Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: The then Sub-Inspector Tushar Lotlikar has identified Panaji MLA and Revenue Minister Babush Monserrate as the accused allegedly involved in the infamous Panjim police station attack case in February 2008.
Along with Monserrate, the Police inspector also identified CCP councillor Uday Madkaikar, former councillors Daya Karapurkar and Naguesh Kariashetty, former Taleigao sarpanch Janu Rosario, Anthony Barreto and Godinho couple.
The Court has directed Taleigao MLA Jennifer Monserrate and former CCP Mayor Tony Rodrigues to remain present during the next hearing fixed on October 18.
The Monserrates, Tony Rodrigues and 35 others stand charged by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for having, on February 19, 2008, attacked and damaged the Panjim Police Station.
CBI, Mumbai had charge-sheeted Monserrate couple and 34 others under Sections 143, 147, 148, 149, 153, 324, 325, 326, 332, 333, 427 and 435 of IPC and Section 3 of Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984.
Justice Manish Pitale of the Bombay High Court at Goa on December 22, in a 31 paged judgment, while dismissing the applications seeking quashing of the proceedings, directed that the trial should commence and be expedited as there was prima facie evidence against the accused.
Revenue Minister Babush Monserrate and Jennifer Monserrate are the main accused in the case, which has been pending in the High Court for the last seven years. If convicted, they could face a jail term of up to ten years. The charge sheet against the Monserrates and 35 others were filed in 2014 by the CBI. One of the accused, Chandan Karapurkar, has since passed away.
