Police in eastern India have arrested three men in connection with the alleged gang rape of a foreign tourist and the assault of her husband, while continuing to search for four additional suspects.
This incident underscores India’s ongoing struggle to combat sexual violence against women.
The couple, traveling from West Bengal to Nepal by motorcycle, was discovered by patrolling police officers late Friday in Jharkhand state’s Dumka district.
They were subsequently taken to a hospital, where the woman disclosed that she had been raped.
The identities of the wanted suspects are known to the police, who have formed a special investigative team to pursue the case. It remains unclear whether the arrested individuals have legal representation.
The female victim’s identity is protected under Indian law, and the couple’s names and nationalities have not been disclosed by the police.
This development comes after a travel vlogger couple shared on Instagram that they were subjected to a harrowing attack in India, with the woman being raped and undergoing DNA testing at the hospital.
The couple, who communicate in Spanish, hails from Brazil according to the woman’s Instagram page.
They shared images of injuries sustained during the attack, expressing gratitude for the support received from their followers and affirming that the police are actively pursuing the remaining suspects.
India’s National Commission for Women (NCW) has condemned the alleged assault and offered assistance to the victim.
Jharkhand’s minister, Mithilesh Kumar Thakur, also denounced the incident, vowing to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
India has long grappled with high rates of violence against women, with several notable cases involving foreign visitors.
Despite legal reforms enacted in response to such incidents, including the 2012 gang rape in New Delhi, rape cases continue to be prevalent in the country.
Many experts believe that reported cases represent only a fraction of the actual incidents, attributing the underreporting to societal stigma and the lack of comprehensive legal protections for women.
Source-CNN
