Goa rape: 'How can a nine-year-old provoke?'

Russia's Ambassador to India Alexander Kadakin on Thursday lashed out the Indian authorities for not doing enough to resolve the case involving the rape of a nine-year-old Russian girl in Goa.

Speaking exclusively to ANI TV, Ambassador Kadakin expressed anger over some reports in the media suggesting that the nine-year-old girl had provoked and solicited sexual activity.

"How can a nine-year-old provoke," an agitated Ambassador Kadakin asked.

Terming the incident outrageous, the envoy warned that if investigations were not carried out properly, the Russian government would be forced to issue an advisory to its citizens on visiting India, particularly Goa through its diplomatic mission.

"We have expressed deep indignation and outrage on this terrible incident, which happened on Tuesday. It is up to the Indian authorities to decide that why there is such a steep rise in crime, especially in Goa," the envoy said.

"There was some talk in quarters by legislators in Goa that Russians provoke. How can a little nine-year-old provoke? How can it be? The situation is not right in Goa. Goan authorities are not doing everything to investigate. This is not the first case," he added.

"The embassy on Wednesday issued a very strong statement. We should see how the situation unfolds in connection with the investigation. If a real investigation is done, then we can draw conclusions," Ambassador Kadakin said.

Ambassador Kadakin's warning came as the Goa police announced the identity of the two suspects reportedly involved in the rape of the Russian girl.

Goa's Inspector General of Police KD Singh said the names of the suspects were Aman Bharadwaj and Anil. Both are absconding.

The Goa government said it has sent a detailed report to the Centre in connection with the rape of a nine-year-old Russian girl at Arambol beach in Panaji.

"I had received a call from Union Tourism minister Kumari Selja, who asked for a detailed report. The Chief Secretary, who was directed to compile it, sent the report on Wednesday," Chief Minister Digamber Kamat said.

Condemning the rape, Selja had called it as 'extremely sad and shameful' and demanded immediate action, noting the incident was contrary to the Atithi Devo Bhava (Guest is God) campaign and gives a bad name to the country. The minor was allegedly raped on January 26.

Goa receives around 40,000 Russian tourists, and was rocked with the rape of a 25-year-old girl allegedly by a local politician on December 1 last year. In another instance, two Russian girls had to hide in forest for almost four hours on Christmas day after a taxi driver allegedly chased them demanding sexual favours.