Deadline to catch Indian rapist

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Indian police have been given three weeks to find a rapist who was released on bail three months into his sentence for attacking a British woman.

Parbat Singh raped the woman, who cannot be named, at his guesthouse in Udaipur, northern India, in 2007.

He was convicted and sentenced to 21 years in prison but released by police in July 2008 when he lodged an appeal.

Three police officers have also been suspended after the Indian Supreme Court intervened in the case.

In January, the court ordered that Singh be returned to jail, but Rajasthan police have so far failed to apprehend him.

Investigation

On Tuesday, the court heard submissions from state authorities that "appropriate action" had been taken.

Singh's victim, who is a freelance journalist from London, praised the Supreme Court for its efforts but criticised the local investigation.

The woman, who cannot be named, said: "I am just hoping that the police, now that they know their jobs are on the line, will in fact find him.

He is a danger to absolutely everybody. Everything in my life has changed British rape victim

"But they are using a picture that doesn't look like him and he has had a year to plan this.

"They say there is a team of 50 looking for him in various states but it's a big country and I honestly don't know what hope they have.

"I believe the Supreme Court is doing everything it can, but it's down to the police at a state level."

She said she felt "completely worn out" by the ordeal and would not rest until he was back behind bars.

"He is a danger to absolutely everybody," she added. "Everything in my life has changed."

The woman said she hoped Singh, who has failed to surrender to police, will have his appeal dismissed on the grounds that he has absconded.

She estimates she has spent at least £75,000 on her legal battle and travelling to and from India for court hearings.

Singh was released on bail, even though rape defendants are not allowed bail under Indian law.

He was given his sentence for rape and forced entry after a trial in April 2008, and fined 25,000 rupees ($625; £312).