At a time when the Jharkhand government is trying to promote the state as an ideal tourist destination in eastern India, the gang rape of a female Spanish national in Dumka has raised concerns about the safety of visitors. The survivor and her husband were on a nationwide bike tour and stayed in camps during their travel. The local district administration claims to be unaware of their visit, but the incident has highlighted the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.
The incident has caught the attention of the riding community, with Kanchan Ugursandi, a tribal solo biker, expressing her disappointment and concern. She had been approached by the state tourism department to promote Jharkhand tourism, but declined due to safety concerns. Other cycling groups and individuals have also voiced similar apprehensions, stating that certain areas in Jharkhand are unsafe even during the day. This gang rape incident has further tarnished the state’s image and raised questions about the effectiveness of policing and safety measures for tourists.
Rajiv Tak, an avid cyclist and coordinator of Cycle Dost, hopes that the culprits are apprehended soon and emphasizes the need for taking immediate action to restore the state’s reputation. He acknowledges that such incidents not only impact the perception of Jharkhand but also affect the overall tourism industry. Steps need to be taken to ensure the safety of both male and female tourists, as well as locals, by improving law enforcement and increasing security in popular tourist spots.
The horrific gang rape incident has prompted travellers and backpackers to raise safety concerns about visiting Jharkhand. It highlights the urgent need for the state government to address the law and order situation, implement stricter safety measures, and restore confidence among tourists. Failure to do so may further damage Jharkhand’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination for visitors.