By IANS,
Shimla : A court in Himachal Pradesh Saturday sent two cab drivers, accused of raping an 18-year-old British volunteer teacher at Palampur town in Kangra district, to three days’ police remand, police said.
The charity worker, who was on an exchange teaching programme and staying on the outskirts of Palampur along with a few other British nationals, was allegedly abducted and raped by Rakesh Kumar (28) and Sunil (26) Thursday night.
“The Palampur court this (Saturday) evening sent both the accused to police remand till June 23,” investigating officer Shiv Chand told IANS by phone.
He said the victim, who was returning after her day’s work, was offered a lift by the two men on the outskirts of Palampur.
“The accused first molested her in the moving vehicle and then dragged her out and raped her,” he said.
A total of 42 British citizens have come to India for 10 weeks to teach poor children under an exchange programme.
The victim was working with a Jaipur-based NGO, the Indian Network for Development Exchange (Idex), which is running several projects to help local communities with learning and developmental activities. It is currently hosting 42 British nationals in Himachal Pradesh.
Kangra Superintendent of Police Atul Kumar Fulzale said: “The victim has identified both Rakesh Kumar, the owner of the taxi used in the crime, and his friend Sunil as the men who raped her. They have been charged with rape, abduction and other relevant IPC sections.”
Police have informed the British high commission in New Delhi of the incident.