2 women gang-raped, male friend killed in brutal attack near Hampi

Koppal (Karnataka): Two women, including a 27-year-old Israeli tourist, were allegedly gang-raped and assaulted while stargazing near Hampi, Karnataka, on Thursday night. Three male tourists who were with them were also attacked and pushed into a canal, resulting in the death of one of them, police said on Saturday.

The horrific incident took place around 11 p.m. near Sanapur Lake, where the victims, including a 29-year-old homestay operator from Karnataka, had gathered on the left bank of the Tungabhadra Canal to play music and stargaze after dinner. The group comprised an Israeli woman and three male tourists—one from the United States and two from Odisha and Maharashtra.

According to the police, the homestay operator stated in her complaint that three men approached them on a motorcycle, asking where they could find petrol. When informed that no fuel stations were nearby and advised to check in Sanapur, the men demanded Rs 100. The complainant, who did not know them, said they had no money, but one of the male tourists from Odisha eventually gave them Rs 20. The trio allegedly became aggressive, threatened to smash their heads with stones, and began hurling abuses in Kannada and Telugu.

As the group refused to give more money, the accused turned violent. They attacked the homestay operator and the Israeli tourist, sexually assaulting both women while also pushing the three male tourists into the canal. The homestay operator was severely beaten by two of the accused, while the third threw the men into the water. The attackers strangled her, tore off her clothes, and raped her. They also robbed her of two mobile phones and Rs 9,500 in cash. The Israeli tourist was also dragged and raped by one of the assailants.

After committing the crime, the accused fled on their motorcycle.

Two of the male tourists managed to survive with injuries, while the third went missing. His dead body was recovered on Saturday night, police confirmed.

A case has been registered at Gangavathi Rural Police Station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including extortion, robbery with intent to cause death or grievous hurt, gang rape, and attempted murder. The two women are currently receiving medical treatment.

Police said they have identified the suspects, and six teams have been deployed to apprehend them. Investigations are ongoing.

With PTI inputs