Panaji, November 9, 2026: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Girish Chodankar has expressed shock and anguish over the alleged sexual assault of a four-year-old girl near Lohia Garden in Mapusa, questioning the Home Department over the reported safety concerns in the locality and demanding accountability from the authorities.
Chodankar described the incident as deeply disturbing and called for an immediate, impartial and time-bound investigation to identify and bring the accused to justice.
Expressing concern over the circumstances surrounding the incident, he said that a four-year-old child, reportedly found injured and bleeding, had been subjected to an ordeal no child should ever experience. He also expressed solidarity with the child's parents, who are reportedly going through immense trauma.
Congress Questions Previous Complaints and Police Action
Chodankar pointed out that the alleged incident took place inside an abandoned building in the heart of Mapusa, an area where citizens and the media have reportedly raised concerns about suspicious activities, including alleged prostitution, drug abuse and other illegal activities.
Questioning the authorities, he asked what preventive measures had been taken despite repeated complaints about the locality.
He also questioned why the abandoned premises were allegedly allowed to remain vulnerable to illegal activities and whether previous complaints had been properly investigated.
Holding the Home Department accountable, Chodankar sought an explanation from Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, who also heads the department, regarding the preventive and policing measures undertaken in the area.
He questioned whether regular police patrols were conducted, whether the abandoned premises were inspected and what action had been taken on earlier complaints.
Six Demands Raised by Congress
Chodankar has called for the following measures:
An immediate, impartial and time-bound investigation into the alleged sexual assault.
Swift identification, arrest and prosecution of the person or persons responsible, in accordance with the law.
An independent inquiry into possible negligence or failure by the police and other concerned authorities.
A review of previous complaints regarding alleged illegal activities in and around the locality.
Immediate action to secure abandoned buildings and identify other unsafe locations across Goa.
Comprehensive medical treatment, psychological counselling, protection and rehabilitation for the child, while ensuring complete confidentiality of her identity.
'Authorities Must Be Held Accountable'
Chodankar stressed that the incident should not be treated as just another routine police investigation or forgotten after the initial public outrage.
He said the incident raises serious questions about child safety, preventive policing and the government's responsibility to protect citizens.
Emphasising the need for accountability wherever negligence is established, Chodankar said the child deserves justice, while her parents deserve answers from the authorities.
He further urged the government to ensure that the investigation reaches its logical conclusion and that necessary steps are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
