Panaji (Goa): A women’s NGO has come forward in support of a mother of two, who last night filed a police complaint of harassment against renowned lawyer-activist Aires Rodrigues of sexual harassment.
NGO Savera today lodged a separate complaint at Women Police Station alleging Rodrigues indulged in character assassination of the victim by falsely linking her in an alleged sex scandal and posting her her video and photographs wirhon social media. Though his posts,Rodrigues had alleged that the woman was in an extra marital affair with Minister Vinod Paliencar.
“The character assassination by Rodrigues is wild criminal conspiracy to lower the dignity of woman which is nothing but a publicity stunt and causes threat to women and can cause women to endanger their lives, ” NGO Savera President Tara Kerkar said in her complaint copy while demanding strict action against the man.
Kerkar, addressing a press conference thereafter also alleged that Rodrigues has tarnished image of many other women using the same modus operandi and revealing their identity in public domain.
The activist, who has filed several cases against politicians, individuals and businessmen over alleged illegaities in several sectors, is reportedly absconding.
Taking quick cognisance of the complaint filed by the victim, Anjuna police registered FIR against him under sections 354 (A) (iv)(sexual harassment), 509 (words or gesture to insult modesty of a woman), 500 (punishment for defamation) of Indian Penal Code.
In her complaint, she said that on November 04, 2017, Rodrigues had circulated on Facebook and Whatsapp an alleged video footage of Paliencar with a lady from Oxel, Siolim.
The complainant also claimed that on November 07, Rodrigues circulated her picture on whatsapp linking her to the alleged sex scandal.
“I came to know about the said Post two days later due to which I was not been able to move out of the house. My image is tarnished due to which many are passing comments on my character and even my husband has started drinking and is staying out of the house,” she had said in her complaint copy to Anjuna police station while rubbishing allegations against her.
Rodrigues on the other hand has now filed a counter complaint against the victim, her husband and two others for trespassing into his office, threatening, assaulting and abusing him. Hours before filing the complaint, the victim along with her husband and two other had confronted Rodrigues over the “false allegations” against her.
