Herald: Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate has been claiming that he has been framed in the alleged rape case by political rivals. Is he hinting at BJP?
Mesquita: I don’t think he has been framed by any political rivals. But yes, he had to go to through massive character assassination by the police. Not just him, but even the victim had to face the same humiliation due to lack of sensitivity by police towards the investigation. Goa police needs to be punished for such conduct. This is not the first time but there are a series of cases.
Herald: So do you feel that the character assassination of the MLA might go against him during the coming Assembly Election? Will this be the end of his political career?
Mesquita: I don’t think so. In Indian electoral politics, the more you are involved in scams, crime, rackets, the more famous you become. Your chances in politics become brighter. For Monserrate too, this is not the end but the beginning of a new episode in his political career.
Herald: Will, BJP provide him with the necessary platform for his brighter career?
Mesquita: Any party may offer him a platform including BJP. Whether he is guilty or not, it is yet to be proven but for now he is a victim of character assassination. But I feel it is too early to comment on which party will give him a platform. Let him settle down. There is still quite a bit of time for the elections.
