Goa Minister Resigns After Being Accused Of Sexually Exploiting Bihar Woman

Milind Naik, the Urban Development Minister of Goa resigned from the cabinet of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday. He was accused of sexually exploiting a young woman from Bihar.

The Congress party had made allegations against Naik on Wednesday morning and his resignation came only hours after that. The office of CM Pramod Sawant released a statement that read, "Shri Milind Naik has tendered his resignation as a minister in Government of Goa, to ensure a free and fair probe, which has been accepted and sent to the Hon’ble Governor."

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The allegations against Milind Naik were made by Goa Congress chief Girish Chodankar. He claimed that he had spoke about the alleged sex scandal last month as well but the ruling Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) government did not take any action against him. That is why he said he revealed Naik's name.

The Congress chief released print outs of the private conversation between Milind Naik and the woman in the case. After multiple requests from all quarters, Milind Naik refused to speak on the matter. In a press conference, Chodankar said, "The minister involved in the sex scandal, Milind Naik, should be sacked and action should be initiated against him. And ministers like Milind Naik who sexually assault women should be not be protected or the people of Goa will not forgive me."

Last month while making allegations of sexual misconduct, the Congress chief had not disclosed Naik's name. The Congress party reportedly wanted to wait for 15 days so that the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant could respond to the allegations. Chodankar had also claimed that the Goa Minister was heard on a tape allegedly sexually exploiting a woman. He was also allegedly forcing her to get an abortion.

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An official complaint has also been filed at the women's police station against Naik, Congress chief said. He claimed that during the 15 day period a law firm sent him a legal notice claiming to represent the woman in the case. The notice was from Bihar and warned Chodankar against releasing any of the alleged evidence.

Chodankar said, "Give the required confidence to the woman who is claiming to be from Bihar as per the legal notice I have received and the police complaint that is filed. You are speaking about empowering women in Bihar. Will you stand with your daughter or with the minister in Goa. The people of Bihar and India are watching you."