Jharkhand Shocker: Spanish Tourist 'Gangraped', 3 Held, Oppn Flags 'Deteriorating Law And Order'

The incident took place on a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Jharkhand, expressing concerns over law and order in the state.

The survivor is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital. (Image for representation)

New Delhi: A tourist from Spain was allegedly gangraped in Jharkhand's Dumka district, news agency PTI reported. Three persons have been arrested in connection with the incident, and a search operation is underway to nab the remaining suspects. Additionally, a special investigation team (SIT) has been formed to probe the matter.

The incident took place at Kurumahat in the jurisdiction of Hansdiha police station, approximately 300km from state capital Ranchi, on Friday night. The Spanish couple had halted for the night in a makeshift tent while en route to Bihar and subsequently Nepal from Dumka, having traversed from Bangladesh on two motorcycles.

"An investigation is currently underway, with forensic teams having inspected the scene of the crime. Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, and efforts are ongoing to nab the remaining culprits. A special investigation team has been formed, and all necessary legal measures will be taken," a senior official told PTI.

The survivor is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital, according to the official.

Dumka Superintendent of Police, Pitambar Singh Kherwar, recounted how a patrolling team encountered two individuals on the roadside around 11 pm on Friday. Sensing that something was amiss, the team transported them to a local hospital, where they disclosed the sexual assault incident to doctors.

"We were alerted to the incident around 1:30 am on Saturday. Following this, investigations started promptly, and the arrested individuals confessed to their involvement during interrogation," the SP said.

Meanwhile, Dumka Civil Surgeon Baccha Prasad Singh affirmed that the victim, aged around 28, and her 64-year-old spouse are receiving treatment at Phulo Jhano Medical College and Hospital in Dumka. Singh said that both are in stable condition.

Another official hinted at the involvement of seven to eight local youths in the crime, and added that a manhunt is underway to nab the perpetrators.

The incident has sparked outrage and demands for stringent action. Jharkhand BJP president and former chief minister Babulal Marandi called for accountability, criticising the police for alleged negligence.

#WATCH | On Spanish tourist alleged gangrape in Dumka, Jharkhand BJP chief Babulal Marandi says, "It is a huge crime. No matter how much it is condemned, it is not enough. I spoke to DGP today urging urgent action in the case. Since this coalition govt has come to power in the… pic.twitter.com/89EiEFnfEQ

— ANI (@ANI) March 2, 2024

The issue was also raised in the Jharkhand Assembly during the concluding day of the budget session, with BJP legislator Amit Mandal demanding the immediate suspension of Dumka SP and the establishment of a probe committee.

State minister Mithilesh Thakur assured that the perpetrators would face severe consequences.

Notably, the incident occurred on a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Jharkhand, expressing concerns over law and order and extortion issues in the state during a rally. He accused the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) of corruption and criticised its policies, linking them to rising crime rates.