'History sheeter? No, I am Robin Hood'

PANAJI: Objecting to being termed a "history sheeter", St Cruz independent candidate Jose Lopes alias Joe Boy on Wednesday questioned the antecedents of his election rivals in St Cruz constituency and elsewhere.Lopes also denied he was planted by education minister Atanasio 'Babush' Monserrate as an independent candidate from St Cruz to split Rudolf Fernandes' votes. He alleged that, in 1998, Monserrate had given a 'supari' to kill him (Lopes). "I have not met Monserrate since 1998," Lopes said.Addressing a press conference, Lopes said, "The media always targets me as a history sheeter. If I am a history sheeter, then what about Churchill Alemao, Babush Monserrate and Rudolf Fernandes." Rudolf is sitting St Cruz MLA Victoria Fernandes' son. Monserrate and Rudolf are candidates from St Cruz constituency-Monserrate as the Congress candidate and Rudolf as an independent. Lopes said he had been "honourable acquitted" by the courts and that he has the judgment with him. He also denied he had given a 'supari' to alleged dacoit Michael Fernandes to kill home minister Ravi Naik's son Roy. Lopes even denied that he had ever made money from extorting people. In fact, Lopes likened himself to Robin Hood who helps the poor. "There has been no case against me since 2005," he said.Talking of past cases against him, Lopes named persons who he said were criminals and anti-social elements. Referring to the case against him of holding illegal fire-arms, Lopes said no fire-arms were found with him at that time. "But still, police treated me like an animal and tortured me. Even today, my one finger is crooked (from the torture)," he said.Asked why he wanted to contest elections, the 38-year-old bachelor said he "was capable", "never desired money" and wants to work for people and development.Lopes said he had contested the assembly elections of 2002 securing 246 votes, the 2007 elections getting 186 votes and had not withdrawn. Stating that he will not withdraw now, Lopes also informed that he had survived nine attempts on his life "through God's grace".Assembly elections 2012 newsGoa assembly elections