Spanish woman, on bike tour with husband, gang-raped in Jharkhand
What's the story
A Spanish woman on a bike tour with her husband was allegedly gang-raped and beaten by seven men in Jharkhand's Dumka district, the police said on Saturday. The event occurred late Friday night in Dumka's Hansdiha area, when the couple had stopped at a secluded location to set up a makeshift tent after coming from West Bengal. So far, three men have been arrested.
How they were found
Couple found in disarray, investigation underway
The woman and her husband were discovered by police patrolling at night in a state of disarray on the main road. Dumka Superintendent of Police, Pitambar Singh Khairwar, told India Today that the woman underwent a medical examination and is currently receiving treatment at Saraiyahat Community Health Centre. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) team has been constituted to look into the matter, and forensic experts have also been called in. Further, efforts are underway to identify the remaining four suspects.
Twitter Post
Victim appeal for justice on social media
This Spanish woman was robbed & raped by 7 men in Dumka, Jharkhand.
— Incognito (@Incognito_qfs) March 2, 2024
She along with her husband were on a motorcycle trip to India.
Castration & life imprisonment is what those 7 men deserve. Nothing less than that would suffice. pic.twitter.com/wujt16Zg9h
Bike tour
Bike tour across Asia, plans disrupted
The couple had come to India on a tourist visa. They were on a trip around Asia, first going to Pakistan, then to Bangladesh, and finally arriving in Dumka via West Bengal. From Dumka, they had planned to travel to Bhagalpur in Bihar before continuing on to Nepal. Meanwhile, the Jharkhand Assembly witnessed outbursts on Saturday over the alleged gang-rape, leading to two adjournments of the House.
Politics
Dumka police trying to cover up incident: BJP MLA
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator from Godda, Amit Mandal, addressed the subject in the state assembly, accusing the Dumka police of attempting to cover up the incident. "The accused are getting political backing. Action must be taken against them. The Dumka SP must be suspended. The parliamentary affairs minister must direct to institute a committee and probe the case," Mandal said.