Israeli Tourist, Homestay Owner Gang-Raped Near Hampi: Karnataka Police Launch Manhunt
A horrific crime has rocked Karnataka’s popular tourist spot, Hampi, where two women—a 27-year-old Israeli tourist and a 29-year-old homestay operator—were allegedly gang-raped by three men on Thursday night. The attack took place around 11:30 pm near Sanapur Lake, a scenic spot by the Tungabhadra Left Bank Canal, while the women were stargazing with friends.
The group, including three male travelers from the U.S., Odisha, and Maharashtra, was approached by three men on a motorcycle. The attackers first asked for petrol station directions, but when told none were nearby, they demanded Rs 100. When the group refused, a heated argument erupted. The situation turned violent as the men assaulted the travelers, pushing the three males into the canal before raping the women, according to the homestay owner’s complaint reported by NDTV.
After the crime, the attackers fled on their bike. The U.S. tourist, Daniel, and the Maharashtra traveler escaped the canal but were injured. The Odisha tourist remains missing, raising fears for his safety. Police, fire officials, and a dog squad are searching the area, while the victims recover at a Gangavathi community health center.
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Karnataka police have sprung into action, registering a case at Gangavathi Rural station under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rape, gang-rape, robbery, and attempted murder. A senior officer confirmed a manhunt is underway, with six special teams tasked to track down the suspects. “We’re working round the clock to catch them,” he said.
Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, draws millions yearly for its ancient ruins and natural beauty, making this incident a blow to its reputation as a safe destination. The women’s medical reports are pending, and authorities are offering them the option to shift to a private hospital. For now, this brutal attack has left locals and tourists shaken, with calls growing for tighter security in the region.
