14 DAY TRIAL // Six men have been arrested by Madhya Pradesh police over a rape incident that occurred in India on Friday, March 15.
A 39-year-old Switzerland resident was the victim of a gang rape in the Datia district, NDTV reports. According to Inspector General SM Afzal, the police have found the woman's belongings, including her laptop and phone.
While the attackers have also taken Rs. 12,000 ($220 / €171) from her and her husband, there is no information about whether the money has been recovered as of yet.
“We have arrested six accused persons who raped the Swiss woman and recovered her mobile and laptop,” he says in a statement.
Baba, Bhutha, Rampro, Gaza alias Brajesh, Vishnu Kanjar and Nitin Kanjar have been arrested in connection to the rape incident. The latter has been apprehended in the town of Niwadi, a few hours after the other suspects were caught.
The incident took place near the Civil Lines police station in Datia, while the tourist was accompanied by her husband. The man has been severely beaten with clubs, The Hindu notes. Arya adds that the six men “tied up the man and gang-raped the woman in his presence.”
The rape was confirmed by medical staff at the Kamalaraje Women and Children’s Hospital in Gwalior later that day, and the victim is currently recovering.
“She is with us in Datia and out of danger,” Arya says.
The pair were traveling through India as part of a cycling trip and had camped off near National Highway 75. They had met with villagers on Friday, making their location known.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) DK Arya clarifies that all the men confessed to the crime, which has been described as a “tragic incident” by Swiss government officials.
Swiss officials in India have “demanded that those responsible be quickly identified and brought before the courts,” adding that they are “profoundly shocked” by the brutal attack.