Margao: Congress and its frontal organisations marched to the police headquarters in Panaji on Thursday, demanding justice for minor girls allegedly sexually assaulted in recent incidents and stronger measures to protect women and children.Raising slogans of “Suraksha Badhao, Beti Bachao”, protesters expressed concern over recent cases reported from Mapusa, Canacona and Curchorem. A delegation led by Congress media chairperson Amarnath Panjikar and Youth Congress president Archit Naik submitted a memorandum to DGP Alok Kumar.Panjikar claimed crimes involving sexual abuse of women and children increased by 63% over the past five years. He said the national crime rate against women stood at 4.3% compared to 13.3% in Goa. “Women’s safety cannot be reduced to political slogans and election speeches,” Panjikar said, adding that arrests after crimes should not be portrayed as a success.Naik alleged that Goa was becoming the “rape capital of the country” and said the situation could affect tourism. Mahila Congress general secretary Shabnam Khan said laws were not being implemented effectively, while former Mahila president Pratima Coutinho sought fast-track trials in Pocso cases and questioned the silence of BJP women leaders.The memorandum sought a time-bound investigation into the recent cases, action against negligent police personnel, enhanced night patrolling and surveillance, and stricter enforcement of the Pocso Act. It also called for a review of the law and order situation, improved coordination between police and child protection agencies, and support for survivors and their families.Congress demanded a written action-taken report within seven days.
