Police reported on Saturday that a woman Spanish Tourist was reportedly subjected to gang rape in Jharkhand’s Dumka district. Authorities have apprehended three individuals in relation to the incident, and efforts are underway to locate and apprehend the remaining suspects.
In a harrowing incident that has cast a shadow over Jharkhand’s Dumka district, a Spanish tourist was subjected to a brutal gang rape on Friday at Kurumahat in Hansdiha police station area halting her and her partner’s global motorcycle odyssey. The couple, who had traversed 63 countries covering 170,000 km, faced this nightmare approximately 300 km away from Ranchi, the state capital.
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A Journey Turned Nightmare
The 28-year-old woman and her 64-year-old partner were traveling from Bangladesh, planning to pass through Bihar route to Nepal. Their adventure took a devastating turn in Dumka, where they decided to camp for the night. The tranquility of their makeshift tent was shattered when seven men allegedly assaulted them, leading to the gang rape of the woman.
The victim took to social media to share the traumatic experience, stating,
“Something has happened to us that we would not wish on anyone. Seven men have raped me.”
The post was accompanied by images displaying severe injuries to her face. However, the couple later removed the video upon request from the Jharkhand Police, aiming not to hinder the ongoing investigation. They said her statement has been recorded under Section 164 of the CrPC.
Despite the removal of the post, the woman expressed her trauma,
“My face looks like this, but it’s not what hurts me the most. I thought we were going to die. Thank God we are alive.”
Law Enforcement’s Response
The local authorities have initiated a robust response, with three of the alleged perpetrators already in custody. A special investigation team (SIT) has been established to expedite the case and capture the remaining suspects.
Dumka’s Superintendent of Police, Pitambar Singh Kherwar, reported that a patrolling team found the distressed couple and immediately rushed them to Phulo Jhano Medical College and Hospital. The medical staff is closely monitoring the couple, who are out of immediate danger, for any signs of trauma. He said,
“The other four accused have been identified, and searches are underway. They will be nabbed soon,”
Community and National Reaction
The incident has sparked outrage and concern at both local and national levels. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has criticized the police’s initial response and has offered support to the victim. NCW Chairperson, Rekha Sharma, personally reached out to provide assistance.
As the community reels from the shock and the authorities work to bring the perpetrators to justice, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by tourists and the imperative need for enhanced safety measures. The global journey of the Spanish couple, meant to be a testament to adventure and cultural exchange, has instead highlighted the dark realities of violence and the urgent need for societal and legal reforms.
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