Blot on ‘incredible India’
Less than two weeks after a Swedish teenager was sexually abused during New Year celebrations at Fort Kochi, two Canadian girls, one 12 and the other 14, were allegedly molested by a private security guard in the tourist haven of Kumarakom in Kerala’s Kottayam district. The horrified family cut short their stay in India and returned to Canada. “The accused, a security guard named Shyju Verghese, was arrested on a complaint filed by the girls’ father. He was charged with outraging the modesty of the girls,” said Kottayam SP S Sreejith.
“The resort has outsourced its security to a private agency. Verghese, employed with the agency, was on duty when the incident took place on Wednesday morning,” the SP said. According to the cops, the incident took place when the two girls, who had come to the resort with their parents a day before, went to the billiards room on Wednesday. Because the room was locked, Verghese first sent his colleague to get the key, and then charged at the two girls, cops said, adding that he was later produced before court and released on bail.
At a time when the country is trying to build its image as a tourist destination, these recurring incidents have left many red faced. Commenting on the growing trend of foreign tourist being assualted, the Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Ambika Soni said:”Even one incident, which takes place in any corner of this country, has to be addressed. It is a matter of concern for all of us.”
Expressing concern, Satish K N, Addl Director, Kerela Tourism said:”"We are going to write to the management of resorts and hotels to take utmost care in this kind of thngs.”
Kerala tourism secretary V Venu said, “It’s unfortunate and there’s a need to increase security in tourist destinations like Kovalam and Kumarakom. With the tourism industry registering huge growth, many people are out to make a quick buck, which is leading to such incidents.” Cops have asked the resorts in Kumarakom to blacklist security guards from the agency which employed Verghese. Other security agencies, too, have been asked to sensitise their guards and take responsibility for their conduct, cops said.
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