“He cited his inability to depose before us today as he is attending the Feast at Old Goa. We will call him on another date,” the police inspector at Anjuna police station C L Patil told reporters.

Marques’ name came to the fore after a video showed Aires Rodrigues – accused in the sexual harassment case – speaking about one Milton sharing the alleged sex scam video to him. The confrontation video where the victim, her husband, brother and driver are seen arguing with Rodrigues at his Ribandar office thereafter went viral. 

Taking quick cognizance of a complaint filed by the victim, Anjuna police on November 28 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.

NGO Savera, which is offering all legal assistance to the victim, lodged a separate complaint at Women Police Station alleging Rodrigues indulged in character assassination of the victim by falsely linking her to the alleged sex scandal and posting her video and photographs on social media. Through his posts, Rodrigues had alleged the woman was in an extra marital affair with the Minister. 

The accused, a day later, filed a counter complaint at Old Goa Police Station against the foursome for trespassing into his office and hurling a bottle of ink at him. This case is also registered.