A foreign national was allegedly taken to the top of a sacred hill in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvannamalai district under the pretext of attaining ‘moksha’ (salvation) and sexually assaulted by a tourist guide.

A 46-year-old woman from France arrived in Tiruvannamalai in January 2025 and was residing in a private ashram. Despite a ban on public access to the Deepamalai hill following a landslide last year, she climbed the 2,668-foot-high hill along with a group of guides. According to the police, as she entered a cave to meditate, a tourist guide named Venkatesan allegedly sexually assaulted her.

The woman managed to escape and descended the hill before filing a complaint with the Thiruvannamalai West Police. Special teams were formed to investigate the case, leading to Venkatesan’s arrest.

The survivor has been admitted to the district government hospital for treatment. Further investigations are ongoing.

Tiruvannamalai, known for its spiritual significance, is home to 14 sacred locations, including the Annamalaiyar temple and Ramana Maharishi ashram. It has long been a popular destination for foreign nationals seeking spiritual awakening, with many staying in the district for extended periods. 

Source: India Today