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2 min readPanajiFeb 17, 2026 07:54 AM IST
The Goa Police booked former Water Resources minister Vinod Palyekar for allegedly sexually harassing a 23-year-old woman.
In a police complaint, the woman alleged that the accused “deliberately and intentionally” established a relationship with her and “dishonestly induced her by making false and misleading representations regarding career opportunities”.
The complainant alleged that she was lured into a relationship, relying on such “fraudulent assurances”. “During the period when the complainant was residing with the accused, the accused intentionally subjected her to sexual harassment, abuse and sexual assault, thereby outraging her dignity and bodily integrity,” the FIR said.
“The accused further failed to fulfil the promised career opportunities, thereby dishonestly cheating the complainant and causing her mental, emotional and personal harm,” it said.
Palyekar was an MLA of the Goa Forward Party between 2017 and 2022, and represented the Siolim constituency in North Goa. He served as a minister in Manohar Parrikar-led Cabinet between 2017 and 2019, and was allotted the portfolios of Fisheries and Water Resources. During his term as a minister, Palyekar had called for a ban on late-night parties in the state and alleged that large-scale sale of drugs was rampant in the coastal belt in connivance with the police department.
Police said the complaint was lodged on January 31. Palyekar was booked under sections 69 (sexual intercourse by employing deceitful means), 75 (2) (sexual harassment) and 318 (4) (cheating) of the BNS.
Palyekar did not respond to requests for comment.
A police officer said, “A probe has been initiated. We are verifying the contents of the complaint.”
Pavneet Singh Chadha is the Goa Correspondent of The Indian Express. His reporting focuses intensely on the state of Goa, covering major developments in politics, governance, and significant local events, which establishes his high degree of Expertise and Authority in the region. Expertise Geographic Expertise: As the Goa correspondent, Pavneet provides on-the-ground, comprehensive coverage of Goa's political, social, and cultural landscape, ensuring readers receive timely and localized insights. Key Coverage Focus: His recent work demonstrates deep investigative capabilities and a focus on high-impact stories, including: Investigative Reporting: Extensive coverage of complex events such as major incidents (e.g., the Goa nightclub fire), tracing the legal, political, and safety lapses involved. Government and Law Enforcement: Detailed tracking of police actions, deportations, and legal proceedings related to significant local cases. Policy and Governance: Reporting on the judiciary (e.g., Goa High Court flagging illegal structures) and the actions of government departments. He tweets @pub_neat ... Read More
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