British Tourist Assaulted by Instagram Acquaintance in Delhi Hotel

A 36-year-old British woman was raped by an Instagram acquaintance in a Delhi hotel. The police arrested both the perpetrator and a hotel staff member involved in the assault shortly after the victim reported the incident. The woman, who had recently arrived in India, received medical care and counseling following the events. The suspects were remanded to judicial custody.

A 36-year-old British tourist was reportedly raped by a man she met on Instagram during her stay in a hotel in Delhi’s Mahipalpur area. The incident, which also involved an alleged molestation by hotel staff, occurred after the woman traveled to India and spent four days in Goa with friends before arriving in Delhi on March 11. The Delhi Police arrested both culprits under the Bharatiya Nayay Sanhita soon after the complaint was lodged.

The main accused, identified as 26-year-old Kailash Gautam from east Delhi, befriended the victim online as ‘Veer.’ He picked her up from the airport and checked into the hotel on March 11. Once in their room, Gautam consumed excessive alcohol and began to act inappropriately despite the woman’s refusals. Following this, he allegedly assaulted her multiple times while she sought a way to escape.

In her attempt to leave, the hotel staff misunderstood the situation, believing the woman was simply intoxicated, and allowed Gautam to return her to the room. A housekeeping staff member, Wasim, then allegedly touched her inappropriately in the lift, which she protested against. Later, Gautam assaulted her once more before departing the hotel that evening.

The morning after the incident, the woman sought medical attention at a nearby hospital due to severe physical distress. Medical staff notified the police upon discovering details of the assault. Wasim was the first to be arrested, and Gautam was apprehended shortly thereafter, as he had been evading capture by frequently changing his location,

Authorities disclosed that Gautam is unemployed and had only completed Class 12. Communication between him and the victim was facilitated through an online translator, as he was not fluent in English. The police provided the victim with counseling services following the traumatic event, and both suspects were subsequently presented in court and remanded to judicial custody. Additionally, the British High Commission was informed of the incident but details regarding the woman’s current whereabouts have not been disclosed.

The incident involving the 36-year-old British tourist underscores the critical issues of women’s safety and the potential dangers of forming online friendships. The swift response by Delhi Police, leading to the arrest of both suspects, highlights the importance of taking such complaints seriously and ensuring accountability. The victim received medical and counseling support following the traumatic experience, illustrating the necessary steps toward recovery.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com