IANS

Panaji, Jul 6: A court Monday framed charges against local politician John Fernandes for the rape of a 25-year-old Russian woman in December 2009.

Fernandes had been booked by the police for rape and destruction of evidence, in a case which made international headlines for days together.

The police, in their charge sheet, said that the politician had spiked the drinks of the victim - who used to work at a five-star hotel as a liason officer, and subsequently raped her.

Fernandes, who had disappeared after the crime was reported, had surrendered to police after nearly a month amid allegations that the police machinery had conspired to ensure that he was not arrested.

Even the Russian consul officials had to intervene and formally ask the chief minister to ensure that the investigations into the case were thorough and impartial.

Goa is one of the most sought-after and cheap beach holiday destinations in the world and receives nearly half a million foreign tourists annually, out of which nearly 50,000 are Russians.