Third accused arrested in Goa rape case

After expelled Congress leader and St. Cruz MLA Atanasio Monserrate, alias, Babush, arrested on charges of raping a minor girl, was sent to police custody for three days by a court yesterday, a third accused in the case was arrested here on Saturday after he surrendered before the crime branch.

Third accused-Rosy Ferros had allegedly helped the mother of the victim to sell her to Babush.

The police had earlier also arrested the mother of the victim on the charges of trafficking.

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

The Goa Police on May 4 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, the 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.