PANJIM: In a massive and shocking development which could have far reaching political implications, St Cruz MLA Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate has been booked for raping a minor girl who worked in his show room. While the details of the case are still sketchy with the Crime Branch extremely tightlipped, it is broadly learnt that the victim – who hails from the North East of India – complained that Monserrate raped her. According to one agency report the complainant stated that she was raped on more than one occasion.
What is important though is that the victim was already at the State Apna Ghar where children in brush with the law and women victims of any form of violence are kept in protective supervision. It is unclear whether this was in connection with some other case or related to these investigations. What is clear though is that the complainant was heard in the presence of members of the Child Welfare Committee, after which the FIR was filed.
In an official briefing, SP Crime Branch Karthik Kashyap told reporters at the Panjim police station, “A case of rape has been registered against Babush Monserrate, the St Cruz MLA. Further investigations are on.” He refused to divulge any further details.
Kashyap said that Monserrate has been booked under Sections 376, 370, 342 and 328 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Section 8 of Goa Children Act and Sections 3 and 4 of the POSCO Act, (The Prevention of Children from Sexual Offenses Act).
He added that Police Inspector Sidiksha Naik of the Women’s Police Station is investigating the case and the FIR has been registered based on the complaint made by a 16-year-old girl in the presence of members of the Child Welfare Committee.
Moserrate, left Goa on Monday and had informed a lawyer politician friend that he would be back on Saturday. When Herald spoke to him, the MLA, however, said he would return on Thursday (today) and denied (obviously) that he was involved and said that this was a conspiracy to corner him in a false case. “I will not run away from the investigation. Right now I am out of station but I will come back tomorrow morning and depose before the agency that is investigating,” Monserrate said.
Speaking further he said “I believe she (girl) was taken to the Police Station by her mother for robbing some gold ornaments, later what happened I don’t know,” he said.
Monserrate said the girl was working in one of his showrooms for about 10 days and was sacked due to misappropriation of funds.
The police are currently very circumspect with the details of the case. “We are doing whatever is needed. I will divulge all details after sometime. At present I cannot give any further details of the case,” Kashyap said.
The girl’s parents have been kept at the police station and may be booked for making the minor work.
Monserrate was recently expelled from the Congress for anti-party activities. His wife Jennifer is the Congress MLA from Taleigao. He recently announced that he was planning to join, contest and take charge of the UGDP, but it is largely believed that he and the BJP might have an understanding of sorts. It is the future of this equation which will be under very close watch after this case.
