IANS

Panaji, Feb 12: Cross complaints were registered in the beach village of Morjim near here after a Russian businessman was assaulted by locals following an altercation late Thursday, police said Friday.

In the scuffle that followed, one local received grievous injuries and has been admitted to a government-run hospital.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Sammy Tavares said two complaints had been registered in connection with the incident.

"Constatine Alexander Borowsli, 27, who operates a bar and restaurant in the beach village, was involved in the scuffle with the locals. We have filed a complaint against the Russian and the locals," Tavares told IANS.

The official said Borowsli, who is in Goa on a business visa, was returning to his bar at 11.30 p.m. in a Maruti Swift car when his car's headlights started 'bothering' a group of taxi drivers who were lounging nearby.

"There was an argument over the lights and a fight followed. One Ravi Shetgaonkar, 43, was admitted due to severe injuries following assault by the Russian, who was also assaulted by the group," Tavares said, adding that while Borowsli was booked for grievous assault, the villagers were booked for unlawful assembly and assault.

The incident once again brings into focus rising crimes involving foreigners, especially Russians, in the coastal belt of Goa.