Extradited Indian rape accused appears before Australian court

A 25-year-old Indian taxi driver, who is accused of raping a woman passenger two years ago in Australia, today appeared briefly before a court here after being extradited from India.

Jaswinder Singh Mutta, who was extradited from India in Januray this year following his arrest by Indian police, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court. Mutta allegedly raped 26-year-old passenger in his taxi late at night in the suburb of North Fitzroy on January 17, 2010.

He was charged with two counts of rape and one count of indecent assault, according to The Age newspaper. Magistrate Jelena Popovic explained to Mutta that he had been brought before the court for a filing hearing.

Popovic said Mutta and his lawyer would be given access to the police brief of evidence against him by July 31. Mutta was remanded in custody for a committal mention on August 31. He did not apply for bail.