Panaji: Congress expressed anguish and outrage over the horrific alleged sexual assault on a four-year-old girl near Lohia Garden in Mapusa. The party has demanded immediate accountability from the home department and a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the horrific crime.Describing the incident as an unimaginable tragedy, state Congress president Girish Chodankar said no child should ever have to endure such a heinous crime. “The entire incident is deeply disturbing and demands an immediate response from the authorities,” said Chodankar.Along with an impartial and time-bound investigation into the sexual assault, Congress also demanded that the authorities work swiftly to identify, arrest and prosecute the person or persons responsible.The party has also demanded an independent inquiry into any possible negligence or failure by Goa police and other concerned authorities, including a review of earlier complaints regarding alleged illegal activities in and around the site where the crime occurred.Chodankar also called for immediate action to secure abandoned buildings and identify other unsafe locations across Goa.“Pramod Sawant must understand that protecting children is among the most fundamental responsibilities of govt. If a four-year-old child can allegedly be assaulted in an abandoned building in the heart of Mapusa, serious questions arise about the safety arrangements and preventive policing in our towns and cities,” Chodankar said.Congress said that govt must ensure that the survivor gets the best possible medical treatment, psychological counselling, protection and rehabilitation, with complete safeguards to preserve her identity and dignity.
