PANJIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has directed the Goa Police to ensure that the missing victim in the rape charge against politician Atanasio Monserrate is soon traced and provided security along with witnesses in order to thwart possible security threat.
“I have given instructions to the South Superintendent of Police (Arvind Gawas) to search for the victim, and to also investigate if the witnesses require police protection. If the witnesses feel threatened, they should be given security,” Sawant said in response to a petition by NGO Hope Foundation seeking protection to victim and witnesses in the three year old case.
The victim, who was a juvenile at the time of the incident, has gone missing since April 28 even as a formal complaint with the Verna Police was lodged over 10 days later. Sawant said that all the police stations have been alerted about her missing and the coastal belts searched to track the girl. He ruled out formation of any special teams to search the rape survivor stating the police are doing a good job.
The delegation led by the NGO’s director Andrea Pereira stated, that there was a large-scale fear in the minds of witnesses whose deposition is required for the conviction.
“The witnesses are pillar of this high profile case, which can fall flat, if there is any hostility under the pressure or fear. It is the duty of State machinery to provide protection to the witnesses. The episode of the victim girl missing from the rehabilitation facility does not go well with the policing system. We respectfully submit to you that the Goa Police should set up its team which will keep a constant watch on the witnesses and their security,” reads the letter to the CM.
