Panaji: A Russian girl, who was allegedly raped by Goa-based politician John Fernandes, has claimed that the accused's associates offered her money to withdraw the case.
The 25-year-old Russian girl, in a verbal complaint to the Crime Branch, claimed that a friend of Fernandes, who was declared 'absconding' by a court in Margao, called her up last evening and offered Rs 15 lakh to withdraw the charges against him.
The girl, who had alleged that John raped her on December 1 mid-night after spiking her drink, claimed that the caller also threatened her with dire consequences if she pursue the case further.
When contacted, Crime Branch officials refused to comment on the complaint.
Russian Consulate's representative in Goa Vikram Varma told PTI that the accused's associates have made attempts to "bribe" the victim with huge sum of money to withdraw the case.
"From the conduct of the associates of the accused, it is clear that such people consider themselves above the law.
Despite 18 days having passed and formal arrest warrant issues, the accused is still absconding. He has ample opportunity and freedom to manipulate the evidence and intimidate as well as influence the witnesses," he said.
"Such a conduct is deplorable and can influence the credibility of our criminal justice system," Varma said.
John, a South Goa-based politician, allegedly raped the Russian girl after spiking her drink at Colva beach. The accused has been missing after the anticipatory bail, granted to him by district and sessions court, was rejected by Goa Bench of Bombay High court.
Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Margao had declared him absconder on December 18.
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