Union Minister of State for Tourism KJ Alphons on Thursday wrote to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath voicing deep concern over the attack on a Swiss couple in Fatehpur Sikri and asked for speedy action in identifying and punishing the guilty.
"I am deeply concerned that two Switzerland citizens were attacked and injured at Fatehpur Sikri yesterday (sic). You would kindly appreciate that such incidents negatively impact our image and are detrimental to our efforts in promoting India as a tourism destination," Alphons said.
He said that a "fast and speedy response in identifying and ensuring speedy action including conviction of the guilty would be reassuring" and would send a "good message of our efforts to prevent recurrence of such incidents".
His comments came as police said one person has been arrested while an FIR has been lodged against four persons in the attack, which took place on Sunday in Agra.
"Some of (the attackers) could be minors, so we are investigating and if they are indeed minors they will be produced in juvenile court," senior police officer Amit Pathak told reporters.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has also sought a report from the Uttar Pradesh government.
Meanwhile, questioning the anti-Romeo squads set up by the government to check harassment, former CM Akhilesh Yadav asked, "What happened to anti-Romeo squads? A couple visiting Fatehpur Sikri were beaten when they tried to click a selfie."
(With IANS inputs)