Crime branch takes over Russian rape case

The woman, 25, first approached the Colva police station, South Goa, on December 3 saying she had been assaulted in an attempt to rape by a local man John Fernandes. She said later she was coerced by the police not to file a rape complaint because Fernandes is politically connected.

But the case took yet another twist after the Russian woman’s girlfriend sent in a statement to the police contradicting the alleged victim’s version.

Fernandes, who contested the Assembly elections here on a regional party ticket moved the court for anticipatory bail which will be heard on Monday.