The Jharkhand Police reported that the three culprits linked to the gang-rape of a Spanish woman in Dumka district were placed in judicial custody. On March 1, the victim, camping with her husband, was assaulted in Hansdiha, about 300 km from Ranchi. The incident led to the recording of the woman’s statement and a medical examination affirming the assault.
Superintendent of Police, Pitamber Singh Kherwar, announced at a press conference that the suspects were in custody and a manhunt for four additional perpetrators was underway. The Spanish couple, found on March 1 by the roadside, were visibly beaten and traumatized, having experienced a two-hour-long attack during which the woman was violated as her husband was assaulted.
The Spanish foreign ministry stated they were arranging personnel to assist the victims, whereas the Brazilian government had also offered support to the dual nationality victim. The incident has highlighted the prevalence of sexual violence in India, with major news outlets discussing the societal issues and low conviction rates. NCRB data revealed that in 2022, India reported a significant number of rape cases, with Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh having the highest incidences.
Bollywood actor Richa Chadha condemned the incident, expressing dismay over the treatment of women in India. Rekha Sharma, the chief of the National Commission for Women, criticized a US journalist’s remarks on the problem, urging responsible reporting and civic duty. The journalist had earlier shared on social media personal observations and advised women against traveling alone to India due to safety issues.
The Jharkhand government has set up an SIT for the case. The couple, now safe, shared their horrific experience on social media and received an outpouring of support from followers. They were found by a police patrol and brought to a hospital where the international community became involved. While the three perpetrators are currently in custody, the search continues for the remaining suspects. The local authorities, as well as forensic and CID teams, are diligently working to resolve the case.