PANAJI: John Fernandes has approached the High Court of Bombay at Goa for bail in the alleged Russian rape case. The matter came up for hearing on Monday, before the single judge Mr Justice N A Britto.

Ms P Bandekar appeared on behalf of the accused and the state was represented by public prosecutor, Mr C A Ferreira. He informed the court that charge sheet has already been filed against the accused.

The court has given one week’s time for the prosecution to file their reply and the matter will now come up for hearing on March 29.

The accused has challenged the order passed by the additional sessions judge, Margao, whereby his application for bail came to be dismissed. By order dated February 26, the court had dismissed the bail of the accused considering the gravity and seriousness of the offence. It may be recalled that the accused was granted anticipatory bail which was set aside by the Bombay High Court. The accused had approached the Apex court; however the same was dismissed as withdrawn.

The Russian national, who is the victim, had earlier lodged a complaint before the Colva police station on December 2.

Meanwhile, the JMFC Margao, on Monday ordered the case of John Fernandes to be committed to the Sessions Court. John Fernandes is in custody of the crime branch.