CPI-M leader writes to Swiss envoy over ‘shameful’ attack

New Delhi, Oct 26 (IANS) Senior Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Brinda Karat has written to the Swiss

envoy in India expressing deep regret at the violent attack on a couple from that country in Fatehpur Sikri and expressed "strong protest" over the "failure" of the authorities to provide minimum security to visitors.

In a letter to Ambassador Andreas Baum on Thursday, Karat said, "As a citizen of India, I am writing to you to express my deep regret at the shocking and horrifying violence that two young Swiss nationals, Marie Droxz and Quentin Jeremy Clerc, had to face on their trip to Agra and Fatehpur Sikri.

"It is shameful for us as Indians, that two young tourists who had gone to visit the beautiful symbol of love should have to face this horror.

"I would request you to kindly convey to the young couple that we are ashamed and sad that such an incident should happen and that we strongly protest against the failure of the concerned authorities to provide minimum security to visitors."

Expressing "strong solidarity" with the young couple, Karat said that there are many movements and organisations which would be happy to offer them support.

"Please convey our very best wishes for their speedy recovery," she said in the letter to the Ambassador.

The Swiss couple was assaulted by locals on October 22 when they were walking alongside a train track in Fatehpur Sikri near Agra, according to police. Clerc is left with a fractured skull and several bruises.