Conditional exemption for Babush in rape case

Colva: A local court on Friday granted conditional exemption to revenue minister Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate from attending the trial in the alleged rape case. Monserrate and others were charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (Pocso) Act for allegedly raping a teenage girl in 2016.
He had made an application for permanent exemption on the ground that he is the Panaji MLA and currently holds revenue, labour, and waste management portfolios in the state cabinet.
Monserrate’s application said that he has to take part in cabinet meetings and deal with official work and is hence unable to travel from Panaji to Margao to participate in the hearings.
Margao sessions judge Irshad Agha granted conditional approval and asked Monserrate to appear in person as and when required during the course of the case.
The court also said that Monserrate should appear through video-conferencing when required.