Atanasio 'Babush' Monserrate, an Independent MLA from Goa has been granted bail in a case where he is accused of raping a minor girl from Nepal. The girl’s stepmother and another woman, who were also in custody for allegedly trafficking her, were given bail as well, according to News18.

Police said Monserrate had bought the girl from the two women for Rs 50 lakh, though he has denied these claims. The 16-year-old had claimed that he spiked her drink and assaulted her. She is currently in a children’s home. Monserrate was arrested under the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences Act.