Goa:
Goa Police's Crime Branch has stepped in after reports that a Russian national, who claimed she was raped, was being forced to dilute her charges because her attacker was well connected.
The Crime Branch has taken a fresh statement from the Russian woman, and the accused, Goa politician John Fernandes, will now be charged for rape and not just attempt to rape.
The police will also oppose the bail plea of Fernandes.
Meanwhile, speaking about the medical report, police sources have said that there are 13 injury marks on the victim's body, which could indicate struggle.
However, Fernandes, who has stayed away from the media ever since the case came up, cannot be arrested till Monday - when his bail plea will come up for hearing.
On December 5, a Russian friend who was with the victim on the night the rape is alleged to have happened, denied the charges. She filed an affidavit with the police saying "no rape took place" and "John Fernandes dropped us home in his car. I was with her till she was dropped home."
But the statement came at a time when the 25-year-old victim alleged she was under pressure to dilute the case. The victim's medical report also showed bruises on her body. She also says that "the police told her not to continue with the case since John is a powerful politician."
In Goa on a business visa, the victim had known John for a year. He was also acquainted with her friend, which is why they accepted a lift from him on Wednesday night.
Better known as a manufacturer of speedboats, John Fernandes contested the last assembly elections against NCP candidate and current Tourism Minister Mickey Pachecho. He lost by a few hundred votes. Many of his supporters feel the current charges against him are politically motivated.
Two days ago, the Russian tourist operator had alleged that she was raped by the Goa politician.
She alleged that was raped on Wednesday night by John Fernandes, who had contested elections on a Save Goa Front ticket. The police had then filed a case of attempted rape.
The woman, associated with a five star hotel chain, 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.