Tourist Couple’s Harrowing Ordeal Unfolds: Gang Rape Allegation Sparks Outrage and Swift Arrests in India
In a shocking incident, a tourist has come forward with allegations of a brutal gang rape, accompanied by a vicious attack on her partner, during their camping expedition in India. The couple, who enjoys a substantial following on Instagram documenting their motorcycle tour of Asia, hails from Brazil and Spain.
The unsettling incident occurred in the eastern state of Jharkhand, where local police found the battered couple by the roadside late Friday. Superintendent of Police Pitamber Singh Kherwar stated that, upon discovery, the victims, speaking in Spanish and English, appeared injured. The couple, whose identities remain undisclosed, was swiftly taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed the woman had been raped.
As the investigation unfolded, three male suspects were arrested on Sunday, with authorities actively pursuing four more individuals linked to the crime. Superintendent Kherwar emphasized the authorities’ commitment to securing maximum punishment for the perpetrators and assured the couple compensation of up to $12,000.
The Indian National Commission for Women has urged the police to charge the accused with gang rape, a crime punishable by a minimum of 20 years in prison. The victims, now under the care of Indian emergency services, are not being named in compliance with Indian laws protecting sexual assault victims.
The couple, who previously shared their journey with followers, posted a video detailing the harrowing incident. The woman, bearing visible bruises, recounted the ordeal, alleging that seven men had raped her, physically assaulted them, and robbed them. A subsequent video on their joint Instagram page thanked the police for their efforts and called for justice not only for them but also for other women who have faced similar traumas.
The Spanish Embassy in New Delhi and the Brazilian Embassy expressed their condemnation of the crime, ensuring consular assistance and emergency services for the victims. Celebrities and public figures in India have voiced their outrage, demanding the swift apprehension of all suspects.
Despite India’s efforts to address gender-based violence through stringent laws, including the doubling of prison terms for rapists in 2013, the country continues to grapple with a high number of reported rape cases. The incident highlights the persistent challenges in curbing violence against women and calls for renewed efforts to ensure the safety of travelers, particularly women, in the country.