Panaji MLA Atanasio Monserrate and Revenue Minister Jennifer Monserrate
Gomantak Times
The High Court of Bombay at Goa on Wednesday, December 22, dismissed the application filed by Revenue Minister Jennifer Monserrate, her husband and Panaji MLA Atanasio Monserrate and 34 others seeking quashing of proceedings in the 2008 Panaji Police Station attack case.
In the 2008 Panaji Police Station attack case, Panaji MLA Atanasio Monserrate and Jennifer Monserrate are among the accused.
In a letter petition to the Administrative Judge of the High Court on November 9, it was pointed out by Advocate Aires Rodrigues that the Supreme Court, being concerned about the criminalisation of politics, had directed that the criminal cases against politicians should be fast-tracked but it did not happen in Goa at least in the Panaji police station attack.
In February 2008, A morcha led by Monserrate, then the MLA of Taleigao demanding the immediate release of a resident and known supporter who had allegedly been beaten up and falsely implicated by the cops, had turned violent. Monserrate, along with his supporters, had demanded the immediate transfer of the investigating officer. When the mob began clashing with the police and pelting stones, the main door of the police station had to be shut. The police consequently mounted a lathi charge and released tear gas. Several policemen and some protesters were injured.
In retaliation, Monserrate’s house was damaged later in the evening. Monserrate, his wife, and the Panaji mayor were initially detained and later arrested.