Rape victim has left for Britain: police

An 18-year-old British volunteer teacher, who was allegedly raped by two taxi drivers in Palampur town of Himachal Pradesh, has left for Britain, police said on Sunday.

An 18-year-old British volunteer teacher, who was allegedly raped by two taxi drivers in Palampur town of Himachal Pradesh, has left for Britain, police said on Sunday.

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The charity worker, who was on an exchange teaching programme and was staying on the outskirts of Palampur in Kangra district along with a few other British nationals, was allegedly abducted and raped by locals, Rakesh Kumar (28) and Sunil Kumar (26) on Thursday.

"The rape victim left Palampur last evening (Saturday) for Delhi from where she will go back to Britain. The NGO for which she was working, arranged a chartered flight for her from the Kangra airport," investigating officer Shiv Chand told IANS on the phone.

He said the girl was returning after her day's work on Thursday evening when she was offered a lift by the two men near Palampur.

"The accused first molested her in the moving vehicle and then dragged her out and raped her," he said.

A total of 42 British citizens have come to India for 10 weeks to teach poor children under an exchange programme.

"Other British nationals who came with the victim for the charity projects are still staying here," Chand added.

Both the accused are on police remand.

Inspector General SR Mardi said: "The case would preferably be put before a fast-track court for speedy justice."

The police have informed the British High Commission in New Delhi of the incident.