French woman allegedly sexually assaulted on sacred hill in Tamil Nadu; tourist guide arrested
PTC Web Desk: A French national was allegedly lured to the top of the Deepamalai hill in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvannamalai district under the pretext of achieving ‘moksha’ (salvation) and was sexually assaulted by a local tourist guide.
The 46-year-old woman arrived in Tiruvannamalai in January 2025 and was staying at a private ashram. Despite an existing ban on public access to Deepamalai hill due to a landslide last year, she ascended the 2,668-foot-high peak accompanied by a group of guides.
According to police reports, as the woman entered a cave for meditation, a tourist guide identified as Venkatesan allegedly attacked her. She managed to escape and descended the hill before filing a complaint at the Tiruvannamalai West Police Station.
Following the complaint, special investigation teams were deployed, leading to the arrest of Venkatesan. The survivor is currently receiving medical treatment at the district government hospital, while the police continue its inquiry into the case.
Tiruvannamalai is renowned for its spiritual significance, with sacred sites like the Annamalaiyar Temple and Ramana Maharishi Ashram attracting visitors from across the world. The district has been a longstanding hub for foreign nationals seeking spiritual enlightenment, with many choosing to reside there for extended periods.
- With inputs from agencies
