Sexual assault cases in Goa have seen a disturbing rise in 2025, with a nearly 19% increase reported in the first five and a half months compared to the same period last year. According to police data, 54 cases were registered between January 1 and June 15, up from 44 during the same span in 2024. North Goa reported the highest number of cases at 32, followed by South Goa with 18.
The cases span a deeply troubling range—from assaults on minors to the horrific rape of a 90-year-old bedridden woman. Among the most shocking incidents was the alleged rape of a nonagenarian in Colvale. The crime was discovered when the survivor’s daughter caught the accused, a 50-year-old former overseas technician, in the act. The elderly woman, who lived alone, had earlier confided in her granddaughter about the abuse. The accused, whose wife had reportedly abandoned him, was later arrested after attempting to flee into nearby bushes.
In another disturbing case, Colva police booked a 24-year-old man for repeatedly raping a minor girl under the guise of marriage and threatening her when she tried to resist.
While the police highlight a high detection rate—claiming investigations have been completed in 52 out of 54 cases so far this year—women’s rights activists remain unconvinced about the justice system’s overall effectiveness. They cite long trial delays, intimidation of survivors, and weak deterrents for offenders.