Russian rape case: Goa politician John Fernandes surrenders

John Fernandes, accused of raping a 25-year-old Russian girl in Panaji, surrendered before the Goa crime branch this afternoon, police said. He was absconding after his anticipatory bail was cancelled by the Bombay HC last month.

John Fernandes, accused of raping a 25-year-old Russian girl in Panaji, surrendered before the Goa crime branch this afternoon, police said.

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Fernandes accompanied by his lawyer Rajiv Gomes to the crime branch office at Dona Paula at 1400 hours.

The accused has been absconding after his anticipatory bail was cancelled by the Bombay High Court last month.

The Supreme Court on Monday too had refused to grant anticipatory bail to the accused who allegedly raped the victim in his car on December 1, 2009.

The Goa Police were on the lookout for Fernandes, a local politician, after Judicial Magistrate first class, Margao pronounced him as absconder.

The girl had alleged that the accused spiked her drink and later raped her in his car near Colva beach.