Sushma Swaraj asks Kerala govt to expedite trial of Japanese woman rape case

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."

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. /1

— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) December 2, 2016

The statement of the victim has been recorded before a Magistrate and the accused has been apprehended. /2

— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) December 2, 2016

I have asked Government of Kerala to expedite the trial and keep us informed about the case. /3

— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) 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.