Three suspected of raping American woman arrested in Shimla

Himachal Pradesh police have arrested three persons suspected to be involved in the gang-rape of a 30-year-old American woman in Manali.

Array

The woman, who has not been identified, was picked up by three men in a truck on Monday night while hitch-hiking back to her guest house in the town of Manali in Himachal Pradesh after spending an evening with friends, police said. She claimed that she was unable to find a taxi to take her home, and took a lift in a passing truck.

Array

The suspects, who are all in their early twenties, are being interrogated by police and their truck has been seized, Kullu district's Superintendent of Police, Vinod Dhawan said.

Dhawan said the police strongly believed they had arrested the real culprits, but would charge them only after the victim identifies them.

Array

He said that the police would hold an indentification parade in judicial custody.

Array

The 30-year-old tourist told police her attackers took her to an isolated area instead of driving to her hotel, and then raped her.

Array

Meanwhile, in Himachal Pradesh's Shimla, the state's women commission called for stern action against the accused.

"It is very unfortunate that such a shameful incident took place in Manali town. We have asked the superintendent of police of Kullu to conduct an inquiry. Stringent action and fair probe should be conducted against the accused," said chairperson of Himachal Pradesh women commission, Dhaneshwari Thakur.