A 30-year-old French woman has accused a 28-year-old man, identified as Pushparaj Ojha alias Siddharth, of raping her after a party in Udaipur, Rajasthan, on Monday night. The incident reportedly occurred after the accused lured the woman from The Greek Farm Cafe and Restro at Tiger Hill to his rented apartment under the pretext of showing her nearby sights.
Despite her repeated requests to be dropped back at her hotel, the man allegedly forced himself on her after she entered his flat to charge her mobile phone, which had run out of battery. The survivor is currently stable and receiving medical treatment at a private hospital. Police have registered an FIR, launched a manhunt for the absconding accused, and have informed the French Embassy, which is providing consular assistance.
Survivor’s Ordeal and Police Response
The survivor, who arrived in Udaipur on June 22 after travelling from Delhi, attended a party at The Greek Farm Cafe and Restro with friends. At the event, the accused, who works with an events management company, approached her and struck up a conversation.
Later, he suggested stepping outside for a smoke and convinced her to accompany him for a drive. Despite her repeated requests to be taken back to her hotel, he diverted to his rented apartment in Sukher. The woman’s phone had run out of charge, leaving her unable to contact anyone for help. After entering the flat to charge her phone, she alleges the accused sexually assaulted her.
The accused reportedly drove her back to her hotel around 6 am the next morning. Following the incident, the survivor sought medical attention and filed a formal complaint with the police. Udaipur Superintendent of Police Yogesh Goyal confirmed that the survivor’s medical examination has been completed and that a special team is actively searching for the accused. Police have assured that the investigation is being conducted with utmost sensitivity and urgency.
Tourist Safety Under Scrutiny
This distressing incident has once again brought to light the ongoing concerns regarding the safety of foreign tourists, especially women, in India’s popular tourist destinations. The French woman had been travelling in India since April and had only recently arrived in Udaipur, a city known for its heritage and hospitality.
Previous cases involving crimes against tourists have raised questions about the adequacy of safety protocols and the effectiveness of law enforcement in tourist hotspots. Authorities have assured the public and foreign missions that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the survivor’s safety and to bring the accused to justice.
The French Embassy in Delhi has been kept informed and is reportedly providing support to the survivor. Meanwhile, police teams continue their search for the accused, who remains at large.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Incidents like these underscore the urgent need for a collective commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly women and foreign visitors, in our country.
The Logical Indian firmly believes in fostering a culture of empathy, accountability, and respect where survivors are supported and justice is delivered swiftly and fairly.
It is imperative that authorities not only act decisively in such cases but also work proactively to create safer environments through awareness, community engagement, and robust safety measures. As citizens and members of a global community, we must ask ourselves: how can we contribute to making our public spaces safer and more welcoming for everyone?
