This Article is From May 12, 2016

Rape Case Against Goa MLA: Girl Takes Age Determination Test

Rape Case Against Goa MLA: Girl Takes Age Determination Test

Goa Congress MLA Atanasio Monserratte was arrested on May 5.

Panaji: The girl who has accused expelled Goa Congress MLA Atanasio Monserratte of buying and raping her on Wednesday underwent ossification test to determine her exact age, police said.

The test was conducted as two separate birth certificates of the girl, who claimed that she was 16, were found during investigation.

"The ossification test was conducted to ascertain her exact age. The test was conducted at the Goa Medical College and Hospital," a senior Crime Branch official told PTI.

He said the measure is required as an evidence.

"A panel of three doctors conducted the test and results are yet to be announced," the official said.

However, Crime Branch officials refused to disclose details of the birth certificates of the girl.

Mr Monserratte, former education minister, was arrested on May 5.

Police had also arrested the girl's mother and another woman, Rosy Ferros, for allegedly selling her to Mr Monserratte for Rs 50 lakh.

The girl, who was working in Mr Monserratte's lifestyle store at Miramar beach in Goa, had claimed that she was raped in March, a charge rejected by the legislator.

Crime Branch is expected to record statement of Mr Monserratte's wife, Jeniffer, who is also an MLA from Taleigao constituency.

On Sunday, the MLA was subjected to psychiatric tests by police.

He was booked under IPC sections 376 (rape), 328 (poisoning), 342 (wrongful confinement), 370 (A) (trafficking), the provisions of Goa Children Act and the Protection of Children From Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Police had examined 10 witnesses and also recorded the girl's statement before a magistrate.

The girl had alleged that Mr Monserratte kept her in confinement, administered some stupefying substance and had sexual intercourse with her several times without her consent.
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