PANJIM: St Cruz MLA Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate, accused of raping a juvenile, was remanded to three days police custody. Arguing in the court, Monserrate’s lawyer charged Crime Branch (CB) of coercing the victim to give a manipulated statement regarding the alleged incident in an attempt to ‘politically weaken’ him.
Appearing on behalf of the MLA, advocate Rajeev Gomes submitted to judicial magistrate Vaishali Lotlikar that CB sleuths were intentionally leaking false investigation details to the media.
“The girl (victim) is forced to make this statement (accusing Babush of raping her) to politically weaken him. Her statement is manipulated… The investigating agency is disclosing case details to the media. Why public should be entitled to know all this when the trial (in the later stage) is open?” he argued and sought an order banning CB from divulging probe details to the media.
Gomes said he feared the investigation wouldn’t be fair and proper considering the attitude of the CB sleuths towards him. “The investigating authority has revealed false and incorrect information of details to the electronic and print media, and the false news is in circulation since yesterday (Thursday),” he said explaining that Monserrate was not served any summons, contrary to the women police station’s claims that it was done so.
“There were no such summons/directions being served upon him. In fact, he, on his own volition appeared at 3 pm before the CB at Ribandar.”
Monserrate, along with the second accused – the victim’s step-mother – was produced before the judicial magistrate for police remand. As against CB’s plea of 10 days police custody, which was contested by the defence, Lotlikar remanded each to three days custodial interrogation.
“We expect that the probe will be fair. Let us see what the investigation reveals during the custodial interrogation after which the JMFC may decide to extend the remand period,” Gomes, assisted by Advocate Gaurish Agni, said.
CB Police Inspector Dattaguru Sawant refuted allegations leveled by the defence arguing that the investigation team neither leaked any information in the past nor will in the future. He requested the JMFC for a written notice on the application. He is expected to file a reply on Saturday morning.
The defence also slammed CB for raiding Monserrate’s residences and offices in the absence of family members. “The raids were conducted in my absence although I was in Goa. They (CB) did not even contact my wife to be a part of the raid,” he said.
The MLA was earlier taken for medical tests at Goa Medical College and Hospital amidst tight security. The forensics report has come positive. A large number of supporters, besides Corporation of City of Panjim corporators, had gathered outside the GMC and court complex.
