Goa rape victim dreads for life, likely to withdraw complaint

Panaji, Dec 9 : The Russian girl who alleged that she was assaulted by supporters of John Fernandes, a high profile Goa politician, has said that she will withdraw her rape complaint if the Russian Consulate does 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.

The police however, refused to comment on the matter and said the case is being investigated. The Russian girl now wants to withdraw the case as she claims that the local police are not cooperating with her and helping the accused.

The accused John Fernandes, who had contested the elections on a Save Goa Front ticket, claimed that the allegations against him are not correct and have been politically motivated.

Meanwhile on Monday (December 7), after the Goa Crime Branch Police stepped into the case, the charge on John Fernandes, the accused was changed from attempt to rape to rape.

The south Goa district and sessions court granted bail to the accused John Fernandes on Tuesday (December 8), as his lawyer argued that there was discrepancy in the statements of the victim and she was changing her stand often.

This case could ruin Goa''s reputation as a safe tourist destination. (ANI)