A Mexican woman was allegedly raped by a local youth at Laxman Jhoola area of Pauri district near Rishikesh as per a PTI report.

The 29-year-old woman met a tourist guide Himanshu Thapaliyal, who took her around nearby Narendranagar and Fakot areas in his motorcycle. However, instead of leaving her back at an ashram at Tapovan area where she was staying, he took her to nearby jungles and raped her, police said.

He also threatened her with dire consequences if she told anyone about the incident, police added. Later, the victim reached the Muni-Ki-Reti police station and lodged a case following which the accused was arrested.

Traveltechie View - While on one hand the Indian Tourism Ministry is spending crores of rupees in promoting the concept of 'Atithi Devo Bhava',  such incidents not only bring shame on the tourism industry but also causes a loss of country's image as a safe destination. Thailand had a smilar case few years back. The case was put in a fast track court & the justice was served within six months.

Indian Authorities too should put such cases on fast track since the victimised tourists cannot stay back for long periods to follow-up on such cases. This will also show the seriousness of our country towards safe guarding the tourists.