The politician accused of raping a Russian in Goa has been granted anticipatory bail.
 
John Fernandes unsuccessfully contested the Assembly elections in 2007 as a candidate for the Save Goa Front.
 
The alleged victim says Fernandes spiked her drink and then raped her in his car on the first of December.  The victim, who works at a Goa hotel, says she met Fernandes through a mutual friend, who is also from Russia.  The victim and her friend had dinner with Fernandes on the first of December.  The victim says the politician raped her after they dropped her friend home.   
 
The victim and her boyfriend have repeatedly said that they are under pressure to drop the case against Fernandes, who is from South Goa.
 
The case has been transferred to the Crime Branch but it's clear that there are gaping holes in the investigation. The police have still not examined Fernandes' car; by now, vital evidence could be lost.  The victim's medical report showed 13 bruises on her body, indicating struggle.  Yet, Fernandes has not been questioned about the alleged rape or subjected to a medical test.

The police's weak defense: that it has not been able to locate Fernandes. As the victim points out, that highlights how dangerous it is to allow bail to Fernandes.