth Congress demanded:
- Immediate, impartial and time-bound investigations into the recent sexual assault cases.
- Strict action against police officials found negligent in preventing or investigating such crimes.
- Strengthening of night patrolling and surveillance in vulnerable areas.
- Effective enforcement of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
- A comprehensive review of Goa’s law and order situation, particularly crimes against women and children.
- Better coordination among police, child protection agencies and other concerned government departments.
- Appropriate protection, assistance and support for survivors and their families.
The delegation also demanded a written action-taken report within seven days, detailing the steps initiated by the police in response to the concerns raised in the memorandum.
Congress leaders asserted that the responsibility of the government does not end with registering FIRs and arresting accused persons after crimes have occurred. The real test of governance lies in preventing such crimes, ensuring accountability and creating an environment in which every woman and child can live without fear.
The protest concluded with a strong message that Congress will not remain silent while minor girls become victims of sexual violence. The party demanded immediate corrective action from the Home Department and police administration, asserting that the safety of Goa’s women and children must be treated as an absolute priority and not as a matter of political convenience.