In a harrowing incident that has shocked the community, a Spanish woman faced a brutal assault while on a tour through India. The incident took place in the Dumka district of Jharkhand, a situation that paints a grim picture of safety for travelers in remote areas.

The victim, along with her husband, was en route to Nepal from West Bengal when they decided to rest for the night. Their temporary halt at Kurumahat in the Hansdiha police station area, nearly 300 km from the state capital Ranchi, turned into a nightmare on Friday night. Here, in a deserted part of Kurmahat Village, they had set up a makeshift tent to spend the night, seeking a moment of respite on their adventurous journey across India on a two-wheeler.

However, the peace of the night was shattered when three youths, now arrested, along with four others, disrupted the tranquility of their rest. "According to a police source, seven persons passing through the area stopped and allegedly assaulted the couple and raped the woman." This statement underlines the severity of the attack, highlighting a terrifying ordeal for the couple.

The response from law enforcement was prompt, with arrests made in the wake of the crime. "More than 40 hours since a Spanish national was allegedly gangraped in Jharkhand’s Dumka, following which four people were arrested," the police reported. Their ongoing efforts to capture the remaining suspects are underscored by the formation of a special investigation team, tasked with bringing all involved to justice.

The distressing story of the Spanish tourists' ordeal in Jharkhand further unfolds, revealing the extent of their harrowing experience. The couple, in pursuit of adventure and the beauty of India, found themselves in a nightmare scenario that starkly contrasts the welcoming image of the country.

On that fateful evening, as dusk turned to night, the duo decided to pause their journey. They chose a spot within the Hansdiha police station limits, close to Kurmahat, for a much-needed rest after a long day of travel on two separate bikes. This decision, made as darkness enveloped the area, would lead to an unimaginable turn of events.

Koo App Dumka, Jharkhand: On the Spanish woman's case, SP Pitamber Singh Kherwar says, "As the victims were speaking in Spanish English which we were not able to understand, we took them to hospital where it was discovered that it is a case of gangrape of the woman... Based on the appearance they described, we have detained some people. With the help of the FSL team and CID, we will get the rest of the accused too... The victim told about 7 men involved in the crime and we have detained 3 of them." View attached media content - Satyaagrah (@SatyaagrahIndia) 2 Mar 2024

"At around 10 PM, approximately 7 to 8 young men from the neighborhood arrived at the location, and thrashed the couple before sexually assaulting the woman." This brutal attack left the couple with injuries, a physical manifestation of the violence they endured. In the aftermath, the authorities took immediate action, ensuring the victims received the necessary medical attention. They were promptly transported to Saraiyahat Community Health Center, where the police have since maintained a vigilant presence to ensure their safety, restricting access to the facility.

The details of their journey, which began in Dumka with the destination of Bhagalpur in mind, shed light on the couple's tragic encounter. "The victim’s complaint stated that she set up a tent and slept on a deserted spot ahead of Hansdiha market at about midnight. She was sleeping when a group of local youngsters broke into the tent and proceeded to physically and sexually abuse her." This account, chilling in its clarity, paints a vivid picture of the terror they faced.

The female victim, a 28-year-old travel vlogger, took to social media to share the aftermath of the assault. Her post, revealing the physical marks of the ordeal, underscores a deeper pain. "My face looks like this, but it’s not what hurts me the most. I thought we were going to die. Thank God we are alive," she shared, giving voice to the terror they faced and the gratitude for surviving such an ordeal.

In response to the incident, Dumka SP Pitambar Singh Kherwar provided insights into the ongoing investigation. "In interrogation, the accused have confessed to their involvement in the matter. As a result, they were arrested, while others involved will soon be arrested, as we have received their names. Since it is a very serious case, two SIT teams have been set up. One will look into the evidence collection. And the second team has been formed to capture the remaining accused; they (SIT team) are looking into it and constantly raiding the places." This statement signifies the law enforcement's commitment to bringing all perpetrators to justice, highlighting the gravity with which this case is being handled.

Twitter user, JIX5A @JIX5A with 39.8k followers made a shocking revelation regarding the identities of the perpetrators. "3 out of the 4 arrested suspects in the Dumka gang-rape case, involving a Spanish citizen Fernanda, have been identified as active members of a Christian missionary group known to be involved in conversion activities. The accused individuals are: 1. Rajan Marandi, 2. Pradeep Kisku, 3. Sukhlal Hembram." This detail adds a complex layer to the narrative, exposing the dark underbelly of groups masquerading under the guise of religious missions.

Another Twitter user, MeriJaanBharat @MeriJaanBharat claimed the same, verifying with a map showing multiple missionaries around the area of the incident, "@RenOfMen Any http://comments.Men who did the rape in Dumka are agents of Missionaries".

