Koh Phangan Police Arrest Two Indians for Full Moon Party Rape
Two Indian nationals have been charged with the rape of a 24-year-old German tourist on the island of Koh Phangan, Thailand, casting a shadow over the renowned Full Moon Party. The alleged assault occurred in the early hours of Friday morning, around 4:50 a. m., on Haad Rin beach, a popular party spot. The victim, who had reportedly consumed a significant amount of alcohol, filed a complaint with local authorities but initially expressed uncertainty about her attackers' identities.
Swift action by Koh Phangan police, assisted by officers from the Police Forensic Science Center 8, led to the arrest of two suspects on Saturday night: 47-year-old Vijay Dadasaheb and 40-year-old Rahul Balasaheb. Mr. Dadasaheb has confessed to the crime, while Mr. Balasaheb maintains his innocence, claiming he only hugged and kissed the woman on the cheek before she resisted his advances. This account was provided by Pol Col Apichart Chansamret, chief of the Koh Phangan police station.
The arrests followed the issuance of warrants by the Koh Samui Provincial Court on Saturday. The men are charged with colluding in rape by forcibly abusing a defenseless victim—a serious offense carrying a potential prison sentence of four to twenty years and a fine of 80,000 to 400,000 baht.
The investigation, according to Pol Col Apichart, included evidence collection from the scene, witness testimonies, and DNA samples. Security camera footage played a crucial role in identifying the suspects. The footage reportedly shows Mr. Dadasaheb and Mr. Balasaheb leaving the scene early Friday morning; no other potential suspects were identified. Notably, both men were initially questioned and released on Friday evening after denying the allegations and claiming memory loss.
This incident highlights the potential dangers associated with Koh Phangan’s vibrant party scene. The Full Moon Party, a monthly event attracting thousands of international tourists, is known for both exhilarating celebrations and instances of crime and violence. This case underscores the vulnerability of tourists, especially those under the influence of alcohol, and raises concerns about safety measures at large-scale events. While the investigation continues, the alleged assault serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and personal safety, even in paradise. The outcome will undoubtedly impact future security measures and the ongoing debate surrounding the balance between tourism and safety on Koh Phangan.
