Authorities in Jharkhand have made significant progress in the investigation into the gang rape of a 28-year-old foreign tourist in the Dumka district, with the recent arrest of five additional suspects. This brings the total number of arrests in the case to eight, following the initial apprehension of three suspects on March 2, 2024.
The Spanish Embassy in India expressed gratitude for the support provided by authorities in addressing the incident. In a post on social media, the embassy emphasized the importance of global solidarity in combating violence against women.
The horrific assault took place while the couple was camping in the Kurumahat area under the jurisdiction of the Hansdiha police station, approximately 300 kilometers from Ranchi, the state capital. The victim, who holds joint Brazilian-Spanish nationality, bravely shared her ordeal in an Instagram video alongside her husband, sparking nationwide outrage and concerns regarding the safety of women travelers in the country.
According to the victim’s account, seven men wielding knives assaulted them in a forest late Friday, subjecting her to repeated sexual assaults. The couple was found by police on a roadside later that night, visibly injured, and were promptly taken to a hospital where the woman disclosed the rape to medical staff.
Jharkhand Police swiftly made three arrests following the incident and continued their search for four additional suspects. Both the Spanish and Brazilian foreign ministries have been actively involved, with the Spanish ministry sending staff to the area and the Brazilian ministry reaching out to offer assistance to the victim through its embassy in New Delhi.
Authorities are committed to ensuring justice for the victim and are continuing their efforts to apprehend all individuals involved in this heinous crime.
