Japanese tourist raped in southern India

A 35-year-old Japanese woman has been allegedly raped by a man in the southern Indian state of Kerala's coastal town of Kovalam, a senior police official said Sunday.

"The incident took place late Friday night, a day after the Japanese tourist arrived there on vacation. She was found lying bleeding in her hotel room by the hotel staff members who took her to a local hospital where doctors confirmed sexual assault," the official said.

Police said they arrested a 25-year-old man Saturday on charges of raping the foreign tourist after the hotel staff tipped them off.

"The suspect has been identified as 25-year-old Teja. His family owns a handicrafts shop at Kovalam," he said, on condition of anonymity.

The official added: "We have booked the suspect for rape and interrogating him. We will ensure he gets strictest punishment."

The Japanese Embassy has been informed about the incident, he said, adding that the police are doing their best to extend all kind of help to the victim. Enditem