PANAJI (Sunday, March 29, 2026) — The investigation into the Curchorem sex scandal has taken a darker turn as the Goa Crime Branch revealed that the primary accused exploited multiple victims, including two sisters. One of the sisters is a minor, while the other is an adult. To date, four separate FIRs have been registered against Soham Naik (20), the son of a Curchorem Cacora Municipal Council member.
Key Findings: A Pattern of Exploitation
The case, which was recently transferred from local police to the Crime Branch due to its complexity and public outcry, suggests a systematic pattern of “sextortion.”
- Victim Count: While four formal complaints have been filed (including one by the accused’s girlfriend), the Crime Branch and political leaders suggest the number of victims could be significantly higher—some estimates range from 20 to over 100 girls targeted over a three-year period.
- The “Sisters” Case: In a particularly chilling revelation, a minor girl alleged that the accused befriended her under the pretext of marriage in early 2023, only to sexually assault and film her. He then allegedly used that footage to blackmail her younger sister into meeting him and sharing contact details of other potential targets.
- Timeline: The incidents reportedly began nearly three years ago when both the accused and many of the survivors were students in the same college.
[Image: Legal process for POCSO cases in India from “Complaint Filing” to “Counselling” and “Crime Branch Investigation”]
Legal Actions and Charges
Soham Naik was arrested on March 22 following intense public protests outside the Curchorem Police Station. He is currently in police custody for interrogation.
| Legal Category | Specific Sections/Acts Invoked |
| Sexual Offenses | POCSO Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) & Goa Children’s Act. |
| New Penal Code | Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections related to rape, stalking, and criminal intimidation. |
| Digital Crime | Information Technology (IT) Act (for recording and transmitting obscene videos). |
| Status of Evidence | Accused’s mobile phone and electronic devices have been sent for forensic examination. |
Political and Social Reaction
The case has sparked a political firestorm in Goa, with opposition leaders accusing the ruling government of initially shielding the son of a BJP-affiliated councillor.
- Demand for Counselling: Leaders from the Congress and AAP have demanded that the state education department and women’s commission provide urgent psychological counseling to victims to prevent trauma-related self-harm.
- Suo Motu Action: Due to the fear among victims, police initially registered a suo motu FIR based on viral reports before survivors gained the courage to record formal statements.
- DIG Statement: Deputy Inspector General Varsha Sharma has publicly denied any political pressure, stating that the investigation is being handled strictly according to the merit of the complaints.
Sources
- The Times of India: “Curchorem sex scandal case handed over to crime branch; 4 FIRs filed” (March 27, 2026).
- The Indian Express: “Goa councillor’s son held for ‘filming minors’ videos’; victims record statements” (March 25, 2026).
- The Hindu: “Goa sex scandal: Councillor’s son arrested; victims may exceed 100, claims Congress” (March 28, 2026).
- Official Statement: South Goa Superintendent of Police (March 29, 2026).
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