The Court emphasized that crimes against a foreign national may have serious national and international repercussions, and impact the tourism economy of the country.
The Jharkhand High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the reported gang-rape of a Brazilian tourist by seven men in the Dumka district of the state [The Court on its own motion v. State of Jharkhand and Ors].
On Monday, a Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Navneet Kumar called for responses from the Jharkhand Director General of Police (DGP), the Chief Secretary, and the Superintendent of Police in Dumka.
Expressing concerns over the potential language barrier faced by the victim, referred to as “X,” who is a Spanish-speaking individual, the Court underscored the importance of determining whether a translator was available during the recording of her statement. Additionally, the court highlighted the urgency in obtaining a report from the Dumka Superintendent of Police regarding the progress of the investigation, considering recent amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure emphasizing scientific investigation in cases of rape offenses.
President of the Jharkhand High Court Advocates Association, Ritu Kumar, presented copies of various news reports on the incident to the Court, prompting the Court to take notice of the matter.
The Court emphasized the severe consequences that crimes against foreign nationals may have at both national and international levels, impacting the country’s tourism economy.
“A sex-related crime against a foreign woman is likely to bring adverse publicity against the country and thereby tarnishing the image of India across the globe,” the Court stated.
The disturbing incident occurred on March 1, when a Brazilian woman and her husband, on a motorbike tour, halted in Dumka for the night. Subsequently, the woman shared a video on her Instagram page narrating the horrific incident, detailing how seven men raped her and assaulted her husband.
The incident has triggered international outrage, and Jharkhand police have reported the arrest of four out of the seven accused, while efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining three men.
