JOIN USGoa police today registered an FIR against expelled Congress legislator Atanasio Monserrate for allegedly raping a minor girl in March, which he said was a "conspiracy" against him.
"A case of rape has been registered against Monserratte. Further investigations are going on," said Karthik Kashyap, Superintendent of Police (crime branch).
However, he refused to divulge more details, saying investigations are still going on.
"The incident happened in March and after that the girl went missing. She was found by police recently and lodged in protective home where she disclosed about the incident," a senior police officer said on the condition of anonymity.
The FIR was lodged by the girl in Panaji police station.
Monserrate, who represents St Cruz constituency, was expelled from Congress recently for anti-party activities.
His wife Jeniffer represents Taleigao constituency.
When contacted, Monserrate said, "I will not run away from the investigations. Currently, I am out of station and will be arriving tomorrow morning. After that I will depose before investigating agencies. The girl was working in my showroom and I had removed her for misappropriation of funds. This is a conspiracy against me".
Police booked the MLA under section 3 and 4 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POSCO), besides section 8 of the Goa Children Act and section 376 (punishment for rape) of IPC.
"The girl has recorded her statement before the Child Welfare Committee of the state-run protective home 'Apna Ghar'," Kashyap said.