Delhi (BERITAPOLITIK.ONLINE) – The alleged gang rape incident involving the Spanish-Brazilian tourist couple, Vicente and Fernanda, in Dumka District, Jharkhand, India, has sparked public outrage.
According to Reuters, Vicente and Fernanda were found by the police on the roadside in Dumka District, Jharkhand, on Friday (01/03) around 11:00 p.m. local time.
Dumka Police Chief, Pitamber Singh Kherwa, stated that both victims were found in a severe condition.
Vicente and Fernanda narrated having to camp near the incident site due to a lack of accommodation.
The couple was then attacked by seven men who robbed and assaulted them. Fernanda was raped while Vicente also sustained injuries.
“Seven men raped me. They beat and robbed us. Not much was stolen because what they wanted was to rape me,” Fernanda said in Spanish.
Also read, Viral: Spanish-Brazilian Tourist Couple Attacked and Gang-Rape by 7 Men in India
Dumka Police Chief, Pitamber Singh Kherwar, admitted that the police received a report from Fernanda around 11:00 p.m. to a passing police patrol car.
The couple was promptly taken to the hospital for treatment on Saturday (02/03).
The attending doctors were subsequently informed about Fernanda’s rape.
It is worth noting that Vicente and Fernanda had visited several other Asian countries by motorcycle before arriving in India.
They had uploaded videos on their Instagram account, followed by 234,000 followers, detailing their experiences during their journey.
The video has been removed. Vicente and Fernanda – still bearing bruises on their faces – uploaded a new video thanking the public for the overwhelming support they received after the incident, along with various messages of sympathy and support on social media.
Currently, three out of the seven suspected perpetrators have been arrested by Indian police, while four other suspects are still being pursued. According to Kherwar, one of them has provided information about other perpetrators involved in the incident.
Kherwar added that the police are still awaiting forensic test results from the laboratory for the progress of handling this case.
Spanish and Brazilian Government Responses
According to BBC, the Brazilian Embassy in India has characterized the tourist couple as “victims of a serious criminal attack” and has pledged to “closely follow the developments of the case.”
The Brazilian Embassy confirmed reaching out to Fernanda, local authorities, and the Spanish Embassy since the victims entered India using Spanish passports.
“The Spanish Embassy has confirmed offering comprehensive support, including psychological assistance. However, the victims opted to continue receiving treatment from Indian emergency services,” added the Brazilian Embassy.
Reuters reported that the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Sunday (03/03) that they have dispatched personnel to the incident site and have initiated contact with local authorities.
Conversely, the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed readiness to extend support to their citizen, Fernanda.
Indian Public Response
This incident underscores the persistent issue of sexual violence in India, which has been a matter of public concern following the 2012 gang rape and murder case on a bus.
The case involved Jyoti Singh, a 23-year-old physiotherapy student, who was raped, assaulted, and left for dead by five men and one teenager on a bus in Delhi in December 2012.
Although the rape case led to legal reforms in India, numerous incidents are still reported annually, many of which remain unresolved due to societal stigma and a lack of confidence in the judicial system.
