In a disturbing incident that has sparked outrage, a tourist has alleged she was gang-raped and her partner was attacked while camping in India. The woman, who has Brazilian-Spanish dual nationality, shared the account of the incident on Instagram, where the couple has been documenting their motorcycle tour of Asia, amassing a large following.

The alleged incident took place in the eastern state of Jharkhand, and the local police have arrested three male suspects while they continue the search for four more individuals involved. When the couple was found by the roadside, they appeared to have been beaten up, according to Pitamber Singh Kherwar, the superintendent of police in Dumka district. Despite language barriers, the couple's injuries indicated that they had been assaulted.

The woman was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed she had been raped. The three arrested suspects are currently in custody, and the police have identified the remaining four men who will be apprehended soon. Kherwar emphasized the authorities' commitment to ensuring maximum punishment for the perpetrators to prevent such incidents in the future.

As a form of support, the couple will receive compensation of up to $12,000. The Indian National Commission for Women has requested that the accused be charged with gang rape, a crime that carries a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison. The identities of the victims are being protected under Indian law, which prohibits the disclosure of sexual assault victims' identities.

In a tearful video posted on her Instagram page, which has nearly half a million followers, the woman recounted the horrifying ordeal. She stated that she and her partner were raped by seven men who also assaulted and robbed them. The couple is now advocating for justice not only for themselves but also for other women who have gone through similar experiences.

The couple had embarked on a motorbike trip through Asia, documenting their journey on social media. Recent posts on their joint Instagram account showcased their travels in Sri Lanka and Pakistan. They highlighted that they have camped in 66 countries, including some considered "dangerous."

The incident has garnered attention from Indian celebrities, who are demanding swift action against the seven suspects. Comedian Vir Das took to social media, describing the incident as a "shameful act that we MUST show will not be tolerated."

India has long struggled to address the issue of male violence against women, despite having stringent laws in place. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, there were an average of 86 rape cases registered daily in the country in 2022. However, many cases still go unreported, particularly in rural areas where there is a stigma associated with speaking out.

In an attempt to address the issue, India implemented stricter laws in 2013, following the high-profile gang rape case in New Delhi. These included longer prison terms for rapists and criminalization of acts like stalking and voyeurism. However, marital rape is still not recognized as a crime in India as long as the woman is above 18 years of age.

The Brazilian Embassy in New Delhi expressed its repudiation of the "barbaric crime" against the couple and stated that they are receiving assistance from Indian emergency services. The Spanish foreign ministry confirmed that its embassy in New Delhi is in contact with the couple to provide necessary consular support.

This harrowing incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address and combat sexual violence against women, not just in India but globally.