Russian rape case: Arrest warrant issued
A non-bailable warrant of arrest has been issued against John Fernandes, a local businessman and politician accused of raping a Russian woman a fortnight ago in Goa.
The judicial magistrate of Margao issued a warrant on an application made by the Goa police.
The crime branch said the accused has been evading arrest even though his anticipatory bail was cancelled by the High Court here on Tuesday.
The Supreme Court on Friday refused to grant anticipatory bail to Fernandes, a Goa politician accused of raping a Russian girl.
Non-bailable warrant
“It is not a case for granting bail,” a bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan said when a petition by Fernandes challenging the Bombay high court’s order cancelling his anticipatory bail granted by a trial court was mentioned.
“Whether the allegation is right or wrong, it is difficult to grant bail,” the bench, also
comprising justices B Sudershan Reddy and P Sathasivam, said Fernandes is accused of raping the Russian girl on December 1.
Senior advocate U U Lalit said that if the high court order is not stayed, the protection granted by the trial court would be lifted and he will be arrested.
However, the bench was not convinced with the submission and questioned the decision of the trial court to grant him bail.
“It is very strange that the sessions judge has granted bail,” the bench said. The court said it will hear the matter on January 4.
