Elderly French national assaulted, raped by guard in Varanasi

A 70-year-old French national was allegedly attacked and raped on Wednesday by a guard in Varanasi. 

The victim was staying in the city’s Shri Gange Resorts in Sulantkeshwar area. The guard, identified as Om Prakash (35), was hired by the owners of the resort to assist the victim.

On Wednesday night, the guard in an inebriated state knocked at the doors of the lady and forced himself into her room.

According to an FIR registered at the Rohania Police Station, the guard punched the victim, knocking her out and then proceeded to rape her. He absconded after committing the crime.

The victim raised the alarm after regaining consciousness. She was taken to the district hospital for medical examination and was treated for injuries sustained during the rape.

“When the lady opened the gate, he pounced on her and punched her repeatedly till she was almost unconscious. He also warned the victim that he would kill her if she raised an alarm,” said circle officer Sneha Tiwari, who is investigating the case.

The victim had come to India 40 years ago and settled in Varanasi. For the past 11 years, she was running an NGO that helped the physically handicapped live a respectable life. Earlier, the lady lived in Bhadaini area near Ganga ghat.

The District Magistrate Yogeshwar Ram said that the victim has sustained serious facial injuries in the attack. “She has been admitted to the district hospital for medical examination and treatment. We have informed the Embassy of France and external affairs ministry and will send a report after receiving report of medical examination,” said the DM

“The police have also registered a case on the complaint of the lady. We have formed teams to raid possible hid-outs of the accused guard to arrest him,” said the SSP Nitin Tiwari.