Expedite investigations in German minor girl rape case: Lawyer

Panaji, Nov 3 (UNI) Alleging that senior politicians in Goa are exerting pressure on the state police to hush up the German minor rape case, Advocate Aires Rodrigues, lawyer for the German woman, who has filed a case against the kin of politicians, today demanded expediting investigations into the case.

Talking to reporters here, Rodrigues, in the presence of the German mother, said every attempt was being made to divert attention from the main issue for the benefit of those accused of serious offences against the minor girl. But as her lawyer, I would not let this happen and protect the interest of the mother and the child.

He alleged that the mother had been cooperating with the police since October two, when she lodged the complaint. But the authorities had been frustrating her attempts in her fight for justice.

He said now that the girl's statement had been recorded and her medical examination completed, police should act swiftly and arrest the acccused, he demanded.

Strongly decrying the attempts to malign the minor girl and her mother, Adv Rodrigues said the factual position of the political interference in the investigation of the case would be placed before the Bombay High Court at Goa when the matter comes up for hearing on November five.

He said he would urge the police to investigate the circumstances in which Rohit Monserrate, son of Anastasio Monserrate, who was a student at the renowned Kodaikanal International School (KIS), was suddenly withdrawn from the school in November 2004 halfway through Class XII.

Adv Rodrigues said he was keeping German Consul General Walter Stechel informed of the developments of the case. Mr Stechel will arrive in Goa on Sunday to take further stock of the situation, he informed.

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