A Japanese woman, amid a disturbing video showing her being groped without consent by a group of men in New Delhi, India, has spoken out after the horrific encounter.
The incident was reported last week during Holi celebrations in Paharganj district, a popular tourist spot.
As seen in the viral video, several men surrounded and touched the victim, smeared the colored substance on her face, cracked an egg on her head and repeatedly pushed her between them.
The grisly scene ends with one of the assailants trying to touch the victim one last time, but the latter slaps him and walks away.
Holi is a Hindu festival that marks the arrival of spring and celebrates the eternal love between the gods Krishna and Radha. The festivities are accompanied by ritual bonfires, food, music, dancing and street parties that include games with water guns and colored powders.
Japanese vlogger in India for Holi Festival being sexually assaulted. 😒 pic.twitter.com/5Qop6qvFX1
— AskAubry 🦝 (@ask_aubry) March 10, 2023
The viral video quickly sparked outrage across India, with many apologizing to Megumi and lashing out at her attacker for desecrating what should be a holy celebration.
To date, at least three attackers, including minors, have been arrested, according to available information.
“We are all ashamed of what happened to you,” wrote the Twitter user. “We apologize to you. Holi is a holy holiday and some of our citizens desecrate it. Whoever hurts you will definitely be punished.”
Indian culture respects women, in Holi men and women play Holi together with love but these are some anti-social elements who misbehaved with you in the name of Holi, all citizens of the country have been hurt by this. We are sorry.
— Dev Prakash Meena (@DevprakasMeena) March 12, 2023
“Indian culture is based on respect for women. », Commissioner Dev Prakash Meena tweeted to the victim. “During Holi, men and women play together with love, but there are anti-social elements who misbehave with you in the name of Holi, and all compatriots have been hurt because of it. We are sorry “.
The petting victim, identified by her Twitter handle “Megumi” and @megu1455 on YouTube, posted the video but immediately deleted it. In the new thread, he said he was overwhelmed by the attention generated and apologized to those offended by the video.
@DelhiPolice @ANI please check this video circulating online in which thugs attack Japanese tourists from Paharganj, a decent hotel. He is clearly forced when he slaps at the end and this shows a very negative image of the festival and the country. pic.twitter.com/mhRUCa8dZw
— Raja (@Sraj101) March 10, 2023
“I tweeted the video. After that, the number of RTs and DMs increased more than I could have imagined. I freaked out so I deleted the tweet,” wrote Megumi, who had returned to Japan. “For those who were offended by watching the video, I am very sorry.”
Megumi says she already knows it is dangerous for women to go out alone during Holi. Because of this, she dated 35 friends; However, the number did not help him avoid the incident.
“I really appreciate your understanding that I am not trying to explain the anomaly of the Holi festival in India”wrote Megumi. “The location where the video was shot is considered one of the most dangerous in India and I attended the festival. »
https://twitter.com/megumiko_india/status/1634556325131857922?s=20
Despite his experience, the Japanese tourist still loves India and explains that the Holi holiday is meant to be enjoyed by everyone “regardless of skin color or social status”.
As a citizen of India I am very sorry for what happened to you on the occasion of sister festival holi 🙏
— Jayesh Dodiya (@Jayesh_Dodiya18) March 11, 2023
He added that the local police had promised to step up a crackdown on this kind of abuse.
“Above all, I love all things India,” he says. “I’ve been there many times and it’s an interesting country. It is a beautiful country that I cannot hate even though I experienced this incident. India and Japan forever.”
