Final warrant issued in Rohit rape case
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, OCT 29
Children’s Court today ordered fresh and final warrant against the German mother-daughter, as they once again dishonoured earlier warrant directing them to appear in rape trial against State Education Minister Babush Monserratte’s son, Rohit.
The court has now given the prosecution final opportunity to record statements of both German witnesses.
The matter has been getting adjourned with mother and daughter refusing to depose in the case.
“Sufficient opportunities were given to the prosecution. This is the final opportunity to the Investigation Officer,” President P V Sawaikar said in the order fixing the matter for November 12.
The Court had earlier ordered issuing three summons giving ample chance for duo to depose in the trial, which they failed to respond again. The matter is being adjourned since February 16, 2010.
Calangute police chargesheeted Rohit in January 12, 2009 for sexually abusing the minor daughter and sending her lewd text messages after the German mother filed a complain in October 2008.
The Government last month sought German Consul’s intervention to record statement of the victim via video-conferencing, which again resulted in failure. The prosecution is nonetheless making intense exertion to bring the German duo for a fair trial, which at present seems inclined towards the alleged accused due to the former’s non-presence.
The mother, who pursued the case vigorously, refused to cooperate with the case trial.
In an email communication to the Court in August, she expressed unwillingness to depose before the Court.
On October 2, 2008, the mother had filed a complaint at Calangute police station accusing Rohit of raping her daughter and sending obscene text messages.
After the case was registered on October 13, there were many ups and downs as the mother later opted to withdraw the complaint which however could not happen.
