PANAJI:
In a big relief to BJP Minister Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate, the Special Court at Merces on Wednesday acquitted him in the alleged 2016 rape case.
The court also acquitted the co-accused, Rosario alias Rosy Ferros, while pronouncing its judgment earlier in the day.
Reacting to the verdict, Monserrate said, “I have been acquitted of all the charges against me. It has been a long journey of ten years of suffering that only I truly understand. I thank my family, friends and supporters for standing by me during these difficult times.” He added that truth has prevailed with the court’s decision.
Monserrate had earlier become one of the first sitting MLAs in the State to face charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. However, the POCSO charges were subsequently dropped during the course of the investigation.
The case dates back to 2016, when the survivor alleged that her mother had sold her to Monserrate, who was then the MLA from St Cruz and is currently representing Panaji. She had further alleged that she was drugged and sexually assaulted by him.
A 250-page chargesheet was filed in 2018, and around 40 witnesses were cited in connection with the case.
At the time of registration of the FIR, provisions under the Goa Children’s Act were also invoked. However, following an ossification test to determine the survivor’s age, she was found to be above 16 years, leading to the removal of sections under the Goa Children’s Act. The matter was subsequently heard before the Sessions Court.
