Goa police not to challenge the bail plea in Russian girl rape case

Panaji, Dec 10 (ANI): The case involving the rape of a Russian girl by a Goa politician has taken a new twist with Goa Police deciding not to challenge the bail plea of accused John Fernandes.

The police said they plan to challenge the anticipatory bail granted to Fernandes.

The Goa Crime Branch had arrested Fernandes on Wednesday.

The victim's medical test results, her statement, the registered FIR and the Sessions court order will accompany the appeal of the Goa Crime Branch against bail in the Division bench of the Bombay High Court in Goa.

The Goa Crime Branch now, claim to give this case a top priority.

Melroy Alva, a friend of the victim expressed his delight at the police support and said now my friend can hope for justice.

"It was good motivation for me to know that police are bothered about her security. We feel safe now," he added.

On Tuesday, the South Goa District and Sessions Court had granted bail to Fernandes, as his lawyer argued that there was a discrepancy in the statements of the victim.

The Russian girl, who had alleged that supporters of John Fernandes had assaulted her, wished to withdraw her rape complaint on Tuesday, if the Russian Consulate did not step in to help her.

The 25-year-old woman, who is associated with a five star hotel, had filed a complaint in this regard with the local police station. Later, the girl's lawyer had sent her complaint to the Russian consulate, as she blamed the local police for not cooperating with her.

Earlier, the police, however, had refused to comment on the matter and said the case is being investigated.

Fernandes, who had contested the elections on a Save Goa Front ticket, had earlier claimed that the allegations against him was not correct and was politically motivated.

The chief minister of Goa state had on Wednesday criticised the rape victim for the ambiguity in her claims saying she had first claimed attempt to rape and later changed her charge to rape. (ANI)