LI Network
Published on: March 03, 2024 at 11:45 IST
In a horrifying incident that has sent shockwaves across the nation, a Spanish woman was brutally gang-raped in Dumka, Jharkhand, approximately 300 kilometers from the state capital Ranchi, on Friday night. Recounting the harrowing ordeal, the survivor, her face marred with bruises, took to Instagram to share the nightmarish experience: “Something has happened to us that we would not wish on anyone. Seven men have raped me.”
The victim, along with her partner, had embarked on a journey from Bangladesh to Dumka on two motorcycles, en route to Bihar and then Nepal. However, their journey took a horrifying turn when they halted for the night at a makeshift tent and were subjected to a vicious attack.
“They have beaten us and robbed us, although not many things because what they wanted was to rape me,” she bravely stated.
As the news spread, three individuals have been apprehended by the authorities, with a relentless manhunt underway to capture the remaining perpetrators. To expedite the investigation process, a special investigation team (SIT) has been deployed to delve into the appalling incident.
The survivor, in critical condition, has been admitted to a local hospital, according to the police.
According to reports by PTI, Superintendent of Police Pitambar Singh Kherwar revealed that the Hansdiha police patrolling team encountered the distressed couple on the roadside around 11 pm on Friday. “The patrolling team sensed that something had happened to them. Since they were speaking in Spanish, the police could not understand what they were saying. However, the policemen brought them to a local hospital assuming they needed some treatment,” he elaborated.
The Spanish nationals disclosed the brutal sexual assault to medical personnel, prompting swift action by the authorities. “We were informed about the incident around 1.30 am on Saturday. The investigation started as soon as we received the information. We spoke to the victim. Thereafter, we detained some people, and during interrogation, they admitted their involvement. The accused also provided some other names. We have formed a team, and raids are being conducted to nab the other accused. We are also enlisting the support of a forensic team and the CID in this regard,” stated Kherwar.
Expressing outrage over the incident, Jharkhand BJP president and former chief minister Babulal Marandi demanded stringent action against the police, emphasizing the need to restore faith in the state’s law and order machinery. “When such incidents take place with foreigners, who would like to come to Jharkhand? The law and order machinery has collapsed here. Strict action should be taken against the police,” he asserted.
The heinous crime has sparked condemnation from various quarters, with state minister Mithilesh Thakur reaffirming the commitment to deliver justice. “It is unfortunate. Those involved in the crime will not be spared, and stringent action will be taken against them,” Thakur declared.
As the nation grapples with the chilling incident, calls for justice and systemic reforms echo louder, underscoring the imperative of safeguarding the dignity and safety of every individual, regardless of nationality or circumstance.