NEW DELHI: Indian police have arrested five more suspects in connection with a shocking case of the gang rape of a Spanish tourist, taking the total detained to eight, local media reported Tuesday.
The shocking sexual assault took place last week in Dumka district, situated in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand, where the Spanish tourist and her husband were camping during a motorbike trip. The victim’s ordeal has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation of Indian authorities for their failure to ensure the safety of foreign tourists.
Footage broadcasted by the Press Trust of India news agency showed the five newly apprehended suspects, visibly restrained with handcuffs and tied together in a line by a rope.
Earlier, three persons appeared in court with their heads covered by sacks, subsequently being remanded in custody. The latest highlights the vulnerability of foreigners especially females in India and rising incidents of heinous crimes against tourists.
Shocking Incident of Spanish Tourist Gang Raped in India
The authorities have also initiated shameful tactics to silence the victims, with reports indicating that a compensation cheque of $12,000 has been offered to the couple,” as reported by broadcaster NDTV.
The incident underscores the prevalent issue of sexual violence in India, with nearly 90 rapes reported daily in 2022, according to data from the National Crime Records Bureau. However, the actual number of cases is believed to be significantly higher due to underreporting stemming from societal stigmas and distrust in law enforcement agencies.
Despite efforts to address the issue, convictions in rape cases remain rare, often mired in lengthy legal processes within India’s congested criminal justice system.
The tragic gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old Indian student in 2012 garnered global attention and triggered widespread protests in India.
