PANJIM: In a complaint filed at Anjuna police station, social activist and advocate Aires Rodrigues has been accused of allegedly outraging the modesty of a woman.
The complainant has charged him with circulating an alleged video of Minister for Water Resources Vinod Palyekar with a lady from Oxel, Siolim, which she says is fake.
According to the complaint, Rodrigues posted the video on Facebook and even circulated her photograph on Whatsapp linking her to the alleged sex scandal. The victim, a mother of two, shot back at Rodrigues claiming he has tarnished her public image and nearly destroyed her family and social life.
On Monday morning, the complainant stated that she along with her husband questioned Rodrigues regarding his claims on the suspected extra-marital affair, wherein he admitted that the post was circulated by him without any basis and factual standing.
“He has harmed my reputation in public life by false allegations and false statements and outraged my modesty in public life by posting my photo along with a write up of extra-marital affair of a reputed person. I apprehend safety of my family as he may cause me and my family members harm,” she has said in her complaint copy to the Anjuna police station.
Police confirmed receipt of the complaint, and later filed an FIR. Police have slapped charges under sections 354 (A) (iv) (sexual harassment), 500 (defamation) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code.
Palyekar declined any involvement in the controversy stating, “It is very wrong if any woman’s name is tarnished by a certain individual at behest of someone. The social activist should remember that he also has a daughter before spoiling anyone’s name. This shows the culture and his upbringing.”
The activist, in an attempt to defend himself, has alleged the minister’s bid to intimidate him. “Palyekar through his goons will never be able to intimidate me. Goa and entire Siolim in particular know the whole truth,” he said in a Whatsapp message.
