Two Women, Including Israeli Tourist, Gang-Raped, Their Male Friends Attacked In Karnataka
Two women—a 27-year-old female Israeli tourist and a 29-year-old female operator of a homestay—were allegedly gang-raped by three men on the banks of the popular Sanapur Lake, near Hampi in Karnataka, on Thursday night.
The incident occurred around 11:30 pm while the women were stargazing at the site. The accused also attacked three other travellers, who were with the women, pushing them into the canal before committing the crime.
One of them, Daniel, was from the United States. Another tourist from Odisha, who was with the two women during the crime, is missing after being thrown into the Tungabhadra left bank canal. A Maharashtra traveller, accompanying the women, was also injured.
The 29-year-old homestay owner reported in her complaint that she and four other guests went stargazing near the Tungabhadra Left Bank Canal after dinner late that night.
Three men on a motorcycle approached them and asked where they could get petrol. When the homestay owner informed them that there was no nearby petrol pump, the men demanded Rs 100.
When the travellers refused, an argument broke out. The accused then attacked the travellers and the women, according to the complaint. They fled on their motorcycle after the crime.
A case has been registered at the Gangavathi rural police station under sections 309(6) (theft or extortion), 311 (robbery or dacoity with the intent to cause death or grievous hurt), 64 (rape), 70(1) (gang-rape), 109 (attempt to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
A senior police official said that a manhunt has been launched for the accused. As many as six special teams have been formed to investigate the case, he added.
