GERMAN TOURIST RAPED IN SOUTHERN INDIA

Police said on Monday that a 38-year-old German tourist was raped by unidentified men in India’s southern state of Tamil Nadu.

The crime took place near a beach resort in Mahabalipuram region over 50 km away from state capital Chennai on Sunday morning.

“The tourist had gone for a stroll on the beach and was taking a sunbath at a secluded area when she was attacked,’’ local police inspector Maghita, who uses only one name, said by phone.

“She alleged two men had dragged her into a nearby grove and assaulted her,’’ she added.

Medical reports confirmed the tourist was raped, Maghita said.

Some locals were being questioned by police but no arrests were made yet.

Police say they suspect people staying at beach houses or members of the local fishing community could be behind the crime.

The officials said it had informed the German mission in India about the crime.

The latest major sex crime in India comes a fortnight after a female Irish tourist was raped and murdered in the beach resort state of Goa in March.

India has been in the spotlight in recent years over incidents of sexual violence against women.

In 2012, the fatal gang rape of a student on a bus in New Delhi led to a massive public outcry and tougher laws.

However, activists say little has changed in attitudes towards sexual assault, adding the attacks on women and girls continue unabated.

In 2013, a bill containing harsher punishments for rapists was passed by India’s parliament earlier in March.

Karuna Nundy, a leading Supreme Court lawyer, explained that the new laws increase jail terms in most cases, and brings in the death penalty for a repeat offence of rape, or rape that causes coma. (dpa/NAN)