World · South & Central Asia · 2 hrs ago
Three-year-old girl sexually assaulted in Mapusa; police search for suspect
A three-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted in an abandoned building in Mapusa, North Goa.
She had come to the market with her family, who sell balloons, and was found crying and injured nearby on Sunday evening.
She was taken to hospital and later moved to Goa Medical College and Hospital in Panaji; police said her condition was stable.
Police are searching for an unidentified suspect, examining CCTV footage and questioning people, with some suspects rounded up.
Goa Tribal Welfare Minister Ramesh Tawadkar claimed that outsiders commit 90% of such crimes in the state, but the account does not establish who was responsible in this case.
The Congress has called for a time-bound investigation, a fast-track trial and stronger protection for children.
The case remains under investigation, and police say they are pursuing leads to identify and arrest the accused.
A girl aged three, or three and a half according to one report, was allegedly sexually assaulted in an abandoned building in Mapusa, North Goa.
Police said the child was found injured on Sunday evening, November 8, and was taken to hospital for treatment.
The child was reported to be stable, and police were searching for an unidentified suspect while examining clues and CCTV footage.
Goa’s Congress opposition called for the suspect’s immediate arrest and a time-bound investigation, while a state minister blamed outsiders for most such crimes.
- Who
- A young girl from a family that sells balloons was allegedly sexually assaulted by an unidentified person.
- What
- Police registered a case of kidnapping and sexual assault and launched a search for the suspect.
- When
- The child was found on Sunday evening, November 8, 2026.
- Where
- In an abandoned or dilapidated building in Mapusa, North Goa.
- Why
- Not stated
Goa government minister
Goa Congress opposition
Attribution of such crimes
Goa government minister
Minister Ramesh Tawadkar claimed that 90% of such crimes in the tourist state involved people who came from outside Goa.
Goa Congress opposition
Congress called for stronger measures to protect children and challenged the government over its handling of safety.
Response to the incident
Goa government minister
Tawadkar said the government was working to control such crimes and called for tighter police enforcement.
Goa Congress opposition
Congress demanded the perpetrator’s immediate arrest, a time-bound investigation and a fast-track trial.
The child was found crying near or inside an abandoned building in Mapusa and was taken for medical care.
Police said the child was stable and that officers were working to identify and arrest the suspect.
- Location
- Mapusa, North Goa
- Child’s age
- Three years, according to The Hindu; three and a half, according to Hindustan Times
- Discovery
- Sunday evening, November 8, 2026
- Police response
- About 40 staff were searching, according to North Goa SP Rahul Gupta
- Minister’s claim
- Ramesh Tawadkar claimed 90% of such crimes in Goa involved people from outside the state
2 sources
What people are saying
About 40 staff are on the lookout. Some suspects have been rounded up. We have some clues, so we are hopeful that they lead to positive results. Interrogations are on. The victim is stable. We are doing our job,
The person who has committed this crime has a demonic mentality.
No delay, no leniency,
This is not the first time this has happened and won't be the last. We cannot say that this incident has opened the eyes of the government. Multiple complaints have been filed, but no action has been forthcoming,