British Tourist Allegedly Raped in Delhi Hotel by Instagram Acquaintance
A distressing incident has come to light in Delhi, where a 36-year-old British woman has accused a man she met on Instagram of raping her at a hotel in Mahipalpur. The accused, identified as 26-year-old Kailash Gautam, has been arrested by Delhi Police, along with a hotel housekeeping staff member, Wasim, who allegedly molested her during the ordeal.
How It Unfolded
The woman, who resides in London, had traveled to India for a vacation, spending time in Maharashtra and Goa before heading to Delhi. She had been in touch with Gautam, whom she knew as “Veer” on Instagram. After striking up an online friendship, she decided to visit him in Delhi.
According to her complaint, Gautam picked her up from the airport on March 11, and they checked into a Mahipalpur hotel around 11 AM. Shortly after, he allegedly consumed excessive alcohol and began behaving inappropriately. Despite her resistance, he reportedly sexually assaulted her multiple times. The woman stated that she drank wine in an attempt to manage her anxiety during the traumatic experience. British Tourist Allegedly Raped in Delhi Hotel by Instagram Acquaintance
When she tried to leave the hotel room, Gautam followed her. The hotel reception staff, apparently misunderstanding the situation, allowed him to escort her back. It was during this time that Wasim, the housekeeping staffer sent to assist, allegedly touched her inappropriately in the elevator. She raised an alarm, causing him to retreat. British Tourist Allegedly Raped in Delhi Hotel by Instagram Acquaintance
Gautam allegedly assaulted her again before leaving the hotel around 11 PM. The next morning, the woman left the hotel and took a taxi to a nearby hospital, where she reported experiencing severe pain. The medical staff, after learning about the incident, immediately informed the police. British Tourist Allegedly Raped in Delhi Hotel by Instagram Acquaintance
Swift Police Action
The Delhi Police responded swiftly, registering a case based on her complaint. The investigation revealed that Gautam, a resident of East Delhi’s Gharoli area, had recorded his entry in the hotel register, which helped authorities track him down. However, he frequently changed locations in an attempt to evade arrest. He was eventually apprehended within two hours of the report being filed. Wasim was also arrested soon after.
According to police sources, Gautam was unemployed and had only completed his Class 12 education. He reportedly struggled to communicate in English and relied on Google Translate to converse with the woman on Instagram. British Tourist Allegedly Raped in Delhi Hotel by Instagram Acquaintance
Legal and Diplomatic Response
The authorities have booked Gautam under charges of rape, while Wasim faces molestation charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Both men were presented before a Delhi court and have been remanded to judicial custody.
The British High Commission was promptly informed of the case. A spokesperson for the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) confirmed that they were providing support to the victim and coordinating with local authorities.
Rising Concerns Over Tourist Safety
This incident raises serious concerns about the safety of tourists, particularly women, in India. While the country attracts millions of visitors each year, cases like these highlight the importance of exercising caution while interacting with strangers online.
Authorities have urged travelers to remain vigilant and avoid meeting unfamiliar individuals in private settings. Additionally, hotels and hospitality services are being advised to enhance their safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future. British Tourist Allegedly Raped in Delhi Hotel by Instagram Acquaintance
The police are now investigating whether Gautam had targeted other women through social media. They have seized his phone and are analyzing his digital interactions to determine if he had any prior involvement in similar crimes.
Final Thoughts
This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with online interactions and the importance of personal safety while traveling. While law enforcement agencies acted swiftly in this case, greater awareness and precautionary measures are necessary to ensure the safety of tourists.
As the investigation continues, it is hoped that justice will be served and that measures will be strengthened to protect visitors in India. If you or someone you know is traveling alone, always inform trusted contacts about your whereabouts and exercise caution when meeting people through social media.