Jharkhand police arrests 3 people in connection to the alleged gang-rape of a Spanish woman in Dumka, 2 SITs formed to probe into the incident

The Jharkhand Police on Sunday arrested three people in connection to the alleged gang rape of a Spanish tourist in Dumka on March 1. The 28-year-old victim has alleged that she was gang raped by seven individuals over a span of two hours, while her husband was reportedly beaten and tied up by the perpetrators at Kurumahat in Hansida police station area, where they were halting for the night in a makeshift tent. The three men arrested have been sent to judicial custody by a court, and two SIT teams have been formed to probe into the happenings of the night.

"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 formed to look into the matter. The first team will look into the evidence collection, and the second team has been formed to capture the remaining accused,” said Dumka SP Pitambar Singh Kherwar while adding that all the necessities of the couple are being tended to and necessary aid is being provided.

Forensic and CID teams from Ranchi inspected the spot of crime on Sunday to collect evidence. The couple’s statement has been recorded by the police under Section 164 of the CrPC. “We are also trying to give compensation to the woman. According to the rules, there is compensation of ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh, but we will ensure that she gets the maximum compensation,” added the Dumka SP.

In the meantime, the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) has also extended its support to the Spanish woman, making sure that necessary legal aid, security and appropriate compensation is being provided to the victim. The JHALSA has directed the Dumka District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) to provide comprehensive support to the couple and make sure that their stay is comfortable.

Mamata Kumari, a member of the National Commission of Women met with the victim and stated that the NCW has taken up the case suo motu. “I met the couple at the district guest house and saw scratches on their faces. She told me that they were beaten up with a helmet and seven people gangraped her. I want to know why the police did not provide any security, as being a foreigner. When they were passing through Dumka, what was the vigilance, government and police team doing? We have taken this case suo motu and the Women Commission (NCW) is not going to tolerate this, and we have given the ultimatum that the remaining four,” said Mamta Kumari.

The 28-year-old Spanish tourist was allegedly gang raped on March 1 by seven men in Jharkhand’s Dumka district. The couple was touring across India on their motorbikes and decided to stay the night in a makeshift tent in the Kurmahat village, on their way to Nepal via Bihar. In a joint Instagram post the couple narrated their ordeal, and stated they do not wish something like this up on anyone. The woman said that she was gang raped for a period spanning over two hours while her husband was beaten and tied up. They also alleged that the perpetrators robbed them off Rs. 10,000.