The horrifying incident near Hampi, Karnataka, has sent shockwaves across the country. A 27-year-old Israeli tourist and a 29-year-old homestay owner were allegedly gang-raped on Thursday night while they were out stargazing with three male companions—tourists from Odisha, the United States, and Maharashtra. The group had been enjoying the serene night near Sanapur Lake, a well-known tourist attraction approximately 4 km from Hampi, when they were confronted by three men on a motorcycle.
According to police reports, the assailants initially approached the group under the pretense of asking for directions to a petrol pump. However, when informed that no such station was nearby, they turned aggressive, demanding cash from the tourists. When the group refused, the situation quickly escalated, and the attackers began harassing them. The homestay owner later reported to the police that the men, who spoke in Kannada and Telugu, assaulted them and forcibly pushed the male tourists into the Tungabhadra Left Canal.
While the male tourists struggled to climb out of the water, the perpetrators turned their attention to the two women. The homestay owner recounted in her complaint that two of the three attackers dragged her and the Israeli woman aside, physically assaulted them, and then took turns raping them. The criminals also snatched their belongings, including two mobile phones and ₹9,500 in cash.
The ordeal left the victims severely traumatized. The male tourists from Maharashtra and the United States managed to escape from the canal and were later found by authorities. However, the tourist from Odisha could not make it out. His lifeless body was discovered in the canal on Friday morning after an extensive search by the police and fire department officials.
Following the complaint, the police launched a high-priority investigation and registered a case under several stringent sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 70(1) (gang rape), Section 309(6) (theft of extortion), Section 311 (robbery with intent to cause death or serious injury), and Section 109 (attempt to murder). With the recovery of the Odisha tourist’s body, additional murder charges are expected to be added to the FIR.
Senior police official Lokesh Kumar confirmed that multiple special teams have been deployed to track down the suspects, who are believed to be local residents. Authorities are utilizing dog squads, forensic teams, and advanced tracking methods to identify and apprehend the accused at the earliest.
The victims have been sent for medical examination, and their statements are being recorded to ensure a thorough investigation. The incident has sparked outrage, with demands for swift justice and increased safety measures for tourists visiting Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history and stunning landscapes.
The tragic nature of the case has also drawn attention to the need for better security and police presence in popular tourist areas, especially those frequented by foreign visitors. The authorities have assured that stringent action will be taken against the perpetrators, and efforts are being intensified to bring them to justice.
