Indian Men Formally Charged with Raping German Woman on Koh Phangan
Incident Following Full Moon Party
SURAT THANI, Thailand – Two Indian men have been formally charged with raping a 24-year-old German woman in the early hours following a Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan. The alleged attack occurred at 4:50 a.m. on Friday in the boulders area of Haad Rin Beach.
Victim’s Report and Initial Investigation
The victim filed a complaint with the police, stating that she was uncertain about the identities of her attackers due to excessive alcohol consumption on the night of the incident. Following an investigation, authorities arrested two suspects, Vijay Dadasaheb, 47, and Rahul Balasaheb, 40, on Saturday night.
Suspects’ Statements and Legal Charges
While Mr. Dadasaheb confessed to the crime, Mr. Balasaheb denied the charges. According to Pol. Col. Apichart Chansamret, chief of Koh Phangan Police Station, Mr. Balasaheb claimed he had only hugged and kissed the woman on the cheek before she resisted.
The two men were wanted under arrest warrants issued by Koh Samui Provincial Court on Saturday. They have been charged with colluding in rape by forcibly abusing a victim in a defenseless situation—a crime that carries a prison sentence of 4 to 20 years and a fine ranging from 80,000 to 400,000 baht.
Evidence and Ongoing Investigation
Koh Phangan investigators gathered evidence from the crime scene, witness statements, and DNA samples from all involved individuals. Security camera footage showed only Mr. Dadasaheb and Mr. Balasaheb leaving the scene early Friday morning. Initially, both men denied any wrongdoing, claiming they could not remember the events.
Authorities continue to investigate the case as legal proceedings move forward.
