Russian girl rape case: Goa police arrest main accused

Mumbai, Jan 29 (ANI): Goa Police on Friday evening arrested Aman Bharadwaj, the main accused in the alleged rape of a nine-year-old Russian girl.

Bharadwaj, who was absconding till now, was arrested by a Goa police team in Mumbai and he is being brought to the state, the police said.

Earlier in the day, another accused, Anil Raghuvanshi, was arrested from a bus stop near Pernem.

According to Goa Police, Bharadwaj allegedly raped the nine-year-old Russian girl on January 26 at Arambol beach, 35 kms from Panaji, while his accomplice chatted up with her mother just yards away to divert her attention.

The girl's mother had complained with the Pernem police, who registered the case under Section 376 of IPC and Section 8 (II) of Goa Children's Act against the accused.

The police were raiding various guesthouses, bus stands, railway stations, airport and border areas of the city to catch hold of the accused.

Meanwhile, Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat had himself promised to look after the case. The state government had sent a detailed report to the Centre over the entire matter.

The Russian embassy had on Thursday expressed its outrage over the incident and demanded 'strict and efficient' measures to ensure safety of its citizens. (ANI)