Date:11/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/11/stories/2008041150480300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

American held for ‘rape bid’

Staff Reporter

He is in the city to work with a software company

Bangalore: A middle-aged American guest allegedly tried to rape a 33-year-old software engineer from the United Kingdom at a posh hotel on Tuesday, High Ground police have said.

The woman has filed a complaint against the 52-year-old man, who is also a software engineer on deputation here.

According to the police, the woman came to the city on an assignment with Bharath Petroleum India Service Private Limited.

She checked into a room at the Le Meridian Hotel on April 8 and went to work. She returned later to her room. The American, who had checked into an adjacent room the previous day, barged in and allegedly tried to rape her, the police said.

He visited the city as he had to work with the EEC Skymet, a software company, in Bangalore.

Hearing her screams, two staffers on duty on the third floor broke open the door and rescued her.

The hotel called the police and the accused was handed over to them. The police said that both the victim and the accused were sent to Bowring hospital for medical examination.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Sub-Division) B.N.S. Reddy told The Hindu said the man was arrested. The American Embassy would be informed, he said.

High Ground police have registered a case.