Cortalim Congress leader Olencio Simoes has strongly condemned the alarming rise in crimes against women and minors in Goa, stating that it is both shocking and shameful that women and children are increasingly becoming victims of sexual violence in a state that proudly promotes itself as an international tourist destination.
“It is deeply disturbing that within just one month, two minor girls have reportedly been raped in Goa. These incidents raise serious questions about the government’s commitment to women’s safety and the effectiveness of our law enforcement machinery. If even our children are not safe, what assurance can this government give to the women of Goa?” Simoes questioned.
He further stated that Goa has approximately 5,62,932 women, and every woman, irrespective of her age, background or place of residence, has the fundamental right to live without fear. The government and its concerned departments have a constitutional and moral responsibility to ensure their safety. Unfortunately, the repeated incidents of sexual violence indicate serious shortcomings in the state’s law-and-order machinery.
the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, Simoes stated that Goa recorded a rape crime rate of 13.3% in 2024, reportedly the highest among states in the country. He questioned what concrete preventive measures the government has implemented to address this disturbing situation.
He also pointed out that Goa Police statistics indicate that, on average, approximately four women are raped or sexually assaulted every week, based on reported figures from 2021 to 2025.
“These figures are not merely statistics; they represent lives destroyed, families traumatised and the dignity of women violated. From young children aged five to elderly women, reports of sexual violence across different age groups expose the seriousness of the situation. What is the government waiting for? Must another innocent child become a victim before the authorities wake up?” Simoes asked.He further questioned whether law and order in Goa has completely collapsed or whether perpetrators have stopped fearing the law.Simoes placed the following demands before the Goa Government,A dedicated Special Task Force should be established to investigate and coordinate action against serious crimes, particularly sexual offences against minors and women, drug trafficking, organised crime and terrorism. The task force should have specialised personnel, intelligence capabilities and adequate resources to act swiftly and independently.
Simoes stressed demanded from the government that the effectiveness of policing must not be compromised by political interference or government pressure.”Police officers must be allowed to discharge their duties professionally, impartially and independently. The rule of law must prevail over political considerations. We therefore demand comprehensive police reforms, including strengthening the existing legal framework under the Police Act, 1861, wherever applicable, or introducing a dedicated and modern Goa Police Bill to establish greater accountability, operational independence and transparency.”
All police stations across Goa must be modernised and equipped with the latest technology, including,Advanced cybercrime investigation facilities,Modern surveillance and digital evidence collection systems,Improved forensic investigation facilities.The government must immediately address vacancies in the Goa Police Department and increase police personnel, particularly women police officers. Night patrolling, beat policing and surveillance must be strengthened in vulnerable locations, residential areas, tourist hotspots and isolated stretches.
Olencio Simoes
Cortalim Congress Leader
Goa