Russian rape case: John Fernandes surrenders

Mangalore Today

Goa, Jan.6: Goa politician John Fernandes, accused of raping a Russian girl on Colva Beach on December one, surrendered on Wednesday before the Crime Branch in Panaji almost a month after he went missing. 

 

Deputy Superintendent of Police Chandrakant Salgaoncar told reporters that John has been placed under arrest and would be interrogated to get further evidence in the case regarding alleged rape of the 25-year-old girl. 

The accused would be charged with destroying evidence as he had submitted his false clothes to the investigating agency earlier, the officer said. 

John, a South Goa-based politician, who unsuccessfully fought 2007 assembly elections on Save Goa Front Party ticket, allegedly raped the girl by spiking her drinks at Colva beach. Salgaoncar said the accused was absconding from the time the Panaji bench of Bombay High Court rejected the anticipatory bail granted to him by District and Sessions court. 

The accused also approached the Supreme Court with the anticipatory bail plea but the same was dismissed by the apex court. 

Police stated that the accused walked into Crime Branch’s office at Dona Paula with his lawyer at 1400 hours today. "He was immediately placed under arrested as we were looking out for him for his custodial interrogation," he said. 

The Crime branch will also initiate inquiry into John’s movement since he went missing. "If some people have helped him to hide, we will initiate action against them too for harbouring a criminal," the DSP said. 

Police had issued look out circulars after John went missing and he was declared an absconder by Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Margao.