Goa: BJP minister booked after woman alleges molestation

Panaji: Police on Monday registered an FIR against a Goa Minister and BJP nominee Milind Naik besides 12 others, based on the complaint of a 35-year-old woman who accused them of outraging her modesty during the campaigning for polls near Vasco town, an officer said.

“A 35-year-old woman in her complaint lodged with Mormugao police station has accused 14 people including Milind Naik of molesting her and verbally abusing and threatening her,” Police Inspector Ninad Deulkar told reporters in Vasco town today.

The alleged incident occurred Sunday night when Naik, who holds Power portfolio, and his supporters were campaigning at Headland-Sada area on the outskirt of Vasco.

Naik is the BJP candidate from Mormugao constituency.

According to the officer, the woman was alone and was returning after attending a ritual.

Deulkar said Naik and 10-12 others were booked under section 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of IPC.

He said the veracity of the complaint would be checked before proceeding with the case.

Naik was not available for comments despite several calls and text messages to get his reaction.

Goa is going to polls on February 4.

PTI