PANAJI
The arrest of Taleigao strongman and St Cruz MLA Atanasio alias Babush Monserrate, who has been accused in the alleged rape of a 16-year-old Nepali girl, has created quite a buzz in the State, putting aside all the existing issues to rest. When The Goan visited areas of Taleigao to find out what the locals have to say about the incident, it was learnt that Babush s arrest was the topic of discussion at commercial establishments in the market area. Though most of them preferred to stay mum, some voiced their opinions on condition of anonymity. Speaking to The Goan, an elderly woman in the area said, “It is believed that the wrongdoings haunt you some day. May be time has come for Babush to face the music. Only God can save him from all this now.” A strong Babush supporter was of the opinion that he has been framed. “These allegations are all false. Elections are fast approaching, and he is now being targeted as he had plans to take over UGDP. He is innocent and we are with him,” he said. A medical practitioner in the area alleged that the ruling BJP is behind the entire incident. “BJP is scared that he might contest from Panaji, because of which they have created all these troubles for him,” he said. A livid Babush supporter, however, said, “Babush will definitely show his strength to the people in the 2017 elections. He is being targeted as he is being perceived as a threat to big players in politics.” Interestingly, two youth said that the only person who can save him from this entire mess was Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. Many others preferred to state that investigations into the case are on, and someday the truth will be revealed. “Controversies are not new to Babush. I am sure this time too he will come out clean,” stated another youth who was loitering around Babush s bungalow on Sunday noon. On condition of anonymity, one of the corporators of the Corporation of City of Panaji said that Babush is confident of coming out clean in this case. “He said that he is not involved in this incident and he will come out clean. There is definitely a political vendetta behind this. His existence will definitely pose a threat to the big political players,” he said. “When he has announced plans to take over UGDP and contest, he will definitely look at constituencies which will benefit him. And Panaji might be one of them,” the corporator said
