Indian authorities have arrested a total of eight men in connection with the gang rape of a Spanish tourist in the Dumka district of the eastern state of Jharkhand.
The incident occurred last week while the victim was on a motorbike trip with her husband and they were camping in the area.
According to reports from the Press Trust of India (PTI), five additional suspects were apprehended, bringing the total number of detainees to eight. Shocking footage aired by PTI showcased the suspects, handcuffed and bound together by a rope, in the presence of law enforcement officials.
Earlier, three men appeared in court with sacks over their heads and were subsequently remanded in custody. Senior local police officer Pitamber Singh Kherwar confirmed that the initial three suspects provided new information leading to the arrest of five more individuals. Kherwar emphasized that those found guilty would face severe punishment, stating, "We are forming a strong case against them."
The victims have been provided with compensation under a "victim compensation scheme," with a cheque of $12,000 handed over to the couple, as reported by broadcaster NDTV.
In response to the latest developments, the victim, who identified herself on social media, expressed gratitude towards the police for their efficiency in apprehending all the perpetrators. She further called for justice not only for herself but for all women who have experienced similar traumas.
The incident highlights the persistent issue of sexual violence in India, with an average of nearly 90 rapes reported daily in 2022, according to data from the National Crime Records Bureau. However, many cases remain unreported due to societal stigmas and lack of faith in the justice system.
The case echoes the infamous gang rape and murder of Indian student Jyoti Singh in 2012, which garnered global attention and sparked nationwide protests. Singh's ordeal led to legislative reforms, including the introduction of the death penalty for rape in certain cases, aimed at addressing India's alarming rates of sexual violence.
