MARGAO
Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate, who is an accused in the 2008 Panaji police station attack case, has been granted exemption from appearing in the court for the hearings till December 31.
In the meantime, one of the 37 accused persons in the case has been reported to have expired. Judge Agha directed the Public Prosecutor/ Investigating Officer to place on record the death certificate of the deceased at the next date of hearing.
The Revenue Minister had filed an application for permanent exemption in the Panaji police station attack case on the ground that charges are already been framed and that he is a permanent resident of Taleigao.
Monserrate had further submitted before the trial court that he is an elected member of the Goa Legislative Assembly and serving as a Cabinet Minister. In support of his application, Monserrate further stated that he finds it difficult to attend the court on Friday’s since he has to attend Cabinet meetings.
Incidentally, the application filed by the Revenue Minister was served to the prosecution, but the prosecution did not file any reply.
In the order, Judge Irshad Agha pointed out that cross examination of prosecution witness DySP Sudesh Naik on behalf of accused No. 1 and 2, while granting exemption to Monserrate till December 31, 2023.
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