Three detained in alleged gang-rape of Spanish tourist in Dumka, Jharkhand

According to initial reports, the couple had set up camp near Dumka’s Hansdiha market, intending to spend the night there during their journey towards Bhagalpur.

| Updated: 02 March, 2024 5:32 pm IST
Spanish Tourist Allegedly Gang-Raped in Jharkhand's Dumka; Three Suspects Detained

NEW DELHI: In a harrowing incident that has shocked the nation, a Spanish national visiting Jharkhand with her partner was allegedly gang-raped in Dumka district on Friday night. The tourist couple had stopped in the area during a biking trip when the horrifying attack took place, leaving the victim traumatized.

According to initial reports, the couple had set up camp near Dumka’s Hansdiha market, intending to spend the night there during their journey towards Bhagalpur. However, their peaceful evening turned into a nightmare when a group of assailants descended upon them, assaulting and gang-raping the woman. Dumka Superintendent of Police, Pitambar Singh Kherwar, confirmed the incident but refrained from divulging further details, citing the ongoing investigation. However, Kherwar personally visited the scene of the crime and oversaw the detention of three suspects believed to be involved in the heinous act.

 

In a statement issued by the police, it was revealed that the victim and her partner had set up camp in a forested area near Kurmahat, “Yesterday, on 01.03.2024, the night patrolling team of Hansdiha police station found a foreign couple on the road near Kurmahat at around 11 pm who were unable to speak Hindi or English properly. Looking at them it seemed that something unpleasant had happened to them.

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While taking them to the hospital, it was revealed that they were Spanish citizen and on their way to Nepal from West Bengal, They had reached Kurmahat village of Hansdiha police station at 5 pm and spent the night in a forest near Kunji Basti, about 2 kilometres from Kurmahat village. A temporary camp was set up for rest. At night, some anti-social elements reached their camp and violated the modesty of the said foreign female citizen and the man was beaten up and they ran away with some of their belongings and money.

It is noteworthy that the local police/administration was not informed about setting up camp in Kurmahat forest by the said foreign couple. As soon as information about the incident was received, immediate action was taken and three persons were detained for questioning. Suspected criminals have been identified. A SIT has been formed under the leadership of Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Jarmundi to arrest the accused. The accused will be arrested soon. Evidence is being collected scientifically by the FSL team.”

 

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to apprehend the remaining suspects, with authorities vowing to leave no stone unturned in securing justice for the victim. The case has sparked outrage and renewed concerns about the safety of tourists, both domestic and international, in the region.

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On the alleged gang rape case, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey says, “In this state, neither Adivasis nor Dalits are safe. Now this has become an international matter that a Spanish woman comes with her husband to India, and it comes to light that she has been gang-raped. I appeal to CM Champai Soren to concentrate on law and order in the state. If posting will take place based on any caste then this sort of incident will occur often.”

Meanwhile, the victim, currently undergoing medical examination at a local hospital, has provided crucial details about the incident to investigators. Despite the trauma endured, she remains resilient, cooperating with authorities to ensure justice. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that could aid in apprehending the culprits and preventing similar atrocities in the future. The plight of the Spanish tourist serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and vigilance to protect vulnerable individuals in society.

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