Russian rape case: Main accused John Fernandes surrenders
By IANSWednesday, January 6, 2010
PANAJI - John Fernandes, accused of raping a 25-year-old Russian girl here last month, surrendered before the Goa crime branch Wednesday afternoon, police said.
John, a local politician, had been absconding since his anticipatory bail was cancelled by the Bombay High Court last month.
His surrender follows a Supreme Court rap Tuesday when counsel for the accused withdrew John’s bail plea after severe censure from the apex court.
John had managed to evade arrest after the Russian tourist alleged that Fernandes raped her on Dec 1 midnight last year after spiking her drink.
The initial refusal by the police to file the rape complaint created a stir in the state with the Russian consulate being forced to intervene.
Subsequent comments by Congress MP Shantaram Naik in the Rajya Sabha asking that the rape case be seen in ‘different light’ because of the acquaintance between the victim and the accused, also created a furore in parliament.
Police officers are tightlipped about the future course of action.
“He has surrendered today (Wednesday). He will be produced before a magistrate within the stipulated 24 hours,” a senior crime branch official said.
