Dumka, Jharkhand: Senior police officers Sunday escorted the Brazilian biker who was gangraped in Jharkhand’s Dumka Friday night to a civil court where her statement will be recorded in front of a magistrate.
As of now, the woman and her partner are being put up in a location under tight security and police have been issued strict instructions to ensure their safety, it is learnt.
The incident came to light after the woman narrated her ordeal in a post on social media. She and her Spanish partner were en route to Nepal via Bhagalpur as part of a biking expedition and set up camp near Kurmahat Friday night at a spot, about 40 km from the district headquarters, where she was gangraped, allegedly by seven men. Four people have been arrested so far.
Deputy Commissioner Anjaneyulu Dodde told ThePrint that a report on the incident and the police’s investigation of the case has been sent to the Jharkhand government. Moreover, an advisory has been sought with directions that the local police must be kept informed if any tourists are passing by or decide to stay in a particular area.
Earlier in the day, forensic and CID teams arrived in Dumka from Ranchi. From Dumka, they made their way to the desolate spot near Kurmahat, under the jurisdiction of the Hansdiha police station, where the gangrape occurred.
Official sources said that the FSL team collected remnants of a helmet and other objects from the spot. The CID team took information from local police personnel as well. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also taken cognizance of the incident.
Dumka Superintendent of Police Pitambar Singh Kherwar told reporters that the police will conduct a speedy trial in the case. “We will request the court for this. The police will soon submit the case diary in court.”
Kherwar further said, “All evidence is being collected to ensure strict punishment to the accused. Scientific and technical investigation help is being taken.”
He added that the police have got some more clues in the case.
Another police officer told ThePrint that they will be writing to the District Legal Service Authority (DLSA) regarding compensation to the survivor.
On Saturday, NCW member Mamta Kumar reached Kurmahat and conducted an inspection of the spot. She also met the survivor.
Speaking to reporters, Kumari said: “This is a security lapse. Local police and government agencies should have information about whether a foreign couple on tour is passing through an area or is staying somewhere for the night.”
(Edited by Gitanjali Das)