In a troubling account that has drawn international attention, a Hispano-Brazilian traveler and her Valencian husband report they were attacked during a motorcycle journey across Asia. They described an assault in which the woman was subjected to rape by a group of men while her husband was beaten and threatened. A video shared on social media shows the couple detailing the incident and noting they had already filed a police report and were at a hospital for examinations to identify the aggressors. Three of seven suspects have reportedly been detained.
The husband, Vicente, says in the video that they are in a hospital and that they were subjected to a violent seizure in their tent. He explains that seven men assaulted them, threatened them with a knife, and robbed them. He adds that they were left in a hospital after being found and that DNA samples are likely being collected to aid the investigation.
The pair, who document their travels on social media and have visited many countries on a journey that started years ago, were traveling through a remote area in northeastern India when the crime occurred. The attack has sparked strong reactions and criticism among local politicians and civic observers, who call for a thorough inquiry.
The couple had set up a camp near a police station in the Dumka district of Jharkhand, about 1,300 kilometers from New Delhi, when the incident took place around midnight, according to official sources. They were traveling with little material possessions, and the assault took place as they prepared for the night in a tent near the roadside.
Aftermath and Response
Images from the hospital show the woman with visible injuries to her face. Authorities report that the seven men robbed them, and the woman has stated that the primary motive behind the attack was sexual violence. The report of the incident was filed the same night, but language barriers initially impeded immediate communication between the couple, who speak English and Spanish, and the local officers who spoke Hindi. Officials ultimately confirmed that a sexual assault had occurred after medical evaluation at the hospital.
State lawmakers in Jharkhand have paused proceedings multiple times amid heated debate and mutual accusations between governing parties and opposition groups regarding the incident. A chorus of lawmakers has urged a special session to discuss the case and to scrutinize the efficiency and oversight of investigative and security agencies involved in the matter.
A Global Journey and a Harsh Reality
Background details indicate that the couple embarked on a global circumnavigation that began in Europe and continued through the region including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, and Nepal. The latest international crime statistics from India for the year 2022 show tens of thousands of reported sexual offenses, a figure that many experts and civil-society organizations argue understates the true scope due to reporting barriers and social stigma.
As the investigation unfolds, the case has reignited discussions about safety for travelers, the treatment of sexual violence victims, and the accountability of authorities in handling such crimes in remote areas. It remains a developing story as officials work to identify all suspects and ensure access to justice for the victims, while communities reflect on how to prevent violence against women while supporting those who seek to tell their stories.