A couple traveling through India was brutally attacked and assaulted by a group of seven men on Friday. The victims Spanish Tourist Fernanda and Vicente travel bloggers, took to Instagram to share an update with their 221,000 followers over the weekend.
According to their account, the incident occurred while they were on their journey in India. The attackers subjected them to a savage beating and mobbed them, causing severe injuries.
The details surrounding the attack and the couple’s current condition were not immediately available. However, this disturbing incident highlights concerns about safety and security for travelers in certain areas. Authorities are expected to investigate the incident further to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Something has happened to us that we wouldn’t wish on anyone,” Fernanda said.
Vicente added: “We’ve been assaulted in the tent. We’ve been beaten. They’ve put a knife to our necks saying they’re gonna kill me. Fernanda has even been raped. Seven. Seven men.“
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Police in India have arrested four of the suspects. The police chief for the state of Jharkhand says the rest have been identified and will be arrested “soon,” according to the Indian Express.
A Spanish couple traveling through the state of Jharkhand on motorbikes chose to set up a tent for the night during their journey to the northeastern city of Bhagalpur. However, their plans took a terrifying turn when they were attacked by a group of assailants.
Police reports indicate that the couple was assaulted while they were camping. Video footage uploaded to Instagram depicts the couple, visibly bloodied and bruised, recounting the harrowing experience they endured at the hands of their attackers.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of travelers in certain areas, prompting authorities to investigate the attack and take necessary measures to ensure the well-being of tourists.
“They had beaten us and robbed us, although not many things [were taken] because what they wanted was to rape me,” Fernanda said.
Dumka Superintendent of Police Pitamber Singh Kherwar told the Indian Express: “The woman and the man stopped a patrol van around midnight. Initially, the patrolling party did not understand much of the incident because the woman was speaking partly in English and partly in Spanish. They were taken to a nearby health centre.“
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Sexual assault is a common issue in India, where victims are often stigmatized for coming forward.
The couple said they were sent to a hospital about 43 miles away for DNA tests. They are known for traveling around various countries with minimal belongings.
“Round the world on a motorcycle,” reads their Instagram bio. They say they’ve traversed 66 countries in five years.
In an update shared with their followers on Sunday, the couple thanked everyone for their support and urged people not to think badly of India.
“The police have done everything they can to catch them,” Vicente said. “Do not think that India is like that. India is a great country and it’s worth visiting, with its good things and its bad things.“
“Indians are good people,” they added. “We’ve come across some undesirables, but there’s no need to generalize.“
