By Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Aug 17: The family members of a Russian traveler arrested for overstaying in Goa have complained to the Russian authorities that his inadvertent overstaying in the state was considered as an offence against the nation by a local court.

In a communication to the Russian consulate in Mumbai’s representative, Vikram Varma, on August 14, the family members have raised objection to the court order which has made these remarks.

40-year-old Aleksandr Solomein was arrested in Goa after he was found staying with expired visa. The family members say that he had gone to Foreigners Registration office (FRO) for permission to leave the country after receipt of his funds for purchase of return ticket.

“The FRO office asked him to go to Calangute police station where he was promptly arrested,” the family members have told the Russian authorities.

The accused pleaded guilty when he was produced before Judicial Magistrate First Class, Mapusa.

Assistant public prosecutor Jerry Santamaria appearing for the state sought the strictest punishment for the accused.

He was sentenced to one year imprisonment and fine of Rs 10,000, last month by judicial magistrate first class, Carlo S da Silva.

The family members stated that Solomein was caught up in Goa as the funds for his return ticket could not be sent to him in time, the delay resulting in the expiry of his visa.

Russian consulate representative Vikram Varma said that the observation that this was an offence against our nation were a matter of concern.  To the best of my knowledge, Russia is a time tested friend and ally of India.

Varma said that the Russian Authorities have been informed about this matter and they would consider the facts and circumstances before reacting.