Daijiworld Media Network – Koppal
Koppal, Mar 10: Police have arrested the third accused in the brutal gang-rape case involving an Israeli tourist and an Indian homestay owner near Gangavathi town. The accused, identified as 27-year-old Sharanabasava from Sainagar, was apprehended in Chennai, where he had fled following the crime.
The horrific incident occurred on March 6, when four tourists staying at the 'Heartland Homestay' ventured out for stargazing near the Tungabhadra canal. The group included 23-year-old Daniel from the US, a female tourist from Israel, Pankaj Rao Amrut Rao Patil from Nashik, and Bebash from Odisha.
The attackers approached the tourists under the guise of asking for money. When the victims offered Rs 20, the attackers demanded more, leading to an altercation. The accused then assaulted the group, pushing Daniel, Pankaj, and Bebash into the canal before sexually assaulting the two women.
While Daniel and Pankaj managed to escape, Bebash drowned. His body was recovered near the hydel power park in Mallapura village the following day.
The police had earlier arrested the other two accused, 22-year-old Mallesh (aka Handi Malla) and 21-year-old Chetan Sai Sillekyatar, both from Sainagar.
During the attack, the assailants assaulted the tourists with stones and sexually assaulted the two women. The victims later recorded their statements before the magistrate under Section 164 of the CrPC.
Following the attack, the victims are recovering in the hospital. The deceased tourist, 40-year-old Bebash, was found in the Tungabhadra Left Canal last Saturday.
Authorities have intensified security measures at tourist destinations, including the UNESCO World Heritage site Hampi, to prevent such incidents in the future.