"seven men have raped me, they have beaten us"
An influencer couple were attacked by a gang of assailants while passing through the Dumka district in Jharkhand en route to Nepal.
Things got worse as the men allegedly took turns to rape the woman.
Fernanda and Vicente are known for their motorcycle travels across the world, documenting their journeys.
Known as Fernanda4ever on Instagram, she has nearly 300,000 followers.
They were on their way to Nepal, stopping in Dumka to camp there overnight when the attack occurred.
The couple detailed their ordeal on social media, revealing bruises on their faces.
Speaking in Spanish, Fernanda said:
“Something has happened to us that we would not wish on anyone, seven men have raped me, they have beaten us and robbed us.”
The Brazilian influencer tearfully said her attackers did not steal much “because what they wanted was to rape me”.
According to police, Fernanda reached a patrol van at around 11 pm and was taken to hospital for treatment.
Dumka Police Superintendent Pitamber Singh Kherwar said they had arrested three people in connection with the attack and were searching for the other suspects.
In another post, Vicente pointed out the injuries around his mouth, saying:
“My mouth is destroyed, but Fernanda is worse than me.”
He went on to say that the assailants repeatedly hit him over the head with a helmet and a rock.
#shameful incident the culprits must be punished.
Yesterday I was watching a vlog nd thought india is such a diverse country every foreigners traveler should come here to explore but now I think shouldn't.?? pic.twitter.com/Sr9lcS0kxB
— Sagufta? (@sagufta01) March 3, 2024
On social media, fans were sorry to hear what had happened and expressed their support, with one writing:
“As an Indian, I am ashamed that this has happened to you. I hope the people are nabbed and given the harshest of punishment.”
Another said: “I am so sorry sister for what happened to you. Sorry from the whole nation, we all strongly stand with you.”
A third commented:
“I’m so, so sorry. I hope our authorities deliver swift justice. I hope you are taken care of.”
“I’m speechless and I stand with you as a woman and as an Indian.”
The case has brought India’s horrifying history of sexual assault to light.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau, the nation is among the worst for sexual violence against women.
In 2022, there were around 90 reported rapes each day.
However, victim-shaming and a lack of confidence in the effectiveness of law enforcement often result in underreporting of rapes.
Fernanda and Vicente said they remain in hospital while the investigation continues.
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