MARCEL, FEB 15
In an unusual show of solidarity, about 100 residents from Cuncoliem-Ponda on Tuesday marched to the Ponda Police Station, demanding strict action against the person arrested in connection with the molestation of a minor girl.
It may be recalled that on February 11, Krishnanath Naik (55) was arrested on charges of molesting a minor girl.
On Tuesday, the residents along with Bailancho Ekvott President Auda Viegas submitted a representation to the Ponda Police, demanding action in the matter.
The residents claimed that family members of the accused have been pressurising the complainant to withdraw the complaint. The residents further alleged that the family members even pelted stones on the victim’s house.
“It is unfortunate that a minor girl studying in a school was raped by an elderly man,” said Bailancho Ekvott President Auda Viegas.
“Now, the family members of the accused are targeting the victim and her family. They are being threatened to withdraw the complaint. We are thankful to Ponda Police for speedy arrest of the accused,” stated Veigas.
Veling-Priol-Cuncolim Panchayat Member Nilesh Kunkoliekar said: “The accused needs to be punished severely for the offence. His family members are now trying to hush up the matter, but we will not allow this to happen.”
“Family members of the accused have even tried to lodge a false complaint against the villagers. They even pelted stones on the victim’s house,” claimed Kunkoliekar. Added former Veling-Priol-Cuncolim sarpanch Damini Kunkoliekar: “The whole village is united and will stand by and support the victim to get justice.”
Meanwhile, Naik has been remanded to 14 days judicial custody.
