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Both the central and state governments have been advertising to increase tourism in India. We can understand why it is so important because some cities are such tourist attractions that their entire economy runs on it.
Which is why this incident comes as such a shock.
A Swiss couple, Quentin Jeremy Clerc (24) and Marie Droz (24) were attacked in Fatehpur Sikri a city 40 kms away from Agra. The tourists were chased and beaten up with sticks and stones on Sunday afternoon.
Agra: Swiss couple attacked by unknown people in Fatehpur Sikri. Police probe underway. EAM has sought report of the incident from UP Govt. pic.twitter.com/bVIuPvTOF8
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 26, 2017
Quentin’s skull was fractured, he had a clot in his brain and even his hearing has been impaired. Marie too was left with broken bones and multiple bruises.
Recounting the horror the couple spoke to Times of India. They narrated that they were strolling near the railway station when a gang of goons started following them. Quentin said,
Attacked on Swiss tourist couple at Fatehpur Sikri Agra
They were stalked, harassed & forced to take selfies @myogiadityanath @SushmaSwaraj pic.twitter.com/9TYuHPu3L4— Ankush Prashar (@ankush_prashar) October 26, 2017
“They initially passed comments, which we didn’t understand, and then forced us to stop so they could take selfies with Marie.”
The gang kept harassing the couple, following them and asking where they had put up in Agra. When Quinten and Marie refused to answer they started pelting them with stones. However, they did not take any of the couple’s valuable items.
The tourism industry was left shocked by this incident because their livelihood depended on it. In a report by Hindustan Times, a tourist operator said,
“Such incidents will scare tourists away. As it is there is so much controversy around the Taj. Hopefully Yogi ji would do something about it.”
Home to the Taj Mahal, Agra is one of (if not biggest) star attractions in India. Even though the city’s economy on tourism no bystander helped the injured couple. Instead, they stood unapologetically and took photos and videos of them.
On seeing this our very own External Affairs Minister and part-time Twitter governance queen, Sushma Swaraj came to the rescue saying,
I have just seen this. I have asked for a report from the State Government. / 1 https://t.co/NbJk4BF5iS via @TOICitiesNews
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) October 26, 2017
My officers will reach them in the hospital. /2
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) October 26, 2017
Twitter responded to her by saying:
1. Appalling!
Ma’am it’s very common. I being from Agra know, how foreigner tourists are harassed by tours and middlemen to buy something etc.
— SatyaSaraswat (@DrSatyaSaraswat) October 26, 2017
2. You are giving us hope, Sushma.
मेरा देश बदल रहा है
जय हिंदुस्तान 🚩
🙏🙏
— महीश चन्द्र उनियाल (@mahishuniyal) October 26, 2017
3. Strict action must be taken.
Madam we need to catch them. Such cases r hurting our image. Now if nothing will happen then we will loose credibility. One strong action will give lessons to others….
— RAJNISH BHARTI (@Bharti24R) October 26, 2017
4. Let’s hope the state of UP improves soon.
Law and order in UP is not improving. Goons are everywhere
— Shirish Panda (@shirishpanda) October 26, 2017
5. We appreciate the immediacy in your response.
Proud to have you as External affairs minister of India! Your Swift response to the issues is commendable and never like before..!
— Abhay Degloorkar (@ADegloorkar) October 26, 2017
Goons like these are soiling the name of this country. Where the practice of Atithi Devo Bhava has been taught to us since childhood it is shameful that we are treating our guests like this. However, we hope Sushma Swaraj’s swift action has helped the couple.
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