Five years ago, a Spanish couple embarked on an ambitious journey to travel the world on motorcycles. After covering 63 countries and traveling 170,000 km, their adventure was abruptly halted in the serene outskirts of Jharkhand’s Dumka, about 300 km from the state capital, Ranchi. Shockingly, the 28-year-old woman was allegedly subjected to a horrifying gang rape by seven men while spending the night with her partner in a makeshift tent.
The couple’s voyage was intended to traverse through Bihar and eventually reach Nepal. However, the woman claimed they were attacked that fateful night.
“I wish this upon no one. Seven men raped me,” the woman shared on social media, along with images displaying severe injuries to her face.
Subsequently, the woman and her 64-year-old partner removed the video from social media, citing a request from the Jharkhand Police not to “disturb” the investigation.
“The police asked me to take down the post to aid the investigation. I will repost it later,” the woman shared on her Instagram stories. In a video uploaded to her stories, the woman’s swollen and bruised face is visible following the assault.
“My face may look like this, but the fear of death haunts me. Thank God we are alive,” she expressed.
Search for alleged suspects
Authorities have apprehended three men allegedly involved in the crime, with a manhunt ongoing to capture the remaining suspects. In response to the severity of the incident, a special investigation team (SIT) has been formed to ensure a comprehensive and prompt inquiry.
Dumka Superintendent of Police (SP), Pitambar Singh Kherwar, reported that the local police patrolling team discovered the distressed couple late on Friday night. Despite the language barrier, the urgency of the victims was understood, leading to their immediate transportation to a local hospital. There, the full extent of their ordeal was revealed.
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The survivor and her husband are currently undergoing treatment at Phulo Jhano Medical College and Hospital in Dumka. Although both are out of immediate danger, medical professionals are closely monitoring them for possible trauma.
“Both are out of danger and are undergoing treatment at the hospital. The man has sustained minor injuries. A medical board comprising specialists will conduct the victim’s examination,” stated a doctor at the hospital, as quoted by news agency PTI.
Support to victim
A visit by the National Commission for Women (NCW) to Dumka resulted in criticism of the alleged police incapability in promptly apprehending all the accused. NCW Chairperson, Rekha Sharma, assured the victim of support.
“We are deeply troubled by the heinous crime committed against this couple. The NCW stands in solidarity with them and will ensure they receive all necessary support,” stated Rekha Sharma.
Local authorities faced criticism, with Jharkhand BJP president, Babulal Marandi, expressing concern over the state’s law and order machinery. The incident was raised in the Jharkhand Assembly during its concluding budget session, leading to adjournments and heated debates.
“This incident underscores a failure in ensuring citizens’ safety, particularly tourists. Immediate action must be taken to bring the perpetrators to justice,” remarked Babulal Marandi.
The political discourse intensified, with the Opposition demanding the suspension of the Dumka Superintendent of Police and the formation of a probe committee.
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