Japanese tourist rape: Victim's determination praised by cops

JAIPUR: The resolve of the 20-year-old Japanese girl to get justice and swift action by Rajasthan Police ensured the prompt conviction of six youths today in connection with her rape six months ago.

Within two months of the incident, the Japanese girl returned to India for identification parade and recorded her statement in the court.

She was "very much" determined for justice, IG Jaipur Range DC Jain told.

According to the police, it was the first case in Rajasthan where section 376 D (amended rape section) of IPC was used.

"It was a heinous crime and we wasted no time in arresting the accused.

"Two days after the rape, which took place on February 8 this year, the girl returned to her country. But she came back after two months with her father to record statement and identification parade," Jain said.

He said that it was a challenge before the police to take the case to its conclusion and the victim was very much cooperative because she was also keen on getting the justice.

"We sensitively handled the case and took her in confidence.

"As a result, she ensured her presence in the court for recording the statement and identification of the accused which played a vital role in deciding the case," he said.

The officer said that the girl, her family members in Japan as well as officials of the Japanese embassy in New Delhi have been told about today's judgement by the police and they expressed happiness over the judgement.

"All of them were very happy on hearing that the rape accused were imprisoned for 20 years," he said, while claiming that it was the first case in Rajasthan where section 376-D was used. Hearing in the case was also conducted on daily basis.

"We got a special public prosecutor appointed for this case," the officer, who was supervising the case, said.

After the incident, police arrested nine persons and filed charge sheet against them.

Main accused Ajit Singh Choudhary and his two friends-- Abrar and Abdul Wahid-- were awarded 20-year imprisonment under section 376 D (gang-rape) of IPC and others.

Three others-- Ramraj, Shivraj and Ramveer-- were given two years jail term for harbouring the accused.