the goan I network
PANAJI
The court has ordered the 53-year-old legislator to deposit a personal surety bond of Rs 1 lakh.
The minor girl’s mother and her neighbour Rosy Ferros were ordered to deposit Rs 25,000 each as surety. Acting President of Children’s Court, P V Kamath inquired whether the investigating team had made any progress over the last two days. Public Prosecutor Neeta Marathe informed that the police were now verifying whether the victim’s mother had brought a house in Nepal.
While Monserrate has been ordered to depose before the Crime Branch for the next seven days between 10 am and 12 pm, the other two accused have been told to remain present between 3 pm and 5 pm.
Other conditions such as not leaving the State for the next two months and not to tamper or cause hindrance to the investigation or the victim have also been imposed. They have been asked to surrender their passports.
It was also learnt that Monserrate’s phone has also been retained by the police.
Speaking to the media after getting bail, the St Cruz MLA said, “I have been fixed and framed. I would like to thank all the people, my well-wishers, family and friends for believing in me. I want to make it very clear that I have and will never betray their trust. This is just the bail that I have got. I am yet to clear my name.”
He also alleged that certain people had framed him, and further claimed that he is aware of who they are.
“There is still time to expose the people who are behind all this,” he added.
It has been learnt that the investigation agency is unlikely to contest the bail orders.
Monserrate was booked under IPC sections 376 (rape), 328 (poisoning), 342 (wrongful confinement), 370 (A) (trafficking), provisions of Goa Children Act and Protection of Children From Sexual
Offences Act.
