Speedy trial begins in Japanese woman’s gangrape case

PATNA - A Bihar court Thursday began the trial into the gangrape of a Japanese woman on April 16. Three people have been arrested.

The speedy trial began in the court of the chief judicial magistrate in Gaya, a day after police filed its chargesheet against the three accused.

The 25-year-old Japanese woman was allegedly raped near Bodh Gaya by five people, including an autorickshaw driver, on April 16 when she was on her way to the Gaya railway station.

Three of the five accused were arrested and arrest warrants were issued against the two absconding.

Shocked over the incident, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had announced that a speedy trial would be conducted in the rape case.

The Bihar government has decided to enhance safety and security measures for tourists, particularly foreigners.

It has directed the district administration to deploy policemen on the vehicles shuttling between Bodh Gaya and the Gaya railway station as well as Gaya international airport.

The administration has decided to issue laminated identity cards to all autorickshaw drivers operating between Bodh Gaya and Gaya, 11 km away.

Thousands of tourists visit Bodh Gaya, where Buddha got enlightenment under a Bodhi tree.