A 30-year-old American tourist was allegedly gangraped by a truck driver and two others in a truck in Manali in the early hours of Tuesday. The victim was also robbed of her belongings. The three accused, all reported to be 19-24 years old, are suspected to be local youths. No arrests have been made so far.

According to the FIR, the victim had gone to visit some friends staying in Vashisth village, about four kilometres from Manali, at around 10 pm on Monday.

At around 1 am, she took a lift from the truck driver to return to the guesthouse in Manali where she was staying. The victim told the police that when the driver and his two accomplices tried to rape her, she jumped out of the vehicle. But she was reportedly carried back to the truck and raped.

The trio allegedly dropped the tourist near the Manali bus stop at around 3 am. They took away her belongings, including Rs 5,000 cash, an iPhone, a Nikon camera, about $30 and 1500 Thai Baht.

Kullu SP V K Dhawan said the victim's medical examination confirmed sexual assault.

"She is in shock, but has given a detailed description of the accused, including their names  Rocky, Shaan and Shyam," he said.

"It's a shocking incident. DGP B Kamal Kumar has set up a special investigation team. Some vital clues have been found regarding the identity of the accused and vehicle," he said.

"The FIR has been lodged at the Manali police station based on the statement of the victim who reached the police station at around 4 am. The American embassy and the Ministry of External Affairs have been informed," said DGP Kumar.

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