Russian diplomat sneers at Goa police over drug nexus case

, Dec 17: A senior Russian diplomat here mocked the

police by claiming that the number of cops arrested in the state during the previous government regime were more than his countrymen arrested here.

"There were about 10 cases of Russian crime in India, but during the same period there were 20-30 cases of policemen being arrested for covering Indian criminals under the previous government (in Goa)," said Deputy Consul General, Russian Federation in Mumbai, Mzareulov. He was speaking to reporters after inaugurating the Russian information centre in North Goa this week.

Mzareulov was referring to the arrest of more than 10 policemen who were held during the Congress government rule when nexus between drug paddlers and policemen was exposed by the media.

The diplomat rubbished allegations that Russians visiting Goa are involved in the crime, claiming that compared to two lakh Russians visiting here, those found involved in crime is close to zero percent. He took a dig at the former rulers (in the state) and said, "some defeated political candidates want to see Russian hand. They want to cover their own."

Victor Albuquerque, the honorary consul general of Russian in Goa said that his government cannot be blamed for any kind of lawlessness by foreigners in Goa. "We cannot blame the Russian government if some of their individuals are caught on the wrong side of the law. It is the duty of the state government," he said.

PTI