Monserrate stages 'dharna', seeks action against cop

Panaji, Feb 19 (UNI) Taleigao legislator and former Goa minister Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate, along with his supporters tonight staged a 'dharna' in front of the Panjim police station demanding suspension of an inspector for encouraging 'goondaism'.

Mr Monserrate, who played a crucial role in toppling BJP government in 2004 and later Digambar Kamat government last year, said he wanted nothing short of ''immediate action'' against police inspector Sudesh Naik.

Banners of ''Suspend Panjim police Inspector'', ''Police hand in glove with goons'', ''We do not want 'goondaism' in Taleigao,'' were displayed at the sit-in, which blocked the road.

Known as a big realtor, Mr Monserrate also led an agitation against the proposed Rajiv Gandhi IT Habitat at Dona paula Plateau in Taleigao and tried to dislodge Chief Minister last month.

He said PI Naik had handed over his young supporter, Royan Sodhinho, to members of a known rival goon who abducted the boy from his house and allegedly thrashed him this evening in his constituency.

As soon as the news about Royan being beaten up spread, Taleigao observed bandh and some people started burning old tyres on the roads in protest.

When Royan wriggled out of the goons's hands and asked the chasing cops for help, the police allegedly handed him back to the assailants who thrashed him further.

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