Crime branch to probe sexual harassment case against Rodrigues

The Goa government today directed the crime branch to investigate the sexual harassment case registered by the police last month against social activist Aires Rodrigues, a senior official said.
"The case has been handed over to the Crime Branch now. They will investigate the matter," Anjuna police station incharge police inspector Chandrakant Patil told PTI.
A middle-aged married woman, a resident of Siolim village, had lodged a formal complaint against Rodrigues with the Anjuna Police alleging that he sexually harassed her by linking her with a state minister through his social media posts.
An FIR was subsequently registered against the activist under sections 354 (A) (iv)(sexual harassment), 509 (words or gesture to insult modesty of a woman), and 500 (punishment for defamation.

The woman had alleged that Rodrigues circulated her picture on whatsapp linking her to an alleged sex scandal, on November 7.
State Water Resources Minister Vinod Paliencar, who represents Siolim seat, had lashed out at Rodrigues.
Police had earlier recorded the statement of the accused as well as of at least five persons in connection with the case.
The demand for transferring the case to the crime branch was raised by Goa-based NGO "Savera" which had claimed inaction on part of the police.