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It had to be the trip of a lifetime: Vicente and Fernanda have been exploring the world on motorcycles for five years. 170,000 kilometers and 66 countries lie behind the Spanish couple. But now something terrible happened to them in the Indian tourist town of Dumka.
While they were sleeping, seven unknown men invaded their tent. The couple talks about the incident in an Instagram video. The men held a knife to his neck and threatened to kill him, Vicente said. But it got even worse: the men then attacked his wife in front of his eyes. Vicente says: “They raped Fernanda. Seven men. These bastards.”
Mass rapes are not uncommon
In the video, the couple appears visibly shaken. They are covered in bruises and scratches adorn their faces. Fernanda fights back tears as she speaks to the camera in a halting voice: “We are in a hospital in India. The police are there too.”
Violence against women is not uncommon in India. There are always reports in the media about sexual violence. Nearly 32,000 rapes, including mass rapes, were recorded in 2021. The number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher. The horrific mass rape of a student on a public bus in 2012 made international headlines and dominated the media and public for weeks.
The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs (EDA) publishes the following travel advice about India on its website: “When choosing accommodation, pay close attention to the safety aspect.” The EDA recommends taking special caution in remote locations. Additionally, “Women are generally advised to exercise extra caution.” Although they are less likely to be harassed if accompanied by men, caution is advised.
Three perpetrators have already been arrested
Despite the terrible experience, the Spanish couple does not want to be discouraged. In another video on Sunday, Fernanda and Vicente addressed their 245,000 followers again with an update. The police have now arrested three perpetrators. The identities of the other refugees are also known. “The police are doing everything they can to catch them,” Vicente said.
The incident would not tarnish their positive memory of India, the couple continued: “Don’t think that India is like that because it is not true. India is a country with many good people, a great country.”
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
