In the realm of travel bloggers, a husband and wife's escapade turned into a nightmare as their journey through India captured headlines, showcasing the grim reality of physical and sexual violence rampant in the country.
India, notorious for its unsafe environment for female travelers, witnessed yet another horrifying incident as a Spanish tourist fell victim to sexual violence at the hands of a group of men in the Dumka District of Jharkhand State, India, on Friday (3/1/2024).
The unfortunate episode unfolded as the couple embarked on a motorcycle tour towards Nepal, traversing India through West Bengal.
Midway through their journey, they decided to halt and set up camp in a secluded area in the Handsdhina region of Dumka District, approximately 300 kilometers from the state capital Ranchi, on Friday midnight.
As they slept, seven assailants barged into their tent, launching a vicious attack involving physical assault, robbery, and the brutal gang-rape of the woman. The husband sustained injuries, battered and bruised, as reported by The Independent on Monday (3/4/2024). find more alx software engineering salary on tihs site
"They beat us. They held a knife to my throat, saying they would kill me," the husband recounted in a video, his lower lip visibly swollen.
"Something has happened to us that we never expected to happen to anyone. Seven people have raped me. They beat us and robbed us. Although not much, because what they wanted was to rape me. We are in the hospital with the police. It happened tonight in India," the text in the video read.
Following the ordeal, the couple flagged down a patrolling police vehicle around 11:00 PM. According to the video footage, they suffered facial bruises post-incident.
Pitamber Singh Kherwar, a police officer in Dumka, confirmed that all suspects had been identified and four individuals arrested, confessing to the rape. Kherwar further stated that the woman underwent a medical examination confirming sexual assault.
Additionally, the couple received medical attention at Phulo Jhano Medical College Hospital in Dumka.
The Spanish Embassy in India liaised with authorities, dispatching personnel for further investigation at the crime scene.
"This is a condemnable incident, and the police are taking appropriate action. The perpetrators will not escape punishment," stated Mithilesh Kumar Thakur, a regional minister of Jhajhand state.
The video of the couple went viral on Indian social media, extending its reach to Spain and Western Europe, sparking outrage, condemnation, and criticism towards the Indian government.
One netizen described the incident as shameful and a nightmare. Even Bollywood actor Richa Chadha expressed her dismay.
"Shameful! Indians treating foreigners the way they treat their own women. Shame on our rotten society," she criticized.
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the pervasive issue of violence against women in India, urging society and authorities to take stringent measures to ensure the safety and security of all travelers, irrespective of nationality or gender.
