Goa MLA arrested for raping minor

Expelled Congress leader and St. Cruz MLA Atanasio Monserrate, alias, Baabush, who was on Wednesday booked on the charges of raping a minor migrant girl, arrested on Thursday.

Police have also arrested the mother of the victim on the charges of trafficking.

Monserrate was arrested reportedly after he surrendered before the Goa Police.

Confirming the development, Goa Superintend of Police (Crime) Karthik Kashyap told ANI: "After registering a case under on the basis of statement recorded by the victim before the CWC and police, the Goa Police swung into action. After collecting digital, forensic and circumstantial evidences, police have established a prima facie case against the accused and subsequently arrested St. Cruz MLA Atanasio Monserrate. Police have also arrested the mother of the victim on the charges of trafficking. We will produce them in the court and law will take its own course."

The Goa Police yesterday registered an FIR against Monserrate under section 8 of the Goa Children's Act and sections 3 and 4 of the POCSO Act, besides various IPC sections of rape, assault and restraining the survivor.

Earlier, police searched his properties on the outskirts of Panaji.

Monserrate was expelled from the Congress party on charges of anti party activities after the Panaji Assembly by polls last year.

Monserrate, who is an unattached member in the Goa Assembly, has reportedly also a history of being chargesheeted for extortion.

He had recently announced of taking control of the United Goans Democratic Party (UGDP) with eyes on the next assembly polls scheduled in early 2017.