Two women, including a 27-year-old Israeli traveller and a 29-year-old homestay owner from Anegundi, were allegedly assaulted and raped by three men late Thursday night, March 6. The incident occurred near Sanapur lake, a place close to Hampi.
According to the complaint filed at Gangavati Rural police station on Friday morning, the women and three other male tourists, hailing from the United States, Odisha, and Maharashtra, were targeted by the assailants while stargazing post-dinner around 10:30 pm
According to the police, the perpetrators, who arrived on a motorcycle under the pretext of seeking petrol, demanded money from the tourists. When denied, a confrontation ensued, resulting in the male tourists being pushed into the nearby Tungabhadra Left Bank Canal. One of them, identified as Bibash from Odisha, remains missing. Daniel from the United States of America and Pankaj from Maharashtra managed to escape from the water later.
The assailants then proceeded to physically assault and rape the two women before fleeing the scene on their motorcycle.
All four victims were taken to a local community health centre in Gangavati, where they received medical attention. The women have been sent for further medical examinations, with reports pending.
Koppal Superintendent of Police Ram L Arasiddi told media that a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered under sections including rape, robbery, and related charges under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
