On 22/02/2008, Averthan D'Souza <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: 1: All the hullabaloo about the beating up of Atanasio (aka Babush) Monserratte by the Panjim Police... 2: The Goa Police may have over-reacted, but the fact remains that they were provoked by the mob which had gathered outside the Police Headquarters. ....
Dear Mr. Averthan D'Souza, I submit here that there is only one Rule of Law. This Rule of Law allows for appropriate force to be used to defend Govt property and personnel. It does not allow for the Police force to "over-react" to any provocation. It matters little what the antecedent reputation of a person is - the Govt is not allowed to use the prejudicial nature of previous knowledge to act inappropriately at any point. If the Govt does act inappropriately, there are sanctions for that inappropriate action. The Goa IGP is reported as saying that "the Goa Police did NOT commit assault on Mr. Babush Monserrate's underage son". I recommend that the Goa IGP revisit the legal meaning of the term "assault". >From all accounts - it appears that Assault and Battery were committed on Mr. Monserrate. If it is believed that Monserrate deserved this treatment because of his own prior actions, I disagree. I submit that the Govt should follow the letter and spirit of the Law. The law, from what I know, does not allow the police to pass judgment or carry out the sentence on any individual. sincerely jose colaco
