Tourist Nightmare in Karnataka: Gang-Rape, Assault, and Drowning Shake Hampi
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Shreya Naskar- 0
- 3 minutes read
A shocking crime has emerged from Karnataka’s Hampi region, where a 27-year-old Israeli tourist and a 29-year-old homestay owner were allegedly gang-raped on Thursday night. The attack also involved violent assaults on their male companions, one of whom tragically drowned. The incident occurred between 11:00 and 11:30 PM near Sanapur Lake, approximately 4 km from Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination. The victims—an Israeli woman, three male tourists from Odisha, the United States, and Maharashtra, and a female homestay operator—were out for a stargazing trip when the attack unfolded. According to police reports, three bike-borne men approached the group, asking for directions to a petrol pump. When informed that there was no station nearby, the suspects demanded money. Upon refusal, they turned violent, assaulting the group before throwing the three male tourists into a nearby canal.
As the male tourists struggled in the water, the attackers sexually assaulted the two women. Two of the three men took turns raping them, while the third kept watch. Meanwhile, the tourists in the canal fought to survive. Daniel, an American tourist, and Pankaj, from Maharashtra, managed to swim out, but Bibash, from Odisha, tragically drowned. His body was recovered on Saturday morning. Following the attack, the survivors managed to escape to a private resort and report the incident to the police. The women were immediately taken to a government hospital for medical attention.
Police Investigation and Legal Action
A case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS), including:
- Section 309(6): Theft or extortion
- Section 311: Robbery with intent to cause death or serious injury
- Section 70(1): Gang rape
- Section 109: Attempt to murder
With the discovery of Bibash’s body, additional charges related to murder are expected to be added to the case. A senior police official assured that special police teams are working to track down the suspects. Search efforts have included fire department officials and dog squads, while a dedicated team is investigating possible local connections to the crime. This brutal attack has sent shockwaves through the region, raising concerns about tourist safety in Karnataka. The authorities have vowed swift action, and the case is being closely monitored to ensure justice for the victims.