National Crime Records Bureau names India among countries with worst rates of sexual violence against women
Authorities said Saturday that a touring influencer couple, Fernanda and Vicente, were brutally attacked by a gang of assailants while passing through the Dumka district of India on their way to Nepal.
The couple, known for documenting their travels on Instagram for their more than 140,000 followers, stopped to camp overnight in Dumka when the assault occurred, daily beast reported.
Both suffered serious injuries, with visible bruising on their faces. Through tears they recounted the incident in Spanish in videos posted on Instagram.
“Something has happened to us that we do not wish on anyone,” Fernanda said in the video, “seven men have raped me, they have beaten us and they have robbed us.”
He added that the attackers did not steal many things “because what they wanted was to rape me.”
In another post, Vicente showed viewers his wounds around his mouth. “My mouth is destroyed, but Fernanda is worse than me,” he said, adding that the attackers hit him repeatedly with a helmet and a rock on the head.
Police said Fernanda arrived at a patrol car around 11 p.m. and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Pitamber Singh Kherwar, district superintendent of police, said they had arrested three people in connection with the attack and were actively searching for more.
The case brought to light India's horrific history of sexual assault.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau, the country is among the worst in terms of sexual violence against women; In 2022, around 90 rapes were reported every day.
However, victim shame and lack of confidence in the effectiveness of law enforcement often result in violations going unreported.
In their most recent posts, Fernanda and Vicente said they remained at the hospital with the police.