Dumka Superintendent of Police (SP) Pitambar Singh Kherwar recounted the pivotal moment when law enforcement first encountered the victims. "In the intervening night of March 1 and 2, the police team was passing through the area when they found the couple. Initially the police assumed that it was a case of beating. They were taken to the hospital and the doctor said that woman was gang raped.”

This discovery was made under the cloak of night, around 11 pm on a Friday, when a patrol team stumbled upon the distressed couple. Despite the language barrier, as the couple could not communicate in Hindi or English, the officers sensed the gravity of the situation. “Looking at them, it seemed that something unpleasant had happened to them. While taking him to the hospital, it was revealed that (they were) on their way to Nepal from West Bengal, and 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 police source explained.

The couple's decision to set up a temporary camp in the forest, unbeknownst to local authorities, exposed them to grave danger. “It is noteworthy that the couple had not informed the local police or administration that they were setting up camp in Kurmahat forest. As soon as information about the incident was received, immediate action was taken…” This lack of communication tragically played into the hands of “anti-social elements” who targeted the couple.

In the wake of the attack, the police acted with urgency and determination. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was quickly formed under the guidance of the Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Jarmundi, tasked with capturing the accused. “The accused will be arrested soon. Evidence is being collected scientifically by the FSL team,” the source confidently added, emphasizing the methodical approach being taken to ensure justice prevails.

A police spokesperson detailed the actions taken immediately following the discovery of the crime. "I along with the police team first visited the hospital and then the place where the incident took place. Based on the information the Spanish couple provided to the police, we carried out raids and detained three men who accepted their involvement in the heinous crime. They also revealed the names of their associates. A SIT has been formed and raids are being conducted to arrest the other culprits. I am personally monitoring the case."

The commitment to capturing those responsible extends to scientific methods of investigation. The police disclosed that "a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team had also visited the spot to collect the evidence and soon other culprits would be arrested." The meticulous gathering of evidence is crucial for the case, especially given that the culprits also committed robbery, looting ₹10,000 from the victims.

The political landscape has reacted strongly to this incident. The opposition BJP criticized the state's handling of law and order, calling for decisive actions against those involved and questioning the current leadership in Dumka. "Opposition BJP today slammed the ruling government and called it an 'utter failure of law and order' in the State. They also demanded strict action against the people involved in the crime, as well as, the removal of Dumka SP."

This crime was not just a matter of police investigation but also a topic of legislative concern. On the last day of the Budget session of the Jharkhand Assembly, the issue was prominently raised. BJP Chief Whip Biranchi Narayan expressed his views on the matter, advocating for stronger legal measures. "This is not the first case in Dumka, earlier also tribal sisters were brutally killed, despite that if the government is not learning any lesson then it is really sad. A strict law should be made in the assembly. Just imagine what kind of message we are giving to the world when a foreign citizen has been raped in India," Mr. Narayan remarked.

The distressing incident involving a Spanish tourist in Jharkhand continues to draw significant attention, not just from law enforcement and the public, but also from political figures who are voicing their concerns over the state of law and order. Among them, BJP MLA Anant Ojha has expressed a stern viewpoint, highlighting the broader implications of such crimes. "Another BJP MLA Anant Ojha said such an incident is a big blot on the image of Jharkhand which indicates towards deteriorating law and order in the state."

Further intensifying the call for action, Nishikant Dubey, a BJP representative from Godda, took to social media to articulate his demands for a thorough overhaul of the police force within the region. In a forthright message, he stated, "A tragic incident of rape with a Spanish woman has taken place under Hansdiha police station area of my Lok Sabha consistency, Godda. The government of JMM led by Champai Soren and Indian National Congress has promoted murder, loot, and rape in the last four years by posting police officers everywhere in Santhal Pargana without training. The police administration of the entire Santhal Pargana be immediately changed and policemen should be sent to jail."

JHALSA Steps Up to Aid Spanish Tourist Victim in Dumka

In a heartening response to a harrowing incident, the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) has taken significant strides to support a 28-year-old Spanish woman who was the victim of a gang rape in Dumka, Jharkhand. This move underscores the organization's commitment to ensuring justice and support for victims of such tragic events.

Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad, the executive chairman of JHALSA, led this initiative by directing the Dumka District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) to provide all-encompassing support to the survivor and her husband. This directive set in motion a collaborative effort to ensure the couple's well-being during this distressing time. "The DLSA facilitated the provision of essential amenities for their comfort during their stay." This included coordination with local medical authorities, like the Civil Surgeon of Dumka and the Superintendent of Phulo Jhano Medical College, Dumka, as well as senior administrative officials to provide the necessary assistance and care.

Moreover, the DLSA didn't stop at just ensuring the couple's comfort; they also worked closely with the Superintendent of Police in Dumka to enhance security measures around the couple and to expedite the process of bringing the perpetrators to justice.

