Crime Branch to probe lapses in Russian rape case: Ravi Naik

Contrary to the claim of police that departmental inquiry would be initiated against the police officer charged of initial goof-up in investigating the Russian rape case, Goa home minister, Ravi Naik, said Crime Branch would investigate the allegations.

"The allegations that there was a total neglect on the part of police machinery to correctly register the case immediately gave Goa a very bad name internationally," Naik said responding to the discussion on law and order in the state during the ongoing Assembly session.

A 25-year-old Russian girl had alleged that she was raped by John Fernandes, a South Goa-based politician by spiking her drink on December 1 mid-night.

"It is submitted that Crime Branch will also look into any lapses which might have committed by in-charge of Colva police station and other officers regarding the allegations leveled against them by the victim of not carrying out proper investigation at initial stage," Naik said.

Colva police inspector Siddhanth Shirodkar was accused by Russian girl of asking her to tone down the complaint from rape to molestation. The girl had mentioned this in her letter to the consul general of Russian Federation in Mumbai.

Naik said appropriate action would be taken if anyone is found guilty of any misconduct.

Earlier this week, Goa police spokesman Atmaram Deshpande had informed the media that departmental inquiry is being contemplated which would be headed by a senior level police officer.