Sexual Harassment of Foreign Tourists in India: An Alarming Reality

 

Sexual Harassment of Foreign Tourists in India: An Alarming Reality

India has long celebrated the philosophy of “Atithi Devo Bhava” (the Guest is like God), a value deeply rooted in its cultural fabric. Yet, rising incidents of sexual harassment against foreign tourists are casting a dark shadow on this heritage of hospitality. While assaults against women have always been a pressing concern in India, the growing involvement of foreign nationals as victims has turned this into a global issue.

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A Disturbing Rise in Cases

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), nearly 192 foreign tourists were raped in 2022—a 28% increase compared to the previous year. These numbers are alarming, especially given that many incidents often go unreported.

Several high-profile cases have gained international attention:

• A Spanish woman was gang-raped in Jharkhand’s Dumka while traveling with her husband.

• An Israeli tourist and her Indian host were attacked near the UNESCO World Heritage site in Hampi, Karnataka.

• A French tourist was assaulted in Udaipur by a local event organizer.

These cases are not isolated—they highlight the lack of deterrence among offenders and the gaps in India’s safety mechanisms for visitors.

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Everyday Harassment: The “Silent” Threat

Beyond major criminal cases, many foreign women report facing regular harassment in India:

• Unwanted touching in public spaces.

• Secret filming or photography without consent.

• Verbal abuse and stereotyping.

• Being followed or forcibly asked for a selfie.

These experiences not only traumatize victims but also normalize harassment in society. For many, what begins as a journey of exploration and spirituality ends in fear and disappointment.

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Barriers to Justice for Foreign Victims

Foreign tourists often encounter unique challenges when reporting crimes in India:

1. Language and Cultural Gaps – Victims struggle to communicate their trauma to police or medical staff.

2. Visa-Related Issues – Expired visas complicate the filing of complaints, even though, legally, it should not prevent justice.

3. Police Response – Inconsistencies in FIR registration discourage victims from pursuing cases.

4. Stereotyping in Media – Popular culture often portrays foreign women as “easy,” reinforcing dangerous perceptions.

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Legal Framework: Protection Under Indian Law

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which replaced the Indian Penal Code, provides strong legal safeguards:

• Section 63: Defines rape as a cognizable offence.

• Section 70: Defines gangrape as a serious criminal act.

• Section 200: Ensures equal protection for all victims, regardless of nationality.

Foreigners can also testify under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023, and their statements can be critical in court. However, the gap lies not in the law itself but in its implementation and accessibility for foreign victims.

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What India Needs to Do

To rebuild global trust and ensure safe tourism, India must act swiftly with structural reforms. Some key measures include:

• Special Tourist Police Units: Deploy multilingual, gender-sensitive officers in tourist hubs like Delhi, Jaipur, Goa, and Varanasi.

• 24/7 Multilingual Helpline: A national emergency helpline linked with police, medical, and embassy services.

• Fast-Track Courts: Conclude cases involving foreign victims within two months.

• Visa Protection: Provide automatic visa extensions or exit permits for victims of sexual violence.

• Community Safety Networks: Train hotels, tour operators, and local vendors as “safety ambassadors.”

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch initiatives like “Safe Bharat for Atithi” to promote zero tolerance for harassment and counter harmful stereotypes.

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Learning from Global Best Practices

India can draw inspiration from other countries with strong tourist safety mechanisms:

• Thailand: Specialized Tourist Police Units since 1982, fluent in major languages.

• Costa Rica: A 24/7 multilingual helpline (911) for tourists.

• Spain: Automatic visa extensions for victims of sexual violence.

• Morocco: Community-based safety networks involving hotels and businesses.

By adapting such practices, India can create a safer environment for its visitors.

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Conclusion

The surge in sexual harassment cases against foreign tourists poses a serious threat to India’s global image and economy. Tourism contributes over ₹2.3 lakh crore to India’s GDP, and any loss of international trust directly impacts this sector.

While strong laws exist under the BNS, poor enforcement, cultural barriers, and systemic hurdles leave foreign women vulnerable. The need of the hour is swift, victim-centric reforms—ranging from specialized tourist police and helplines to fast-track courts and awareness campaigns.

India must act now to safeguard its reputation as a welcoming nation. To truly uphold “Atithi Devo Bhava”, we must ensure that every tourist feels safe, respected, and valued—because only then can India be seen as a destination where guests are treated as divine.