In a further demonstration of their commitment, "the DALSA President and Secretary, in compliance with the instructions from JHALSA, proceeded to the victim's residence to meet her and gather information about the incident." This visit was not just a gesture of solidarity but also a practical step towards understanding the survivor's needs and ensuring that the necessary support systems were promptly put in place. Essential facilities were provided to both the victim and her husband, reflecting the organization's dedication to their well-being.

Following a distressing incident involving a Spanish woman and her husband in Dumka, the Principal District & Sessions Judge (PDJ) cum Chairman of the Dumka District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) was promptly informed about the situation. Upon receiving the details of the heinous act around 11:00 A.M. on 2nd March 2023, the PDJ took immediate action to ensure the victims received the necessary support.

The Secretary of DLSA, Dumka, under the PDJ's direction, quickly formed a team consisting of himself, the Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel (LADC) of Dumka, and several paralegal volunteers (PLVs). This team made their way to Sadar Hospital, Dumka, where the Spanish woman was receiving medical care.

During the hospital visit, the Secretary of DLSA personally met with both the victim and her husband. They were assured of receiving comprehensive care and legal support. The couple was promised all necessary assistance, and there was a firm commitment that the perpetrators would be brought to justice swiftly.

The report from the PDJ highlighted the condition of the victims, stating, “The victim was emotionally shattered but was in stable physical condition and medical examination was in process. Later, the victim and her husband were shifted to the Circuit House, Dumka with adequate security after the medical examination of the victim.” This move was part of the efforts to ensure their safety and well-being in the aftermath of the incident.

According to a detailed report from the police, the couple, both around 28 years old and identified as 'X' and 'Y' for confidentiality, found a police patrol late at night around 11:00 PM and reported the incident. This immediate communication prompted the police to act swiftly, starting an investigation and ensuring the victim received necessary medical attention at Sadar Hospital.

An FIR focusing on physical abuse was promptly filed at Hansdiha Police Station against the individuals accused of this crime. In response to these allegations, three suspects have been detained, allowing the authorities to conduct further interrogations to clarify the events that transpired.

To bolster the investigation, a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team has been commissioned to gather critical physical evidence that could shed light on the case. Additionally, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been established, led by the Sub Divisional Police Officer of Dumka. This team is dedicated to pursuing the case with vigor, aiming to apprehend any suspects still at large.

Jharkhand HC Takes Suo Moto Cognizance, Says It Is Likely To Tarnish India's Image Across Globe

The Jharkhand High Court has taken suo moto cognizance of a distressing incident involving the sexual assault of a 45-year-old Spanish tourist who was on a motorbike tour with her husband near Dumka in Jharkhand. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the court emphasized the potential national and international repercussions such crimes could have, particularly on India's image and tourism economy.

Expressing concern over the handling of the case, the division bench of Acting Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Navneet Kumar presiding over the matter noted, “The incidents of crime of any kind against a foreign national may have serious national and international repercussion including impacting the tourism economy of the country. A sex-related crime against a foreign women is likely to bring adverse publicity against the country and thereby tarnishing the image of India across the globe.”

The Court has directed the Director General Of Police, Government Of Jharkhand to file a response by 7th March 2024.

“As we read from the newspaper reports, “X” is Spanish-speaking person but it is not known whether there is the facility of translator with the help of whom her statement was recorded. Furthermore, in view of the amendments made in the Code of Criminal Procedure and emphasis on scientific investigation in cases of offences relating to rape, there is urgent need to seek a report from the Superintendent of Police at Dumka as to the progress of investigation so far conducted in the matter,” the bench added.

The copies of the news reports regarding the incident published in Kalimpong News, Aurangabad Samachar, Dainik Bhaskar and some news portals, were tendered by Ritu Kumar, a practising advocate of this Court (who is also the President of the Advocate's Association).

The Court noted that a First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged against seven accused persons in connection with the gang rape, with some arrests already made by the police. Additionally, the Court noted that the Jharkhand Legal Services Authority has already taken steps to provide legal and other help to the victim of the crime.

The Court's attention was also drawn to the suo motu petition vide WP(C) No. 3283 of 2023 in which the High Court had recorded widespread incidents of crime against women and a response thereon from the Police Department is awaited.

The Court stated, “Therefore, this Court takes suo motu cognizance of the aforementioned incident of gang rape and directs the Registry to institute a suo motu writ petition in which the following persons shall be arrayed as party-respondents:

(i) Chief Secretary, Government of Jharkhand, at Project Building, PO and PS Dhurwa, District-Ranchi
(ii) Home Secretary, Government of Jharkhand, at Project Building, PO and PS Dhurwa, District-Ranchi

(iii) Director General of Police, Government of Jharkhand, at Project Building, PO and PS Dhurwa, District-Ranchi
(iv) Superintendent of Police, Dumka”

The matter has now been posted on 07th March 2024 for further hearing.

Order to be uploaded shortly.