Koppal, Karnataka, India – In a tragic incident that has shocked the nation, an Israeli tourist and her Indian homestay host were gang-raped, and one male tourist drowned during an attack near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi in Karnataka.thesun.co.uk+1island.lk+1
Details of the Incident
On Thursday night, the Israeli woman and her homestay operator were stargazing near a canal in Koppal district, accompanied by three male travelers: an American and two Indians. According to police reports, three men on a motorbike approached the group, initially asking for money. An argument ensued, during which the assailants pushed the male travelers into a nearby water canal and sexually assaulted the two women. One of the Indian tourists drowned, and his body was recovered on Saturday, while the American and the other Indian man managed to swim to safety. thesun.co.uk+5globalnation.inquirer.net+5apnews.com+5island.lk+5news.sky.com+5apnews.com+5
Arrests and Investigation
Authorities have arrested two of the three suspects involved in the attack. They are being investigated on charges of attempted murder, gang rape, and robbery. A special investigation team has been formed to apprehend the third suspect, who remains at large. island.lk+4apnews.com+4southeast.newschannelnebraska.com+4
Government Response
Karnataka’s Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, condemned the incident, stating, “Our government is committed to providing protection to everyone, including tourists, coming to the state.” He assured that all necessary measures would be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. thesun.co.uk
Ongoing Issue of Sexual Violence
This incident highlights the persistent issue of sexual violence in India. In 2022, police recorded 31,516 rape cases, a 20% increase from the previous year. Despite stringent laws and the establishment of fast-track courts, sexual assaults continue to be a grave concern. globalnation.inquirer.net+4news.sky.com+4thesun.co.uk+4globalnation.inquirer.net+3apnews.com+3southeast.newschannelnebraska.com+3
International Attention
High-profile cases involving foreign visitors have drawn international attention to the issue. Last year, reports emerged of a Spanish tourist’s wife being raped in northern India and an Indian-American woman assaulted at a hotel in New Delhi. In 2022, a British tourist was raped in front of her partner in Goa. globalnation.inquirer.net+3southeast.newschannelnebraska.com+3thesun.co.uk+3globalnation.inquirer.net+3apnews.com+3thesun.co.uk+3thesun.co.uk+3globalnation.inquirer.net+3southeast.newschannelnebraska.com+3
The recent attack in Karnataka underscores the urgent need for effective measures to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors in India.