ISLAMABAD: A sexual-abuse case in India, involving the 20-year-old son of a BJP councillor in Goa, has triggered public outrage and political scrutiny after police arrested the man and shifted the investigation to the state Crime Branch.
According to media reports carried by The Print, Soham Sushant Naik is accused of circulating sexually explicit videos, including those of minor girls, and blackmailing victims.
The Economic Times reported that the allegations span roughly three years and may involve 25 to 30 minor girls, though that figure remains part of an ongoing investigation.
The political sensitivity arises from Naik’s family ties. Several outlets have identified him as the son of a BJP-linked councillor in South Goa.
In a post on this issue on X, Congress said, "Soham Sushant Nayak, son of BJP councillor Sushant Nayak in Goa, gang-raped and sexually assaulted approximately 20-30 minor girls".
The post added, "He then made videos of them and circulated them.He was doing this work continuously for the last 3 years, but the BJP government was silent".
It also highlighted that, "The local police, government, and Chief Minister claimed they were unaware of the incident. A case was registered only after people took to the streets in solidarity with the victim's family".
The arrest came after large protests outside the police station in Curchorem, increasing criticism that the authorities did not respond quickly enough.
Public outrage intensified, along with allegations that the accused may have been protected due to his political connections.
The case has also revived opposition claims that politically connected abuse cases are mishandled under BJP governments.
In the Ankita Bhandari murder case, renewed allegations surfaced in late 2025 naming BJP national general secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam and former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore in connection with the still-contested, unknown “VIP” angle.
With the Crime Branch now in charge, the focus is on victim statements, the scope of the alleged abuse, and whether investigators uncover evidence that others helped shield the accused or suppress complaints.
