Swiss Couple Attack: Embassy ‘Deeply Concerned’ But ‘Thanks’ India

Union Tourism Minister termed India a “very safe” destination for tourists and that “very few incidents take place”.

The Uttar Pradesh Police reportedly arrested five minor boys for allegedly attacking a Swiss couple in Fatehpur Sikri on 22 October.

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Switzerland Embassy on 27 October, Friday said that they were "deeply concerned" about the health of the two Swiss nationals who were attacked in Fatehpur Sikri earlier this week.

The embassy, however, "thanked" Indian authorities, citizens and media for "overwhelming concern, support and many signs of compassion received for victims".

The Uttar Pradesh Police reportedly arrested five minor boys for allegedly attacking a Swiss couple in Fatehpur Sikri on 22 October.

Quentin Jeremy Cleric and Marie Droz, both 24 year olds from Lausanne, were brutally thrashed with sticks and stones, allegedly by a group of local boys who wanted to get ‘close’ to Droz. The attack left Cleric with a fractured skull, a brain-clot, and hearing impairment; Droz has a broken arm and multiple bruises.

Also Read: Swiss Couple Attack: Five Minor Boys Arrested in Fatehpur Sikri

The couple has now been taken out of the ICU of the Apollo Hospitals, Sarita Vihar and has been transferred to the general ward. Droz has been discharged but has chosen to stay with Cleric, who according to sources, should be discharged by next week.

Speaking to the media, days after the incident, Tourism Minister KJ Alphons asserted that India was a "very safe" destination for tourists and that "very few [untoward] incidents take place in a year".

Comparing security of tourists in India to that of US and Europe, the Tourism Minister said:

Shooting incidents happen regularly in USA and terror attacks in Europe, do we call those countries unsafe to travel?

The police have lodged an FIR against the accused. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath promised "strict action" after the couple sustained severe injuries when they were attacked.

Speaking at a press conference on 26 October, Yogi said:

Indian and foreign tourists are all equal to us as ‘atithis’. We believe in atithi devo bhava. So we have to take strict action in the Fatehpur Sikri case.

The UP government will formulate a new police strategy to provide security to tourists, he was quoted as saying.

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