By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, September 18: An American woman has allegedly been raped before being assaulted by two unidentified men on Sept. 14 in Dharamshala.
The 46 year old US national told the police that she was attacked by two unidentified men after which she fell unconscious, taken to an isolated spot and gang raped. An ANI report quoted her as saying, “I had gone to shop at a market on September 14 when two people attacked me from behind.”
A case has been registered under Indian Penal Code Section 376 (rape) at the Mahila (Women) Police Station in Dharamshala. A team led by District Superintendent of Police Renu Sharma has been set up to investigate the case.
DSP Renu Sharma said the complainant has been taken for a medical test and that the hunt is on for the culprits. “Spot inspection and medical examination of complainant has been done. The matter is being investigated,” said Sharma.
The police also revealed that this is the American tourist’s first visit to India and that she had visited Manali and Kullu before heading to Dharamshala.
Tibetan Welfare officer Sonam Dorjee told Phayul that the incident occurred in one of the hotels in Kotwali Bazaar which is known locally as lower Dharamshala.
He Said, “The matter is under investigation by the local police. They are looking at the CCTV footage from the concerned hotel which has shown the American woman exiting and coming back to the hotel. That will provide valuable clues to the investigation”.
A candle light vigil at the McloedGanj main square is organised by tourists and local residents on Saturday evening to show solidarity with the American women.
