Indian police details several people over abduction, rape of actress

Police in the southern Indian state of Kerala have detained several people after a popular movie actress complained to them that she was abducted and subsequently raped, officials said.

The actress has alleged that on Friday night when she was returning from work, her car was hit from behind and after that three people forcefully entered her vehicle. She was molested and driven around for over two hours until finally pushed out of car near Kochi, police said on Monday.

As per India law identification of rape victim in media is prohibited.

The actress told police while she was being subjected to sexual harassment inside the moving car, the accused took objectionable pictures and video of her.

The main accused who has been identified by the actress as her former driver is absconding.

Police officials said they have intensified searches for the main accused.

"On the complaint of actress we have registered a case of rape, kidnap, criminal conspiracy and wrongful restraint against the accused," a police official said .

The incident has triggered strong condemnations from many members of the south Indian film industry who are demanding punishment against the culprits.

India's Information and Broadcasting Minister Venkaiah Naidu has condemned the abduction and harassment of Kerala actress .

"Strongly condemn the kidnap of Kerala actress; exemplary punishment should be given to the criminals so that it acts as a deterrent," Naidu wrote on twitter.

"We are bringing a bill for speedy trial and conviction. Political will, investigative skill and quick punishments are the need of the hour."

Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan spoke to actress on Monday and assured her that stern action would be taken against the perpetrators.

Sexual attacks on women in India puts a question mark on their safety and efficiency of police force in the country.

In Dec. 2002 a fatal gang-rape of a medical student in New Delhi brought spotlight on crimes against women in India.

The incident saw huge protests and resulted in new anti-rape laws in the country. However, brutal sexual attacks against women continue to be reported across India.

(APD)