In a horrifying incident near Hampi, Karnataka, a 27-year-old Israeli tourist and a 29-year-old local homestay owner were allegedly gang-raped by three unidentified men, while one of their male friends was found dead in a canal. The attack occurred late on Thursday night near the Tungabhadra Left Bank Canal in Koppal district, approximately 350 km from Bengaluru.
According to police reports, the two women had gone for stargazing along with three male friends—Daniel, an American national; Pankaj, from Maharashtra; and Bibash, from Odisha. The group was enjoying their time at a secluded spot near the canal when three men on a motorcycle arrived at the location.
Attack and Assault
The assailants initially approached the group, pretending to ask for directions to a petrol station. Shortly after, they demanded ₹100 from the friends. When the group refused, the situation quickly turned violent. The attackers physically assaulted the three men and forcibly pushed them into the canal.
While the male friends struggled in the water, the attackers turned their attention to the two women. The women were allegedly gang-raped before the assailants fled the scene. Despite their attempts to fight back, the victims were overpowered by the perpetrators.
Daniel and Pankaj, who were pushed into the canal, managed to swim to safety and later sought help from local villagers. However, Bibash remained missing, raising immediate concerns about his whereabouts.
Search Operation and Discovery of the Body
Following the victims’ complaint, the police launched an extensive search operation, deploying local law enforcement, fire officials, and a dog squad to locate Bibash. After nearly 48 hours of searching, his body was discovered in the canal on Saturday morning.
Police officials suspect that he may have drowned after being attacked and pushed into the water. His body has been sent for post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Medical Treatment and Investigation
The two women were rushed to a government hospital for medical treatment and counseling. Their medical reports have been collected as part of the ongoing investigation. The victims have provided their statements to the police, detailing the horrifying ordeal they faced that night.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including charges of gang rape, assault, and robbery. Authorities have formed multiple teams to track down the perpetrators, who remain at large.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Yashoda Vantagodi stated, “We are taking this matter very seriously. Our teams are working round the clock to identify and arrest the accused. We have gathered some evidence, and we are confident that justice will be served soon.”
Safety Concerns for Tourists and Residents
This brutal crime has sparked outrage in Karnataka, particularly in tourist hotspots like Hampi, which attracts travelers from around the world. Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historical ruins and scenic landscapes, making it a popular destination for backpackers and solo travelers.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of tourists, especially women, in the region. Local tourism businesses and homestay owners have urged the authorities to increase patrolling in isolated areas and improve security measures to prevent such attacks.
Several women’s rights groups and activists have also condemned the crime, demanding swift action and stricter laws to protect travelers and local residents from sexual violence.
Police Action and Next Steps
Authorities have intensified their search efforts and are examining CCTV footage from nearby areas to identify the suspects. They have also increased police presence around key tourist locations in Hampi and nearby districts to prevent similar incidents.
Local villagers have been asked to come forward with any information that might assist in identifying the attackers. Police officials have assured the public that all necessary steps are being taken to bring the culprits to justice.
Meanwhile, the Israeli embassy in India has been informed about the incident, and consular officials are in touch with local authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the victim.
The case continues to be under active investigation, and authorities have vowed to take swift and strict action against those responsible.
