Goa: Police shielding politician accused of rape?

A Russian tourist operator based in Goa has alleged that she was raped by a local politician - a case that could mar the state's image during peak tourist season. The 25-year-old has alleged she was raped on Wednesday night by John Fernandes, who had contested elections on a Save Goa Front ticket. The police have filed a case of attempted rape. The woman who is associated with a five star hotel chain has alleged that she was dining out with a friend that night. The accused who knew her friend offered to drop them home. He dropped off her friend first and then allegedly raped her in the car. "At first we dropped my friend and then I was alone in the car with him so we started the car and stopped in the next building. He pulled the seat where I was sitting and he was on top of me," said the victim. The girl has alleged the police did not cooperate with her. Her lawyer has sent her complaint to the Russian consulate. "The police officers were trying to push me not to put this complaint on him because then I will get into problems because he is a powerful respected person in Goa," said the victim. The police however say they are investigating the matter. "A Russian national has lodged a written complaint at Colva police station. Based on that complaint, case of attempt to rape has been registered against one local John Fernandes and further investigation on this case is on at the police station," said Atmaram Deshpande, SP, Special Branch and PRO, Goa Police. The Scarlett Keeling case had tarnished Goa's image as a safe tourist destination, and now this case during peak tourist season is sure to worry the government.