Spanish Gang-Raped in India: ‘Thought we were going to die’

In a distressing incident that has sent shockwaves across India and beyond, a Spanish tourist was subjected to a gang-rape in the eastern state of Jharkhand, igniting widespread anger and reigniting discussions about the safety of women in the country. The 28-year-old woman, along with her 64-year-old husband, fell victim to a brutal assault in the Dumka district of Jharkhand, where they had set up their tent for the night during their motorbike journey across South Asia.

The couple, who have been documenting their travels on Instagram, shared their terrifying experience in a video, which has since been removed. According to police reports, three men have been arrested in connection with the gang-rape of the Spanish-Brazilian woman and the assault on her husband, with a search underway for four others. The incident came to light after the couple was found on a roadside around 11 pm on March 1, visibly traumatized and in distress.

The attack has not only sparked outrage among the public and activists but has also led to criticism of the response from some officials. Rekha Sharma, the head of India's National Commission for Women (NCW), faced backlash for her remarks on social media, which were perceived by many as victim-blaming. In response to a journalist's post about the prevalence of sexual aggression in India, Sharma questioned whether the incidents had been reported to the police, suggesting that failing to do so and instead writing on social media was an irresponsible act that defamed the country. This response drew criticism from several quarters, with accusations of focusing more on the country's image than on addressing the crisis at hand.

The incident has reignited discussions about the safety of women and tourists in India, a country that has seen rising crimes against women despite efforts to improve safety measures and awareness. The gang-rape of the Spanish tourist underscores the urgent need for more effective strategies to protect women and ensure that perpetrators of such heinous crimes are brought to justice.

As the investigation continues and the search for the remaining suspects is underway, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in the fight against sexual violence in India. It highlights the importance of a collective effort from authorities, communities, and individuals to create a safer environment for women and tourists alike. The outcry following this incident may serve as a catalyst for change, prompting more robust actions to prevent such atrocities in the future and ensure that no other individual has to endure such a horrifying ordeal.