New Year turns sour for foreign tourists in Kerala

KOCHI: New Year festivities turned into a nightmarish experience for many foreigners at the Fort Kochi beach here as some revellers allegedly harassed and molested some of the female tourists.

Many of the tourists made a hurried exit from the beach on Monday night after virtually being driven to tears by the revellers.

Some youngsters allegedly misbehaved with the teenaged daughter of a Swedish tourist, Christon, who had come all the way to Kochi to celebrate New Year with his family, police said.

"We respect Indian women and expect the same from Indian men towards our ladies," an angry Christon said, adding such behaviour would only harm the state's interests.
   
Another woman, who was part of a group of foreign tourists, was also allegedly molested, police said.

A posse of police personnel posted at the venue were of little help as they failed to control the hecklers.
   
Though the tourists have not lodged any complaint, police however, has registered a suo motu case, City Police Commissioner, Manoj Abraham, told.
   
A juvenile has been arrested in connection with the incident.

A huge Santa was also burnt at the beach as part of the festivities last night.