Goemkarponn Desk
MARGAO: Principal Sessions Judge Irshad Agha of the North Goa Sessions Court is now handling the criminal cases against politicians, including Industries Minister Mauvin Godinho, Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate, and MLA wives.
Atanasio Monserrate is accused of raping a young girl, and Mauvin is on trial in connection with the purported power scam rebate case. But that’s not all. Atanasio and Jennifer, a husband and wife team, are on trial in connection with 35 other defendants in the 2008 attack on the Panaji police station.
It was clear that the three cases would not be heard in court when they were brought before South Goa Sessions Judge Sherin Paul, who was recently appointed to the position. The High Court had established a special court led by Irshad Agha to try criminal cases against politicians, including MPs and MLAs.
Judge Sherin Paul actually assigned dates for the prosecution and defense to appear before Principal District and Sessions Judge of North Goa, Special Judge Irshad Agha.
By midday, it was clear that Judge Irshad Agha of the North Goa Sessions Court would be handling all of the criminal cases that were still pending trial at the South Goa Sessions Court. Actually, at the time the Panaji police.
Judge Irshad Agha was designated as the Special Judge by a January circular from the High Court to hear criminal cases involving politicians. In accordance with the directive from the High Court, Judge Agha has commenced the trial’s proceedings by holding weekly hearings beginning in February 2023.
Regarding the attack on the Panaji police station, the prosecution has questioned two witnesses so far: the primary witness, Panaji PI, and the SDPO, Panaji Sudesh Naik. Part of the prosecution witness’s examination and cross-examination of DySP Mohan Naik was finished.
Judge Agha will hear trial evidence in the Panaji police station attack case on July 5 at 2:30 pm.
