Explelled Monserratte from party at the right time: Cong

Image
Press Trust of India Panaji
Last Updated : May 10 2016 | 8:57 PM IST
Congress today said it was "right" in expelling legislator Atanasio Monserratte, who was arrested last week for allegedly "buying and raping" a minor girl, as his continuation would have "embarrassed" the party.
Monserratte, who represents St Cruz constituency, was expelled from party on March 11, 2015 for hobnobbing with the BJP during a bypoll held for Panaji seat.
He was arrested on May 5 on the charge of raping the 16-year-old and also booked for trafficking.
"Congress party took right decision at right time to expel him or else the current charges against him would have come as a major embarrassment to the party," Congress' Goa spokesman Urfan Mulla told reporters.
Monserratte was axed from Congress following his tacit support to the BJP candidate in the bypoll which was necessitated following ascension of the then chief minister Manohar Parrikar as Defence Minister.
Monserratte is currently in the custody of crime branch. He would be presented before a local court tomorrow.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: May 10 2016 | 8:57 PM IST

Next Story