Japanese woman rape: Sushma Swaraj asks Kerala govt to expedite trial

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has asked the Kerala government to expedite the trial in a case of alleged rape of a Japanese woman in the state’s Kovalam district last month.

In a series of tweets, she said, “I asked for a report from Government of Kerala about the rape of a Japanese tourist on 25 Nov 2016. We have received the report.

“The statement of the victim has been recorded before a Magistrate and the accused has been apprehended.

“I have asked Government of Kerala to expedite the trial and keep us informed about the case.”

Have received report from Kerala Govt abt rape of a Japanese National on 25 Nov '16; have asked them to expedite the trial-EAM Sushma Swaraj

— ANI (@ANI_news) December 2, 2016

According to Kerala Police, the 35-year-old Japanese woman was allegedly raped by a man from neighbouring Karnataka at Kovalam and a case was registered against him under section 376 (punishment for rape) of the Indian Penal Code.