Mahila Congress offers support to Curchorem victims and families; raises serious concerns over institutional gaps

Panaji: A delegation led by the Goa Pradesh Mahila Congress has stepped forward with a strong and urgent appeal to support victims in the disturbing Curchorem sex scandal, offering direct assistance, confidentiality, and advocacy at a time when institutional mechanisms appear to be faltering.

Addressing the media after submitting a memorandum to the Goa State Commission for Women in Panaji, Goa Mahila Congress President Dr. Pratiksha Khalap emphasised the gravity of the case, which involves a 20-year-old accused currently in police custody for allegedly circulating explicit videos of juvenile girls. She warned that the scale of the crime by Soham Naik could extend beyond initial reports, suggesting the possibility of multiple perpetrators.

Dr. Khalap expressed serious concern over the current state of women’s grievance redressal systems in Goa. She pointed out that the Commission’s term expired earlier this month, leaving it effectively non-functional at a critical juncture. “There is no active forum to address such grave issues,” she said, stressing that this institutional vacuum has further heightened the vulnerability of victims and their families.

In a significant move, the Mahila Congress has offered to act as a support bridge for victims who may be too frightened or hesitant to approach the police. Assuring complete confidentiality, Dr. Khalap said the organisation is prepared to assist survivors in coming forward safely while ensuring their identities remain protected. She underlined that fear and stigma often silence victims in such cases, making external support systems essential.

Echoing this commitment, Jawahar Bal Manch Chairperson Pelajia Pires, who was part of the delegation, publicly shared her contact details and urged parents of victims to reach out directly without fear. The gesture underscored the urgency and openness with which the group is attempting to respond to the situation.

The delegation also called for immediate and decisive action from the authorities. Among their key demands were that the Commission take suo motu cognisance of the case, constitute a special investigation and victim support committee, and work in close coordination with the police to ensure a thorough and sensitive probe.

Dr. Khalap further stressed that the accused must not be granted bail, given the seriousness of the allegations and the potential risk to victims.

Beyond immediate intervention, the Mahila Congress called for systemic reforms, including the establishment of anonymous complaint mechanisms and safer reporting channels. It also advocated for mandatory awareness programmes in schools and colleges to educate young people about digital safety, consent, and reporting abuse.

Other leaders, including Mahila Congress General Secretaries Adv Shabnam Khan and Adv Lavinia D’Costa, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to standing by the victims and ensuring accountability.

“This is not just one case, it is a wake-up call,” Dr. Khalap said, adding that NGOs and civil society must come together to confront what she described as a deeply troubling situation. With the number of victims feared to be higher than initially reported, the Mahila Congress’s intervention underscores both an urgent call for justice and a critical support system for those still too afraid to come forward.