SP’s reply sought over media leaks in case against rape accused Goa MLA

A local court on Thursday sought explanation from SP (Goa Crime Branch) on how details of investigation in connection with the rape case registered against expelled Congress legislator Atanasio Monserratte were getting “leaked” to media. The court has extended the police custody of Monserratte and the victim’s mother by another four days.

SP (crime) Karthik Kashyap was asked to submit his explanation by May 16 before Principle District and Sessions Judge BP Deshpande.  The court, which was hearing an application by the Crime Branch, seeking extension of police custody of Monserratte, said it was not satisfied with the explanation given by Investigation Officer Sudiksha Naik on media leaks.

Monserratte has been arrested for allegedly buying and raping a 16-year-old girl. The victim’s mother and another woman Rosy Ferros have also been arrested and charged with trafficking. During the hearing on application for extending Monserratte’s and the victim’s mother’s police custody, defence lawyer Saresh Lotlikar said they had moved a plea seeking to restrain police from divulging information about the case to media.