The suspect, Triệu Tạ Mềnh, 31, under interrogation by the Police. — Photo Hoàng Su Phì People's Procuracy

HÀ GIANG — A suspect in a rape case in the northern province of Hà Giang has been temporarily put in detention pending further investigation.

Triệu Tạ Mệnh, 31, has been accused of raping a 29-year-old tour guide at a homestay in Hoàng Su Phì District on September 18 night.

Phì reportedly broke into the homestay that night, subdued the victim and raped her. 

The victim then called Nguyễn Anh Thơm, her attorney, for legal assistance.

The victim is suffering from insomnia, stress and panic due to anxiety after the rape incident, according to her attorney.

Thơm advised the victim to denounce the case to authorities. However, due to the victim's mental state, Thơm went to the scene in Hà Giang Province to consult and assist her.

Thơm took the victim to the provincial health department for medical examination on September 21 as regulated in order to deal with the case following guidance from local police. After that, the victim returned to Hà Nội.

After receiving the report, Hoàng Su Phì Police began the investigation immediately and arrested the suspect.

During the interrogation process, Mềnh admitted to raping the victim.

Mềnh, a relative of the homestay's owner, stayed at the homestay to have dinner that night and met with the tourist group guided by the victim before the incident happened. 

The case is under further investigation. — VNS