Rape accused Goa Legislator Atanasio Monserratte claims being framed

PANAJI: Expelled Congress legislator Atanasio Monserratte, who has been arrested on rape charges, today claimed that he was being framed in a fake case and said he would disclose the identity of those implicating him once he is out on bail.

"There is someone who has framed me. I am not revealing his name right now but once I am (out) on bail, the first thing would be to expose him in public," Monserratte told reporters here while being taken from the court after his police custody was extended for four days.

"I will talk... I will reveal everything," he said adding, "come on to the battlefield and fight rather than stabbing me from the back."

Monserratte, who is a former minister, said "there's politics behind this and this has been cooking since long. But every dog has a day. Today it is my day, tomorrow it will be yours."

The St Cruz legislator, who has been arrested by Crime Branch for allegedly buying and raping 16-year-old girl, claimed he is innocent and has always been telling truth to the investigating officer.

"I don't need to think twice before answering the investigating officer. I am telling the truth so I don't need to think. If I was telling lies then I would have had to think twice," he said.

Two separate dates about the incident of rape are being discussed-- March 6 and 8--, Monserratte said.

"Both the days I was with people. On March 6, there were Corporation of City of Panaji polls where my panel was contesting and on March 8 the results were out and we were joyous and celebrating"