August 12, 2008	Tuesday	Sha'aban 9, 1429

NEW DELHI: An Indian court sentenced two taxi drivers to death on Monday for raping and murdering an Australian tourist in the nation’s capital four years ago, court officials said.

Emelie Griggs, 59, had arrived in New Delhi on March 17, 2004, to enrol in a meditation course, but was raped and killed by a taxi driver and his associate shortly after she checked out of the airport and took a taxi, police said.

The next day, her body, which had multiple injuries, was found in a deserted field and police subsequently arrested the taxi drivers on charges of rape and murder.

Both men were sentenced to death by a lower court, court officials and a New Delhi Police spokesman said.

Frequent attacks on tourists have thrown an uncomfortable spotlight on their safety in India, and prompted tourism officials this year to ask police to provide better security.—Reuters