The Jharkhand High Court has taken a critical step in response to the Suo Moto Cognizance horrific gang-rape of a Brazilian tourist in the Dumka district.
The court’s suo motu cognisance, highlighting the severity of the incident, signifies its intent to proactively address the crime and ensure justice for the victim. This blog post explores the details of the case, the court’s actions, and the ongoing investigation.
The Jharkhand High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of reports that a Brazilian tourist was gang-raped by seven men in the State’s Dumka district.
Jharkhand High Court Takes Suo Moto Cognizance of Shocking Tourist Gang-Rape Case
On Monday, the Chief Secretary, the Superintendent of Police of Dumka, and the Director General of Police (DGP) of Jharkhand were consulted by a bench consisting of Acting Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Navneet Kumar regarding the subject.
The Court said – “As we read from the newspaper reports, “X” is Spanish speaking person but it is not known whether there is the facility of translator with the help of whom her statement was recorded. Furthermore, in view of the amendments made in the Code of Criminal Procedure and emphasis on scientific investigation in cases of offences relating to rape, there is urgent need to seek a report from the Superintendent of Police at Dumka as to the progress of investigation so far conducted in the matter,”
Ritu Kumar, the president of the Jharkhand High Court Advocates Association, presented copies of several news articles about the occurrence to the court on Monday morning, after which the court took notice of the case.
The Court underlined that offences against foreign nationals might have detrimental effects on the nation’s tourism industry as well as major domestic and worldwide ramifications.
“A sex-related crime against a foreign women is likely to bring adverse publicity against the country and thereby tarnishing the image of India across the globe,” it said.
The Suo Moto Cognizance incident happened on March 1st, when a motorbike tour group consisting of a Brazilian woman and her husband stopped overnight in Dumka.
The woman soon uploaded a video of herself recounting the horrifying event to her Instagram page. She alleged her husband was beaten up and that she was raped by seven men.
The Suo Moto Cognizance incident provoked protests around the world. Four of the seven accused have been taken into custody, according to Jharkhand police, while the remaining three guys are still being sought after.
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FAQs:
1. What happened in the Dumka district?
A Brazilian tourist travelling with her husband was allegedly gang-raped by seven men in Dumka, Jharkhand, on March 1, 2024. The incident sparked national and international outrage.
2. What does “suo motu cognisance” mean?
Suo motu, meaning “on its own motion,” signifies that the court took notice of the case without relying on a formal complaint or petition. This demonstrates the court’s seriousness and intent to ensure swift action.
3. What actions has the court taken?
The High Court has sought reports from the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and Superintendent of Police of Dumka on the investigation progress and steps taken to ensure the victim’s safety and well-being.
4. What is the current status of the case?
The police are investigating the incident, and four of the seven accused have been arrested. The court has scheduled the next hearing for March 7, 2024.
5. What are the broader implications of this case?
This Suo Moto Cognizance case raises concerns about tourist safety in India and highlights the need for stricter measures to prevent sexual violence. The court’s intervention emphasizes the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all victims.
