Panaji: A habitual sex offender, wanted in at least three cases, was arrested by the Panaji Police of Goa from Karnataka on Sunday. According to an official, the first case against this criminal was registered in 2016. The last case was registered on February 24, 2025. He is also an accused under the POCSO Act and the Goa Children’s Act.
“His name is Gloan Pednekar (27). He is a resident of Tonca, Caranzalem, Tiswadi, Goa. He was arrested after meticulous technical surveillance and planning. On February 23, he allegedly stalked and outraged the modesty of two women around 10.20 pm near the Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd in Panaji’s Patto. A complaint was registered at the Panaji police station on the next day,” an official of the North Goa Police said.
CCTV footage of the area was scanned and the suspect was identified. However, he had left Goa by then. His family members claimed that they were unaware of his location. The police then activated their intelligence network and also started tracking Pednekar’s cellphone.
“He was finally traced to Belagavi in Karnataka. Our team went to Belagavi with a warrant and arrested Pednekar with assistance from the local police. He was brought to Goa after we obtained transit remand,” the official said.
North Goa SP Akshat Kaushal urged women to come forward and register their complaints, if any, against sex offenders. They should also report any suspicious activity in order to keep themselves and others safe. He assured that the Goa Police is committed towards ensuring the safety and security of women by taking strict action against criminals.
