Bengaluru: In a shocking turn of events, a serene night of stargazing near Hampi, Karnataka, turned into a nightmare for a group of tourists. An Israeli tourist and a homestay owner were brutally gang-raped by three men, while their male companions were violently assaulted, resulting in the tragic death of a traveler from Odisha. This incident not only highlights the vulnerability of tourists in popular destinations but also raises grave concerns about safety and security in these areas.
The incident unfolded on Thursday night when the group, consisting of two women and three men, gathered near the Tungabhadra Left Bank Canal in Koppal for a peaceful evening of stargazing. The tranquility was shattered when three men on a motorcycle approached them, initially inquiring about petrol and then demanding money. Upon refusal, the assailants turned violent, pushing Daniel from the U.S., Pankaj from Maharashtra, and Bibash from Odisha into the canal. While Daniel and Pankaj managed to swim to safety, Bibash tragically drowned, with his body recovered the following day.
The attackers then targeted the two women, committing a heinous act of gang rape. The victims have been admitted to a government hospital for treatment, with the option to be shifted to a private facility if needed. A police case has been filed under charges of rape, gang rape, and robbery, with six special teams formed to investigate the case and a manhunt launched for the accused.
The incident has sparked immediate action from local authorities, with Superintendent of Police Ram L Arasiddi assuring that the perpetrators will be apprehended soon. The investigation is ongoing, with a focus on identifying and bringing the culprits to justice.
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