Travel Bloggers Assaulted and Raped in India’s Jharkhand State: Outrage Over Rising Sexual Violence
In a shocking incident that has sparked outrage across the nation, a couple of travel bloggers were assaulted and raped in India’s Jharkhand state. The victims, who had been documenting their journey for over 200,000 followers on Instagram, were attacked while camping in a forest in the Dumka district. The woman, visibly shaken and bruised, recounted the horrifying ordeal in an Instagram video that has since been deleted. She revealed that they were beaten, threatened with a knife, and she was raped by seven men.
The police in Jharkhand have confirmed the incident and have already arrested three suspects. However, they are still on the lookout for four more individuals believed to be involved in the crime. It is important to note that the Associated Press does not disclose the identities of sexual assault victims.
This distressing case has once again brought attention to the pervasive issue of sexual violence against women in India. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, there were 31,516 reported rape cases in 2022, marking a 20% increase from the previous year. However, experts believe that the actual number is much higher due to the stigma surrounding sexual assault and victims’ lack of trust in law enforcement.
Women’s rights activists argue that rural areas are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence, as victims often face shaming from their communities. Families also worry about their social standing, further discouraging victims from reporting the crimes. Mariam Dhawale, a women’s rights activist and general secretary of the All India Democratic Women’s Association, highlighted this issue, stating that victims are often victimized further through insults, making it difficult for them to come forward.
India’s struggle with rape and sexual violence has been under scrutiny since the brutal gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old student on a bus in New Delhi in 2012. The incident sparked widespread protests and led to the establishment of fast-track courts dedicated to rape cases and stricter penalties. In 2013, the rape law was amended to criminalize stalking and voyeurism, as well as lower the age at which a person can be tried as an adult.
Despite these efforts, activists argue that the government has not done enough to protect women and punish offenders. Dhawale criticized the police for mishandling rape investigations and failing to collect timely evidence, leading to prolonged cases and low conviction rates. Government reports indicate that the conviction rate in rape cases has remained below 30% in recent years.
Notably, high-profile rape cases involving foreign visitors have drawn international attention to the issue. In 2022, a British tourist was raped in front of her partner in Goa, while an Indian-American woman reported being raped at a hotel in New Delhi earlier this year. These incidents highlight the urgent need for stronger measures to combat sexual violence in India.
While some progress has been made, there is still a prevalent culture of downplaying sexual harassment and violence against women in the country. Dhawale emphasized the continuous struggle faced by activists to get even a single case registered, calling for a change in societal attitudes.
The assault on the travel bloggers in Jharkhand has once again exposed the grim reality of sexual violence in India. It serves as a stark reminder that more needs to be done to protect women, ensure justice for victims, and create a society where such heinous acts are not tolerated. The incident has ignited public outrage, demanding immediate action from authorities to address this pressing issue.
