Panaji, Sep 26 (TIWN) A trial court here on Thursday framed charges against ruling BJP MLA Atanasio Monserrate in a rape case involving a minor girl.

The police last year filed a 250-page charge sheet in North Goa district court after the investigation in the case was completed.  North Goa district and sessions court judge Sherin Paul on Thursday framed charges against Atanasio Monserratte.  The trial in the case will begin on October 17.  Atanasio Monserratte, 55, the MLA from Panaji constituency, has been booked under Indian Penal Code Section 376 (rape) and relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO).   In a statement to police in 2016, the victim, then aged 16, accused Monserratte of drugging and sexually assaulting her.  She also alleged that her mother "sold" her to Atanasio Monserratte for Rs. 50 lakh.  Atanasio Monserratte was arrested on May 5, 2016, and is currently out on bail.  COMMENT The MLA earlier denied all charges against him, saying he was innocent and the case against him was "politically motivated".