Gang-Rape Incident Near Indian Heritage Site Sparks Outrage

In a disturbing incident near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi, two women were gang-raped while stargazing, leading to the death of one male tourist and raising alarms over women's safety in India.

In a shocking incident that has garnered international attention, an Israeli tourist and an Indian homestay operator were gang-raped near the ancient village of Hampi in southern India. The attack occurred late Thursday night as the women, along with three male tourists, were stargazing by a lake, police reported.

Authorities say the assailants, a group of men, first overpowered the male companions by pushing them into the Tungabhadra River canal and then proceeded to assault the women. As per police superintendent Ram Arasiddi’s statements to Reuters, out of the three men who were part of the group, two survived while the body of the third, identified as an American tourist, was discovered on Saturday morning.

Arasiddi elaborated that five individuals, comprising two women and three men, were attacked in the Sanapur area, with two of them being foreign nationals. In a swift response, local police have arrested two suspects in connection with the horrifying incident, and an investigation is ongoing.

According to one of the survivors, the group was approached by three men on a motorcycle who asked for directions to the nearest petrol station while they engaged in friendly conversation. When the situation turned hostile, one of the tourists was coerced into giving the men money, which led to an argument and ultimately the assault.

In light of the violent events, local officials have condemned the actions of the perpetrators. Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah took to social media, calling the attack "heinous" and emphasized the urgency of holding the culprits accountable.

The case has ignited a conversation about the safety of women in India, a nation that has witnessed widespread protests and outrage over gender-based violence, particularly following a high-profile rape-homicide case last year that captured national and international attention. The victims are currently undergoing medical treatment at a local government hospital, and police have registered multiple charges including extortion, robbery, gang rape, and attempted murder at the Gangavathi Rural Police Station.

Hampi, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich historical and cultural significance, now finds itself at the center of a disturbing narrative regarding the safety of tourists and locals alike.