Updated
Daijiworld Media Network - Koppal
Koppal, Mar 8: In a significant breakthrough, police have arrested two individuals in connection with the brutal gang rape of two women and the murder of a male tourist near the UNESCO heritage site, Hampi. The incident, which took place near the Gangavathi rural police station, involved a female Israeli tourist, a local homestay owner, and a male tourist from Odisha.
The arrested suspects have been identified as 22-year-old Mallesh, also known as Handi Malla, and 21-year-old Chetan Sai Sillekyatar. Both are residents of Sainagar in Gangavathi taluk, Koppal district. Police have launched a manhunt for a third suspect, who managed to flee the scene.
According to preliminary investigations, the accused approached the victims under the pretense of asking for money for petrol. Despite being given Rs 20, the suspects demanded more, escalating the situation into a violent attack. They assaulted the group of five with stones and bare hands, pushing three men into the Tungabhadra Left Canal near Sanapura village and sexually assaulting the two women.
One of the women, an Israeli national, was raped by one of the accused, while the local homestay owner was assaulted by two others. Koppal SP Ram L Arasiddi confirmed the sexual assaults and revealed that the tourists had been at the location for stargazing.
Tragically, 40-year-old Beebas, a tourist from Odisha, drowned after being pushed into the canal. His body was recovered on Saturday morning. Two other male tourists, including one from Nasik and another from the US, managed to escape by swimming to safety.
The 29-year-old homestay owner, who survived the assault, has lodged a formal complaint with the police. Medical examinations have confirmed sexual assault, and the victims are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.
Police are investigating whether the victims were intoxicated, as they appeared unable to resist the attackers despite their numbers. Special teams are working tirelessly to apprehend the third suspect and bring all perpetrators to justice.
The shocking incident has prompted heightened security measures around the heritage site, with authorities urging tourists to exercise caution while exploring remote areas.
Earlier report
Israeli tourist, homestay owner gangraped near Gangavathi; Odisha man killed
Daijiworld Media Network - Koppal
Koppal, March 8: A shocking incident of gang rape and murder has come to light near Gangavathi, close to the UNESCO heritage site Hampi. A tourist from Israel and a local homestay owner were allegedly gangraped, while a male tourist from Odisha was killed after being pushed into a canal.
The horrific crime took place on Thursday night when a group of tourists had gathered near the Tungabhadra Left Bank Canal in Sanapura village for stargazing. The victims included a homestay owner, an Israeli tourist, an American tourist, and two male tourists from India, one of whom has been identified as 40-year-old Beebas from Odisha.
According to police sources, three unidentified miscreants arrived at the scene on a bike under the pretext of asking for petrol. When denied money, they turned violent, attacked the group with stones, and pushed three of the male tourists into the canal.
Beebas, who went missing, was later found dead in the Tungabhadra Left Canal on Saturday. The other two managed to survive by swimming back to the bank.
After attacking the men, the accused sexually assaulted the 29-year-old homestay owner and the Israeli tourist. Following the assault, the perpetrators fled the scene. The injured victims were later admitted to a hospital, where medical reports confirmed sexual assault.
The homestay owner has lodged a complaint at Gangavathi Rural police station. Police have formed two special teams to track down the accused, stating that they have identified the culprits and an intense search operation is underway.
The incident, which reportedly occurred around 3 am, remained unnoticed by locals. Authorities are probing further details, including whether the victims were under the influence of any substances, as they were unable to resist the attack despite outnumbering the assailants.
As the victims remain in shock, the police are currently prioritising the arrest of the perpetrators.
Further investigations are in progress.