Russian rape case: HC cancels anticipatory bail to accused

Goa Bench of Bombay High Court cancelled the anticipatory bail granted to John Fernandes, accused in the Russian girl rape case.

Goa Bench of Bombay High Court on Tuesday cancelled the anticipatory bail granted to John Fernandes, accused in the Russian girl rape case.

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The bench, giving the order in the application filed by Goa police, set aside the order passed by district and sessions court granting anticipatory bail to John.

The 25-year-old Russian girl had alleged that she was raped by John (34) on December one night when she was dining at a shack at Colva beach.

Judge U D Salvi yesterday heard the arguments and today gave the order in the case. Goa district and sessions court on December 8 had granted anticipatory bail to the accused, a politician who had unsuccessfully contested the 2007 state legislative assembly elections a ticket of 'Save Goa Front' political outfit.

The judge in his order noted that there was a prima facie case of rape when the victim went to Colva police station. The order mentioned that the girl's statement to Crime Branch was an elaboration of her complaint and not an addition, as claimed by the defence lawyer.

The victim on December 2 had complained about the rape to Colva police station, which was registered by a police inspector as an attempt to rape.