PANJIM: The Panjim Police have arrested a fitness instructor, attached to a reputed gym in the capital, over alleged rape charges. Twenty five-year-old Anderson Barreto has been remanded to six days police custody after his arrest on Friday based on a complaint filed by the victim’s husband.
The police officials told Herald the victim woman has accused him of sexually exploiting her at his residence where he undertook personal workout sessions during the COVID-19 induced lockdown period last year.
“The gym instructor was training her at a gym in the capital until the gym centre was closed due to COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. He convinced her to use his personal gym equipment at his residence. She agreed and eventually he made sexual advances despite her objection,” an official said quoting the victim’s deposition.
The trainer allegedly threatened to harm her husband and son if she did not heed to his demands. The victim further alleged that on discontinuing the workout session with him, he made threatening calls asking her to meet him at his residence in Caranzalem.
On confiding with her husband, a complaint was lodged and the police registered FIR against the trainer for rape and threat. On Saturday, the accused was subjected to medical examination followed by his interrogation.
