Indian police arrest 8 people involved in rape of Brazilian woman

The Indian National Police reported this Tuesday (March 5, 2024) that all those involved in the gang rape of a 28-year-old Brazilian tourist in the country were arrested. In total, 8 men aged 18 to 25 participated in the criminal action. They will be denounced in a legal action.

“We will make every effort to ensure that they receive the most severe punishment”, said Indian National Police Superintendent Pitamber Singh Kherwar. He assured that there is enough evidence for conviction.

According to the country’s penal code, gang rape is punishable by at least 20 years in prison and the sentence can reach life imprisonment. In cases where the victim is under 16 years of age, the law is more severe and criminals are, in some cases, sentenced to death.

The news of the capture of those involved was also shared by the victim through social media. “They arrested all the criminals. There were 8 in total. Everything happened very quickly and the police have acted with tremendous efficiency. I just have to thank everyone who helped and supported us. I ask for justice for all women who also go through this. We all deserve the same.” these.

The Brazilian, who also has Spanish citizenship, had initially reported on social media that the crime had been committed by 7 men. Investigations, however, revealed that there was 1 more involved. The victim and her husband, who is Spanish, were also beaten and had some belongings stolen. When making the arrests, the police recovered some objects, including a watch.

The episode took place on Friday night (March 1) in Dumka, in the state of Jharkand, in the northeast of the country. The couple has a social media page with thousands of followers where they share images traveling on motorcycles in different places around the world. They have already been to more than 60 countries and, since July last year, they have been touring India. The crime took place when they were camping and were surprised by the invasion of their tent.

After the episode, the victims contacted the police and were sent to receive medical care in the country. They appeared with several bruises in images they shared to report the situation. “My mouth is destroyed”, said the Spanish man in a video recorded at the hospital. Based on local legislation, the Indian government paid them compensation of 1 million rupees, which is equivalent to approximately R$60,000.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed that the Brazilian embassy in India continues to provide assistance to the Brazilian woman. “We will continue to monitor all developments in the case, in close coordination with the authorities in Spain and India.”

On Sunday (March 3), the Spanish embassy in India shared a message about the episode on its social networks. “We must be united in our commitment to eliminating violence against women around the world.”

With information from Agência Brasil.