In South Goa, a shocking scandal has emerged involving Soham Naik, 20, the son of local BJP councillor, who was arrested for allegedly sharing sexually explicit videos of minors and pressuring victims for sexual favours. The case has sparked public outrage and victims now are speaking out with police stepping up their investigation.
Public outcry forces police action
Naik was taken into custody on Sunday night, following massive protests outside the police station. Local residents demanded that authorities register a suo motu FIR and conduct an impartial investigation, warning of a possible bandh if immediate action was not taken.
The protesters accused Naik of running a “sex racket” and criticised authorities for delaying justice due to his political connections.
“The public demanded swift and fair action, and the police finally arrested the accused,” said officials familiar with the case.
FIR and legal actions
Initially, the police filed a suo motu FIR after certain videos surfaced, registering the case under sections dealing with obscene acts and the Information Technology Act. By Monday, additional provisions were added, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Goa Children’s Act.
Police sources said the case came to light after a report in a local newspaper claimed that Naik had circulated sexually explicit content of minor girls while boasting about it to friends.
Investigators allege that he engaged in sexual relations with at least 14 girls, some of whom were minors, and used videos to blackmail them.
Survivors step forward
Authorities have now recorded statements from at least three survivors. Two more FIRs were registered on Tuesday after they came forward, and all cases have been transferred to the Crime Branch for a detailed probe.
In one case, a minor girl accused Naik of luring her between January and June 2023 under pretext of marriage. According to FIR, he took her to isolated locations on two occasions allegedly forcing sexual acts and recording them on his phone. The videos were reportedly circulated among his friend circle. The FIR includes charges of rape, sexual harassment, cheating, assault, and violations under the POCSO Act, Goa Children’s Act, and IT Act.
Another FIR details how Naik allegedly contacted minor on Instagram between 2024 and 2025 and started sending obscene photographs of himself. He is accused of threatening to reveal her relationship with her elder sister. He also put a pressure her to share contact details of other girls. This FIR cites stalking, insulting the modesty of a woman, criminal intimidation, and applicable child protection laws.
Police investigation underway
South Goa Superintendent of Police Santosh Dessai confirmed the investigation is ongoing. “Our preliminary probe revealed images and videos on the accused’s phone. We have asked victims to come forward and file complaints. The Crime Branch is handling the case now,” he said.
The unfolding case has raised serious concerns over political influence, the safety of minors online, and the mechanisms in place to prevent such exploitation. Activists and citizens have criticised the accused’s position as councillor’s son.