German girl rape: Goa Minister’s son still at large

“You (media) will be told once there is a development. Right now I have nothing to comment,” Superintendent of Police (North Goa) Bosco George said.

Twelve days after a complaint filed by victim’s mother Fadela Fuchs, a researcher, the 21-year old Rohit was booked on Tuesday for alleged sexual and mental abuse of the 14-year old girl and was charged with offences including rape, abatement to crime and outraging her modesty.

The police have also charged Monserratte with abatement of crime as the mobile phone used by Rohit to send obscene text messages to the victim is in the minister’s name.

Police searched for Rohit at Monserratte’s bungalows at Taleigao and Miramar but returned empty handed.

Monserratte, an unattached MLA of regional party UGDP, has rejected the allegations saying the police action smacked of a political conspiracy. But the case has caused an embarrassment to the Congress-led Government in the state.

Chief Minister Digamber Kamat, who came back from Delhi last evening, met with his entire Cabinet, barring Tourism Minister Fransisco Pacheco, at his official residence here. “I have asked for an impartial inquiry into the German lady’s allegations. I have no faith in the police,”

Monserratte is said to have told the chief minister at the meeting.

Kamat, apparently bowing to pressure from Monserratte, has summoned Director General of Police B S Brar today to discuss the case.

Political sources said the case may be handed over to the Crime Branch if the chief minister is convinced with Monserratte’s stand.