Russian consulate unhappy with Goa rape probe

A day after John Fernandes,the politician accused of raping a Russian tourist rape in Goa,went absconding,the office of the Consulate General of the Russian Federation....

A day after John Fernandes,the politician accused of raping a Russian tourist rape in Goa,went absconding,the office of the Consulate General of the Russian Federation here on Wednesday wrote to Goa Chief Minister,Home Minister and Tourism Minister expressing extreme displeasure at the manner in which the investigation was carried out by the Goa Police.

Expressing concern for the Russians who form a major part of the seasons tourists in Goa,Russian Consul General Alexander V. Mantytsky cited various instances where female Russian nationals have found themselves as victims after their drinks were spiked. We understand from media reports that the government has announced that tourist should not be out late at night as by being so,they themselves would be responsible if they become victims of any crime. We would be happy to inform our citizens not to remain outside after 10 pm if you suppose that it would assist in their security, reads the letter.

The concern over the deadline comes after the Chief Minister told a television interview that instead of subjecting the accused to questioning,one needs to ask what was the alleged victim doing outside so late in the night. Similar view points were echoed by other MLAs and also by Rajya Sabha Member Shantaram Naik who even voiced the same in the Parliament.

Meanwhile,the police are hot on the trail of Fernandes,whose anticipatory bail was cancelled by the Goa Bench of the Mumbai High Court on Tuesday. Police spokesman Atmaram Deshpande told reporters that the Crime Branch had not been able to trace Fernandes after the High Court order. Deshpande said the police had initiated all the required steps to arrest Fernandes. Sources said the Colva police on Tuesday went to the accuseds house where he was unavailable.

Police sources also said they were yet to issue a Look-Out Circular (LOC) against the accused. He cant leave the nation as he has deposited his passport to the Crime Branch, a senior police officer said. The Goa Police,facing strong criticism for alleged lethargy in investigating the case,had earlier refused to question the accused although the court had restrained only his arrest and not questioning.

Cong cautious,BJP wants apology from MP

NEW DELHI/PANAJI: The Congress on Wednesday reacted cautiously to its Goa MP Shantaram Naiks controversial remarks on rape,which had caused a furore in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. AICC spokesman Shakeel Ahmed said the party would not like to comment on it as Naiks remarks had already been expunged from records by the Rajya Sabha Chairman. Rape is a heinous crime and should not be taken lightly by anybody. It is the responsibility of every government to protect the life and honour of every citizen of the country and anybody visiting the country, said Ahmed.

However,the Goa BJP has sought a public apology from Naik for his remarks. BJPs Goa unit spokesman Govind Parvatkar said such baseless and irresponsible statements have defamed Goas credential as a safe state. He should tender a public apology for his act. ens