NEW DEHLI: The reported gang rape of a Brazilian tourist in Jharkhand, India’s eastern state, has sparked nationwide outrage. The incident occurred when the 28-year-old woman and her husband, who were touring on a motorbike, halted for the night in Dumki district. Police have arrested four individuals and are in pursuit of three more suspects.
The identities of the accused, who allegedly also assaulted the woman’s husband, remain undisclosed. Prior to their arrival in India a few months ago, the couple had traveled across various parts of Asia on their motorbikes.
The woman shared a distressing video on their Instagram account, followed by 234,000 people, detailing the assault, where she reported being raped by seven men who also beat and robbed them. Her husband, in a separate video, described the brutal attack, stating that both he and his wife sustained severe injuries.
Although the videos are no longer accessible, the couple sought medical help after flagging down a patrol van, prompting them to report the incident to local authorities. The Brazilian embassy in India confirmed the seriousness of the assault and extended support, liaising with both the woman and Spanish authorities, given the couple’s dual nationality.
The Spanish embassy offered assistance, including psychological support, although it was declined as the victims were already under the care of Indian emergency services. In solidarity, the Spanish embassy reiterated the importance of combatting violence against women globally.
This incident reignites discussions on sexual violence in India, especially following high-profile cases, and draws attention to the experiences shared by women travelers in the country. However, comments from India’s National Commission for Women chief, Rekha Sharma, sparked criticism for dismissing the concerns raised by a journalist regarding sexual aggression in the country.
Social media users have rallied in support of the assaulted couple, reflecting the urgent need for collective action against sexual violence.
