The global community is in shock as news emerges of a horrifying incident involving Spanish travel influencer Fernanda, 28, who was gang-raped by a group of men during her motorbike journey through India with her husband, Vincente, 63.
The appalling attack took place in the Dumka district of Jharkhand, where the couple was camping on their way to Nepal.
Police have arrested eight men in connection with the assault, and Bollywood stars have expressed their fury over the incident.
Bollywood Stars Condemn Mixed Reactions
Prominent Bollywood figures, including actress Richa Chadha and singer Chinmayi Sripaada, have strongly condemned the mixed reactions within India to the heinous attack.
Chadha expressed her dismay, stating, “Indians are treating foreigners like they treat their own women.
Shame on our rotten society.” Sripaada called for collective responsibility, emphasizing that all Indians should feel both pride and shame based on collective actions.
Celebrities Speak Out Against Violence
Male celebrities, such as actor Dulquer Salmaan, joined the chorus of condemnation on social media.
Salmaan, known for critical and commercial successes, emphasized the universal sentiment that such incidents should not happen anywhere.
The Bollywood community unites in its outrage, calling for justice for Fernanda and her husband.
Survivors Share Terrifying Ordeal
In a video filmed at a hospital in India, a visibly shaken Vincente detailed the injuries they sustained during the brutal attack.
Fernanda, who holds dual citizenship of Spain and Brazil, shared her ordeal on Instagram, revealing visible bruises on her face.
She recounted the harrowing experience, stating that the assailants thrashed and robbed them, with the primary intention of raping her.
Despite approaching the police for help, Fernanda claimed she was asked to remove a video from her page to avoid disturbing the investigation.
Survivor’s Resilience and Call for Justice
Fernanda, determined to seek justice, thanked the police for their efficiency and vowed to teach others about the pursuit of justice.
In an Instagram post, she asserted, “I am not ashamed, because it was not my fault.” Expressing gratitude for a second chance at life, Fernanda pledged to live her life happily despite the trauma.
Compensation and Future Plans
Deputy Commissioner Anjaneyulu Dodde confirmed compensation of one million rupees for the victims and assured a thorough investigation.
The couple, known as @vueltaalmundoenmoto on Instagram, had been on a global motorbike journey for five years, covering 170,000 km across 66 countries. They are now planning to return to Spain before resuming their travels at a later date.
Embassy Statements and Global Support
The Brazilian embassy, acknowledging Fernanda’s dual citizenship, coordinated with the Spanish embassy to offer assistance.
Both embassies strongly condemned the barbaric crime and reiterated their commitment to provide support and monitor developments in close coordination with Indian authorities.
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