A brutal gang-rape of a 27-year-old Israeli tourist near Sanapur Lake, Hampi, has sparked nationwide outrage, raising serious concerns about tourist safety in India. The incident, which occurred late on Thursday night, has triggered demands for swift justice and stricter security measures in Karnataka’s popular heritage town.
The survivor and a 29-year-old homestay operator were attacked while stargazing with three male companions when a group of assailants on motorcycles approached them, the police said on Saturday.
The perpetrators initially asked for petrol and Rs 100 around 11 p.m. before turning violent. They pushed the male tourists into a nearby canal and sexually assaulted the women.
Two male tourists—Daniel from the United States and Pankaj from Maharashtra—managed to escape and alert authorities, while the third male tourist, Bibash from Odisha, remains missing. A massive search operation, involving fire officials and the police’s dog squad, is underway to locate him.
A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including gang rape, robbery, and attempted murder. Koppal Superintendent of Police (SP) Ram L Arasiddi confirmed that six special teams have been formed to track down the accused, and an intensive investigation is ongoing.
The survivors are receiving medical treatment at a government hospital. The attack has led to widespread condemnation, with local activists and tourism stakeholders demanding stronger law enforcement and better security measures at heritage sites.Further developments are awaited. (UNI)
