Hampi, Karnataka: A 27-year-old Israeli tourist and a 29-year-old local homestay operator were allegedly gang-raped by three men near Sanapur Lake, a popular tourist spot near Hampi, on Thursday night. The incident occurred around 11:30 PM when the women, accompanied by three male companions, were stargazing at the site. The assailants allegedly attacked the group, assaulting the men before committing the crime.
Among the victims’ companions were Daniel, a traveler from the United States, Pankaj from Maharashtra, and Bibash from Odisha. According to reports, the attackers pushed the men into the Tungabhadra Left Bank Canal before assaulting the women. While Daniel and Pankaj managed to swim to safety, Bibash tragically drowned. His body was recovered on Saturday morning, officials confirmed.
The homestay operator, in her complaint, stated that she and four guests had ventured to the canal for stargazing after dinner. They were approached by three men on a motorcycle, who inquired about the availability of petrol. Upon being informed that no fuel station was nearby, the men demanded ₹100 from the travelers. When the group refused, an argument ensued, escalating into a violent assault. The attackers overpowered the women, assaulted them, and later fled the scene on their motorcycle.
Authorities have registered a case at the Gangavathi Rural Police Station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges of theft, extortion, robbery, dacoity, rape, gang rape, and attempted murder.
A special task force comprising six teams has been formed to investigate the case, and a massive manhunt is underway to track down the perpetrators. A senior police official confirmed that efforts are being intensified to collect evidence and ensure justice for the victims. Further updates on the investigation are awaited.
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