Panaji: A Russian girl who was allegedly molested by a politician in Goa has charged the state police of trying to hush up the case by asking her to tone down the complaint.
The 25-year-old girl, who works for a five-star hotel as a Russian representative, has said she was asked to tone down the case by Colva police station in-charge Siddhant Shirodkar stating that the accused is a heavyweight politician and she can be in trouble for suing him.
"I was harassed for almost three and half hours at Colva police station when I approached with the complaint on December 2," she has said in the letter written to the Russian consulate.
The girl, who came to Goa on a business visa in August, was tried to be raped by John Fernandes (34), a politician, who unsuccessfully contested Goa state legislative Assembly election in 2007.
The incident occurred on December 1 mid-night when she and another Russian girl was offered lift by the accused, who had a dinner with them at a shack in Colva beach.
The girl, who met consulate officials, this morning, has also alleged that her drinks were spiked by Fernandes as a result of which she felt uneasy.
The accused allegedly attempted to rape her in his car after dropping one amongst the two girls at her hotel. The Russian who resisted his advances has suffered bruise marks on thighs and knees, her medical report by the police mentions.
The girl has stated that she was advised by the police not to file a complaint as the accused might spoil her work prospects. "I was told that I might lose my visa, if I go against him," she said.
The accused is booked under various sections of IPC.
Russian consulate's lawyer Vikram Varma confirming the letter received from the girl said the matter will be perceived with senior police officers.
"We are scrutinising the matter. Based on her statement, it sounds very serious issue," Varma said.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Umesh Gaonkar refused any hush up attempts and said he will have to inquire with the police inspector, if there was any delay in getting her complaint registered.
"We will surely inquire, if she has complaint but prima facie, I find that police have done their duty right," he added.
- PTI
First Published: Friday, December 04, 2009, 18:58