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Keio University scraps beauty contest after alleged gang rape

Shukan Shincho Oct. 20
Shukan Shincho Oct. 20

TOKYO (TR) – Kanagawa Prefectural Police have launched an investigation after a student at Keio University lodged a complaint about being sexually assaulted by multiple members of an organizing body for a school beauty contest that has since been cancelled, reports TBS News (Oct. 13).

At a social gathering held at a dormitory in the town of Hayama, Kanagawa Prefecture early last month, the girl was allegedly gang raped by several male members of the Keio Advertisement Society after they forced her to drink large quantities of alcohol.

“I resisted one person,” the victim is quoted in an article appearing October 20 issue of weekly tabloid Shukan Shincho. “Then after I collapsed two more covered me.” The report also indicates that the alleged perpetrators filmed the incident with a smartphone.

Prior to the submission of the complaint, the mother of the victim visited a student affairs section of the university, which is based in Tokyo’s Minato Ward. However, personnel within the section advised the woman to consult with police, telling her “no sexual assault took place.”

On October 4, the university announced the cancellation of the annual Miss Keio Contest “due to a scandal involving the Keio Advertisement Society,” which is responsible for producing the event, according to the contest web site.

“We conducted an in-depth investigation, but there was not enough to confirm that such an incident (took place),” a message dated October 12 on the Keio University site reads. “With regard to illegal activities, we believe that this should be handled by the police and relevant investigative authorities.”