A special court in Goa on Wednesday (February 11, 2026) acquitted BJP MLA and Minister Atanasio Monserrate in a rape case registered against him nearly a decade ago. Special Judge Irshad Agha has now acquitted the Minister of all charges. As per the FIR registered by the Goa police, a minor girl had alleged that she was sold to then St Cruz MLA Monserratte who drugged and raped her. Initially, the case was registered against the Minister under the Goa Children’s Act. The case was tried before the district court after the police filed a 250-page chargesheet against him.

Source: The Hindu February 11, 2026 11:24 UTC