Three held for attack on Swiss couple; Centre quizzes UP

Mangalore Today News Network

Lucknow,Oct 26 2017 : Three persons were arrested in connection with an attack on a Swiss couple at Fatehpur Sikri in Agra on Sunday, even as the incident triggered a nation-wide outrage.

 

The tourists Quentin Jeremy Clerc and Marie Droxz were attacked with stones and sticks by miscreants while they were taking a stroll near Fatehpur Sikri railway station on Sunday.

The incident took place near the Fatehpur Sikri railway station. The assailants first taunted the young tourists and then forced the two to pose for selfies with them. They later turned violent and assaulted the couple. Quentin, who suffered injuries in his head and one of his ears, is undergoing treatment at the Apollo hospital in New Delhi. The doctors said his condition was improving and that he had been moved out of the ICU.

Marie was discharged after undergoing treatment for a fracture in her arm.

Reports said that passers by, instead of helping took videos of the couple, who lay wounded on the ground.

Police officials said the victims refused to lodge any complaint, following which the police registered a non-cognisable report. They said a hunt is on to nab the other accused.

Union ministers Sushma Swaraj and K J Alphons decried the incident and sought a report from the UP government.

Sushma also sent Ministry of External Affairs officials to meet Quentin and Marie at the hospital.

In a letter to Adityanath, Alphons wrote, “You would kindly appreciate that such incidents negatively impact our image and are detrimental to our efforts in promoting India as a tourism destination.”

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said the state government would ensure the safety of foreign tourists coming to the state and directed the police to nab the culprits at the earliest.

The state government also issued directives to beef up police presence in and around tourist places in the state.

Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav also attacked the Yogi Adityanath government and asked, “Where is the Anti-Romeo Squad?’’

courtesy:DHNS