Jharkhand High Court Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Brazilian Tourist Gang-Rape, Seeks Urgent Investigation Report

The Jharkhand High Court has initiated suo motu proceedings following reports of a Brazilian tourist being gang-raped by seven men in Dumka district. The Bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Navneet Kumar, has called for responses from the Jharkhand Director General of Police, Chief Secretary, and Dumka's Superintendent of Police. Expressing concern over the incident, the Court emphasized the need for a translator during the victim's statement recording and urged a report on the progress of the investigation. 

President of the Jharkhand High Court Advocates Association, Ritu Kumar, submitted news reports on the incident, prompting the Court's intervention. Highlighting the potential national and international repercussions, the Court stated that crimes against foreign nationals, particularly sex-related crimes, could adversely impact India's global image and tourism economy.

The distressing incident occurred on March 1 when the Brazilian woman and her husband, on a motorbike tour, stopped in Dumka for the night. The victim shared the ordeal on her Instagram, revealing that seven men raped her and assaulted her husband. The incident has garnered international attention, leading to widespread condemnation. The Jharkhand police have arrested four accused, with a manhunt underway for the remaining three perpetrators. The High Court's intervention underscores the gravity of the crime and the imperative for a swift and thorough investigation.

Author: Anushka Taraniya

News Writer, MIT ADT University