One suspect has admitted to the crime; the other maintains innocence.
PUBLISHED: 16 Mar 2025 at 16:44
SURAT THANIT: Two Indian men have been charged with the sexual assault of a 24-year-old German woman following a Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan. The incident took place at Haad Rin beach at approximately 4:50 AM on Friday morning.
The victim reported to police that she was unable to identify her attackers due to intoxication from the party. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of the suspects, identified as Vijay Dadasaheb, 47, and Rahul Balasaheb, 40, on Saturday night.
While Mr. Dadasaheb confessed to the charges, Mr. Balasaheb has denied any wrongdoing, claiming that after a brief hug and kiss on the cheek, the woman resisted his advances, as stated by Pol Col Apichart Chansamret, chief of Koh Pha Ngan police.
Both men are facing serious charges following arrest warrants issued by Koh Samui Provincial Court, with potential jail terms ranging from 4 to 20 years and fines between 80,000 and 400,000 baht.
Investigators gathered evidence from the scene and conducted interviews with the victim and witnesses, as well as collecting DNA samples from all parties involved, according to Pol Col Apichart.
Security camera footage was reviewed, revealing only Mr. Dadasaheb and Mr. Balasaheb leaving the scene early that morning. Initially, they denied the allegations and claimed memory lapses regarding the events of the night.