Panaji, Dec 17 (IANS): Some Goan politicians are defaming Russians to cover up crimes committed by "Indian anti-social elements", according to Mumbai-based Deputy Consul General Alexey M. Mzareulov.

The diplomat was on a two-day visit to Goa to inaugurate a Russian Information Centre in Candolim, a beach village in Goa, which sees over 100,000 Russian tourists annually.

"There are some politicians who see a Russian hand. They want to cover their own tracks," Mzareulov said.

Speaking to IANS on the sidelines of the event, the Russian diplomat also sought to dispel reports that Russians were involved in prostitution, dismissing them as an "urban legend" and a "fantasy".

Commenting on the law and order situation in Goa, Mzareulov cautioned that India could run the risk of becoming another Thailand, where rising crime forced the Russian authorities to issue an adverse travel advisory.

"You wouldn't want Goa to become another Thailand," Mzareulov said.