'Interpreter key witness in Russian woman's molestation case'

, Oct 24: A woman interpreter was witness to the alleged molestation of the 32-year-old Russian national by a doctor at a government hospital here, a lawyer for the Russian consulate claimed today.

"The lady interpreter who accompanied the victim to Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) on October 18 for medical examination is a witness to the act," advocate Vikram Varma said. The consulate had provided the victim with the interpreter, also a Russian.

The victim was allegedly molested and robbed by an unknown man on Baga beach here on the midnight of October 17 when she was with her female friend. After Calangute police sent her to the GMCH for medical examination next day, she was again allegedly molested by a male doctor there.

Goa health ministry has already ordered probe into the incident

Goa health ministry has already ordered probe into the incident. A senior GMCH official said that medical examination had to be conducted because there were bruises on her neck. But according to advocate Varma, the doctor insisted on gynaecological examination though she had not complained of rape.

The victim, who hails from Minsk in Russia, had come to Goa for vacation. She left the state yesterday. Varma said a formal police complaint has not yet been filed against the doctor, but the possibility was being examined.

PTI