Karnataka: Two Women, One Indian and another Israeli Tourist, Allegedly Gang Raped on the Banks of Sanapur Lake

Two women, one an Indian homestay owner and the other a 27-year-old Israeli tourist, were allegedly gang raped by three men on Thursday night in Koppal, Karnataka. The incident occurred around 11 pm when the victims, along with three male travellers, were stargazing on the banks of the Sanapur Lake near Hampi.

According to police reports, the group of travellers, which included one American and two Indian men, was confronted by the three attackers. The assailants pushed the three male tourists into the canal before turning their attention to the women. While Daniel, an American tourist, and Pankaj, a traveller from Maharashtra, managed to swim to safety, Bibash, a tourist from Odisha, drowned. His body was found on Saturday morning.

Superintendent of Police Ram L. Arasiddi confirmed that a case has been filed under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, including gang rape, robbery, and attempted murder. "We have formed six special teams to track down the accused. Immediate action was taken following the women’s complaint, and the investigation is in full swing," Arasiddi stated.

The women have undergone medical checkups to confirm rape. "The investigation is progressing, and the accused are being identified," Superintendent Arasiddi confirmed. "We are committed to ensuring justice for the victims."

In her complaint, the homestay owner explained that she and the four tourists had gone for stargazing after dinner when the attackers arrived on a motorcycle. The men first asked for directions to a nearby petrol station and then demanded Rs 100 from the travellers. When their demand was refused, they launched a violent attack, pushing the men into the canal and assaulting the women. The attackers fled the scene on their bike after committing the crime.