Family members of a Russian traveller arrested for overstaying in Goa have expressed concern over a local court order stating that the tourist's outstay in the state was an "offence against the nation".
Forty-year-old Aleksandr Solomein was arrested in Goa after he was found staying with expired visa.
In a communication on August 14, to the Russian consulate in Mumbai, his family members have raised objection to the court order which has made these remarks.
According to Maria, Solomein's sister, her brother had gone to Foreigners Registration office (FRO) for permission to leave the country after receipt of his funds for purchase of return ticket.
"The FRO office asked him to go to Calangute police station where he was promptly arrested," the family members told the Russian authorities.
The accused pleaded guilty when he was produced before judicial magistrate First Class, Mapusa. Assistant public prosecutor Jerry Santamaria appearing for the state sought the strictest punishment for the accused.
The tourist was sentenced to one year imprisonment and fine of Rs10,000, last month by judicial magistrate first class, Carlo S da Silva.
The family members stated that Solomein was caught up in Goa as the funds for his return ticket could not be sent to him on time, the delay resulting in the expiry of his visa.
Russian consulate representative Vikram Varma said the observation that "this was an offence against our nation is a matter of concern."
"To the best of my knowledge, Russia is a time tested friend and ally of India." he said.
Varma said the Russian authorities have been informed about the matter and they would consider the facts and circumstances before reacting.
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