After facing flak, Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Friday clarified that his statement on the rape of two minors, at the beachside in the state a few days back, was taken out of context. Dr Sawant stated that he was deeply pained by the incident and would ensure that the accused got the most stringent punishment under the law.
However, the CM said that the safety of minors should be a shared responsibility. “My statement about the unfortunate incident was taken out of context. As the head of a responsible government and a father of a 14-year-old daughter, I was deeply pained and disturbed. The pain of this incident is inexplicable. At no point, I tried to deny the right to the security provided by the law. Goa police have been a truly professional force especially when it comes to the security of women and children. They have already acted swiftly and arrested the accused, and let me assure you that I shall ensure that the culprits get the most stringent punishment under the law,” said Dr Sawant.
Stating that the safety of citizens has always been his government’s priority, the CM, who also holds the home portfolio, said, “Safety of children, especially minors, has to be a shared responsibility. Our right to security has to be strengthened further with more cautiousness. Children, especially minors, need the guidance of their elders.” Dr Sawant said that his statement of shared responsibility for minors was out of concern, care and lover for fellow citizens and children. ‘’We all love our kids. My feeling of concern is extended to all the children of Goa. I can never hurt the sentiments of the fellow citizens of Goa,” the CM said. He added, “Let us stand united as one Goa so that all such evils can be defeated with all our might.” Four men, including a driver with the agriculture department, have been arrested for allegedly raping the minor girls after beating up the boys who were with them at Benaulim Beach on Sunday.