Tourist raped in Goa resort; suspect hailing from Gujarat arrested

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A woman tourist was allegedly raped at a resort in Assonora village, North Goa, and a man from Gujarat has been arrested in connection with the crime. The incident occurred on August 23, and the police apprehended the 47-year-old accused, identified as Laxman Shiyar, who was also visiting Goa as a tourist.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Jivba Dalvi, the victim and the accused had initially met on a flight and became acquainted. The man had obtained the woman's phone number during their conversation and maintained contact with her over the phone. During the week, both the victim and the accused visited Goa separately.

On August 23, the accused lured the woman to the resort he was staying at in Assonora by calling her and inviting her to see the amenities there. Once the woman arrived alone at the resort, the accused took her into his room and allegedly raped her. He also threatened her against reporting the incident to anyone.

Following the victim's complaint, police teams were mobilized, and the accused was apprehended in Thivim village near Mapusa town in North Goa. The police did not disclose the victim's age. Assonora village is situated around 40 km from Panaji.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Law and Justice in a press release said that Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) across India provide speedy justice to victims of rape and the POCSO Act.

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As of June 30, 2023, these courts had disposed of 1.74 lakh cases, with the government providing stringent punishment, including the death penalty, for perpetrators of rape through the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018. The scheme has been extended until March 2023, with a total budgetary outlay of Rs 1572.86 crore.

According to a press release by the Ministry of Law and Justice, "Championing the cause of safety and security for women and girls, the Government provided for stringent punishment, including the death penalty, for perpetrators of rape by passing the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018."

Incidents of sexual offenses and prolonged trials of the accused necessitated dedicated court machinery to provide immediate relief to the victims, it added. (Agencies)