Goa Police have arrested a 28-year-old man in connection with the sexual assault of a four-year-old girl in Mapusa, with CCTV recordings and information provided by local residents proving instrumental in tracing the suspect. SP North Goa Rahul Gupta identified the accused as Pundalik Kariyappa Gadge, originally from Hubballi-Dharwad, who was taken into custody around 7 am on Wednesday.

Speaking to the media, Gupta said investigators initially faced difficulties as neither the identity of the child nor that of the alleged perpetrator was known. Police first established the girl's identity by speaking to people in the locality, who helped them locate her father.

After confirming the child's identity, investigators began reconstructing her movements and the circumstances surrounding the incident. CCTV recordings from the area were examined to establish who had been present around the relevant time. Although the footage was of poor quality due to nighttime recording, police managed to identify a man with the assistance of a local labourer who recognised him.

The search for the suspect became challenging because he did not possess a mobile phone and had no digital trail that could help investigators establish his location. Police consequently deployed teams at several locations, including Mapusa, Panaji, Margao and Vasco, covering railway stations, bus stands and other possible locations.

The accused was eventually spotted by a police team during the search operation on Wednesday morning.

Investigators also collected material evidence from the crime scene with the assistance of the Forensic Science Laboratory team and dog squad. A bag, bedsheet and the child's frock were seized. Gupta said the bag was linked to the accused through CCTV footage and identification by people familiar with him. The accused also acknowledged ownership of the bag during questioning.

**Police Say Accused Confessed During Interrogation**

During the briefing, Gupta stated that the accused had confessed to committing the offence when questioned by police. An FIR numbered 147/2026 has been registered under Sections 137 and 65(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Sections 8 and 8(2) of the Goa Children's Act, and Sections 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 of the POCSO Act. Ravina Sautkar is the investigating officer.

Providing an update on the child's condition, Gupta said she was stable and that the police were coordinating with her through a counsellor and an NGO. He also informed reporters that, according to the interrogation so far, the accused had travelled on foot from Mapusa to Panaji after the incident.

The SP rejected reports suggesting that the accused had been detained during the initial investigation and subsequently allowed to leave. He described these reports as incorrect, clarifying that people questioned by police were kept under supervision.

**Police Focus On Scientific Evidence And Speedy Trial**

Gupta said the investigation was far from over, with the department now concentrating on gathering additional evidence, completing the scientific investigation and filing the chargesheet without unnecessary delay. He said the objective was to facilitate a fair and speedy trial.

The SP also used the briefing to highlight the importance of public surveillance infrastructure. He appealed to shopkeepers and commercial establishments to ensure their CCTV cameras cover surrounding roads and public spaces instead of being restricted to interiors and cash counters.

He suggested that establishments consider installing an additional camera facing outside their premises, while residential buildings located along roads and in colonies could also improve surveillance coverage.

The Mapusa Market Association has agreed to install additional cameras in the market and adjoining areas, an initiative welcomed by the SP. He stressed that cooperation between citizens and law enforcement agencies remains essential for preventing and detecting crimes.