New Zealand teenager sexually assaulted in India

The teen was assaulted while her school group was visiting the city of Varanasi in India. Photo / 123RF

A New Zealand teenager has been sexually assaulted while on an educational tour of India, local media are reporting.

A clothing store salesman has been charged over the alleged assault in a store in the Cantt area of Varanasi, according to theIndian Express.

The shop was in a hotel on Mall Rd where the 16-year-old was staying as part of a cultural studies tour.

The Times of India reported that the school group had returned from a sightseeing trip on Tuesday when some of the girls decided to visit the clothing store. The girl, from Auckland, was trying on some dresses when the man allegedly assaulted her. After telling others in her group, hotel management were alerted.

Durga Prasad Yadav was charged with assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty, and sexual harassment, the paper said.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman said Mfat and the New Zealand High Commission in New Delhi had not been contacted for consular advice or assistance.

On its Safe Travel site the ministry advised that "safety of women is a concern in India" following a number of sexual offences it said had been reported by foreign women travelling through the country.

It said such incidents had occurred in various parts of India including major cities and tourist destinations.

"Women travellers should take particular care, even when travelling in a group and avoid travelling alone on public transportation, especially at night."

It also urged women to respect the local dress codes and customs and avoid isolated areas.

"There have been occasional reports of drink spiking so extra care should be taken to ensure your drink is never left unattended."

It also advised to be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers.

As well as this risk posed to women, advice on the Safe Travel website indicated there were extreme to high levels of risk, due to potential terrorist activity along northern India and in areas bordering Pakistan, Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Civil unrest, petty crime and political violence were also issues the ministry said posed a threat to security in the area.

- AAP