06 December,2009 09:58 AM IST | | Vinod Kumar Menon
Goa Police and Crime Branch have no answers for delay in registering case and investigation
Investigations into the alleged rape of a 25-year-old Russian tourist guide in Goa has come to a dead end with investigators missing out on vital clues.u00a0
The question nagging the alleged rape victim and her aides is if the police are deliberately weakening charges against the influential accused John Fernandez, a businessman and independent political leader.
On the afternoon of December 2, the victim approached Colva police station to register a complaint of her alleged rape the previous night in a car. She named Fernandez in her complaint. The Colva police allegedly tried to pressurise her by asking her to register a case of molestation and sent her for a medical examination to Hospicio hospital, where the doctor examined her for a mere assault, said a close associate of the victim, who did not wished to be quoted.u00a0
The alleged rape victim then contacted the Russian Consulate seeking assistance. Upon narrating the episode, legal aide was provided to her. She had given details ofu00a0 the car its colour and one digit off the number plate to the police but still they were unable to trace the vehicle.
Almost 48 hours after the incident, Deputy Inspector General of Police R S Yadav transferred the case abruptly from local Colva police to the crime branch. On Saturday, when the alleged victim visited the crime branch office, the officials made her issue a new statement running into a few lines instead of acknowledging her written complaint running into four pages.
Finally, mounting pressure from local media and the consulate compelled the police to register a case of rape on late Saturday evening.
When inquired about the reason for delay in registering a case of rape against the suspect and investigating it, the police drew a blank.
Colva police sub inspector Anand Shirodkar said, "The victim did not tell us about penetration initially when she came to us. We have found that the number and colour of the vehicle did match with John Fernandes' car and accordingly wrote a letter to the RTO for details. But now the case is transferred to the Crime branch and they are probing the matter."
Crime branch inspector Udhay Naik said, "The investigation is at a crucial level and we are probing the allegations levied by the complainant." When inquired about the reason for delay in collecting scientific evidence to strengthen their case, Naik refused to comment.
Meanwhile, the counsel for the Russian Consulate, Vikram Verma, said, "I have taken a detailed statement of the victim. I can confirm she is a Russian national and the details of the fact have been provided to the Russian authorities for appropriate action. Prima Facie it seems clear that she has been raped and this matter should not be treated as simple case of assault."u00a0
Sunday MiD DAY tried contacting Fernandes, but even after numerous efforts his mobile was switched off, and was not reachable.
Cops filmed; sex tape out
A live video of three Goa policemen on duty having sex with a woman in the police jeep came to the notice of Goa police on December 3. Atmaram Deshpande, Goa police spokesperson, Superintendent of Police, confirmed the incident and said that the video was six months old.
Acting on the report, the department suspended Head constable Santosh Gavas, and has initiated a departmental inquiry against the two other constables.
Deshpande added that they have located and identified the woman and are prepared to take, further action in case she has a complaint against the offenders.
