Zeenews Bureau
Panaji: High-profile south Goa politician John Fernandes, accused of allegedly raping a Russian tourist was let off on Tuesday on bail.
The anticipatory bail was granted by the south Goa district and sessions court to Fernandes after the defence lawyer argued that there was inconsistency in the victim’s statements and that she had been changing her stand often.
He also pointed to the medical report - submitted by the police - which said that the intercourse was not forced.
John (34) is booked for raping a 25-year-old Russian girl by spiking her drink at Colva beach on the night of December 1.
However, not convinced with the way the case is heading, the Russian has alleged that a powerful political lobby is behind the attempt to protect the rapist.
The girl’s lawyer Vikram Verma while talking to the media expressed surprise that the cops were downplaying the assault and terming it just normal. The victim, working as a representative for a five-star resort, had reportedly suffered 13 bruise marks during the assault.
He also added that the statements given by his client in the court were not incoherent.
It is noteworthy that even as assistant public prosecutor who opposed the bail petition had argued that they want to confiscate the car in which the girl was raped, the Crime Branch is yet to recover the vehicle.
John is a high-profile politician from south Goa and had unsuccessfully contested 2007 Goa Legislative Assembly polls on a ticket of `Save Goa Front` political outfit, floated by Public Works Department minister Churchill Alemao.
