The Karnataka Police arrested two people in connection with the assault and gang-rape of two women – a 27-year-old Israeli tourist and a homestay owner near Sanapur Lake in Gangavati. The arrests came following swift police action on late Saturday, March 8.
‘The accused have a history of violent behavior’, says SP
During a press conference, Superintendent of Police (SP) Ram L. Arasiddi stated that the two accused, identified as Mallesh alias Handimalla, 22, and Chetan Sai, 21, both residents of Koppal district’s Gangavathi city, were arrested after forming a three police team who launched a statewide manhunt to nab the culprits.
“The special police team successfully tracked down the whereabouts of the culprits and raided the location where they were arrested. However, the third suspect remains at large, and teams have been deployed to apprehend him,” Arasiddi said.
The senior police official added that the offenders were intoxicated during the crime and they had a history of violent behavior. The accused will be further interrogated and produced in the court. All procedures will be followed. If required, we will again take them for police custody,” the SP said.
“Regarding victims, they have been subjected to medical examination. Necessary treatment has been given to them,” SP added.
Details of the incident
The two victims, a 27-year-old Israeli tourist and a 29-year-old homestay owner, were gang-raped by three men in Koppal, Karnataka, on Thursday night, March 6. The assault reportedly transpired while the victims were stargazing near a canal.
The incident took place around 10:30 pm near the Tungabhadra Left Bank Canal. The women were accompanied by three other travelers, including a man from the United States and two others from Maharashtra and Odisha.
The accused persons, who arrived on a motorcycle, initially asked for directions to a petrol station and then demanded Rs 100 from the Israeli woman. When the group refused, an argument ensued, leading to a violent confrontation.
Subsequently, the attackers pushed the three male travelers into the canal before targeting the women. After committing the crime, the perpetrators fled on their motorcycle.
A case was 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).
Most heinous act, says CM Siddaramaiah
Describing the gang rape of an Israeli tourist and a local homestay owner as a heinous act, Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah said that the Congress-led Karnataka government is committed to ensuring the safety of tourists.
BJP’s Vijayendra slams Karnataka govt
Karnataka BJP President B Y Vijayendra flayed Congress-led state government over the rape incident accusing them of failing to maintain law and order, alleging that criminals are now acting with impunity.
“It is deeply disturbing to hear about the horrific rape of two women, a foreign national and a homestay owner reportedly from Koppal district, near the Tungabhadra canal. Criminals now act with impunity, unafraid of consequences, even in the immediate aftermath of Hampi Utsava, a festival that honors the grand legacy of the Vijayanagara Empire. The stark contrast between the state’s glorious past and its present lawlessness is truly disheartening,” he wrote on X.
Victims’ embassies will be informed, says Home Minister
Meanwhile, Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated that the embassies of the victims would be informed.
Speaking to the media regarding the incident, Parameshwara stated, “The government is looking into the assistance the victims need after the incident. Once the statements are recorded before the magistrate, they are free to go.”
The minister further said that the victims would be brought to Bengaluru after the procedure, and later, they would be sent to their countries. “The diplomatic missions of Israel and the US will be informed. Their embassies would be briefed. Further, whatever steps we take, we should ensure that they safely reach their countries,” he underlined.
Parameshwara said that the tourists did not inform the police before going for stargazing. They had gone to the spot directly on bikes from the homestay. “The tourists were singing at an isolated place,” he added.
Follow on Twitter | Posted by Sayima Ahmad | 
