A special court in Panaji has adjourned its judgment in the high-profile alleged rape case against Goa's revenue minister and Panaji MLA Atanasio 'Babush' Monserrate to February 11, 2024. The decision to postpone the verdict was announced on Friday, extending the legal proceedings in this sensitive matter that has captured public attention across the state.
Background of the Case
The case originates from 2016 when the survivor came forward with disturbing allegations against the then St Cruz MLA. She claimed that her mother had sold her to Monserrate, following which she was allegedly drugged and subjected to rape by the politician. These serious accusations led to immediate legal action and investigation by authorities.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Investigators filed a comprehensive 250-page chargesheet against Monserrate, detailing the evidence gathered during the probe. The prosecution presented 40 witnesses to support their case, making it one of the more extensively documented legal battles in recent Goa history.
Initially, when the First Information Report was registered, charges under the stringent Goa Children's Act were included in the case. However, following an ossification test conducted to determine the survivor's age at the time of the alleged incident, medical examination revealed she was above 16 years old. Consequently, the sections under the Goa Children's Act were dropped from the chargesheet.
Court Proceedings and Current Status
The case has been heard in the sessions court, with both prosecution and defense presenting their arguments over multiple hearings. The adjournment to February 11 represents another chapter in this prolonged legal battle that has spanned several years.
As a sitting revenue minister and prominent political figure in Goa, Monserrate's case has significant implications beyond the courtroom. The delay in judgment continues to keep the matter in public discourse, with many awaiting the court's final decision on these serious allegations.
