Two women, an Israeli tourist and an Indian homestay operator, were gang-raped in a shocking incident in Hampi, Karnataka, while stargazing with friends. This brutal attack comes as women's safety continues to be a pressing issue in India.
Gang-Rape of Tourists in India Raises Alarm Over Women's Safety
Gang-Rape of Tourists in India Raises Alarm Over Women's Safety
Two women victimized in brutal attack near UNESCO Heritage site, sparking outrage and urgent calls for enhanced safety measures.
In a tragic incident near the famous UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi, police reported that two women were gang-raped after a group of men attacked them during a stargazing outing. The victims included an Israeli tourist and a local homestay operator, who were with three male acquaintances when the attack occurred under the cover of night. According to police superintendent Ram Arasiddi, the assailants initially confronted the group, pushing the male companions into the Tungabhadra River canal before committing the assaults.
The harrowing incident took place on Thursday, with one male victim's body recovered from the canal afterward. Police have confirmed that two suspects have been arrested and that an investigation is actively underway. Arasiddi mentioned that the attackers may have followed the group before the confrontation escalated.
Eyewitness accounts detailed that the group was stargazing by a temple when approached by three men on a motorcycle seeking petrol directions. An altercation ensued over money, leading to the violent attack. Witnesses recounted that the homestay operator resisted the men’s demands for cash, provoking further aggression from them.
Reports indicate that the victims are currently receiving medical treatment at a local government hospital. Following extensive media coverage, Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the incident and vowed swift action. He communicated that law enforcement has been directed to promptly address the safety concerns surrounding female tourists.
Hampi has long been celebrated for its stunning ruins from the Vijayanagara Empire and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. However, incidents like this one have heightened fears over women's safety in India, a topic that gained significant attention following the tragic rape-homicide of a young doctor in Kolkata last year, sparking widespread protests and demand for reforms in public safety measures.
The harrowing incident took place on Thursday, with one male victim's body recovered from the canal afterward. Police have confirmed that two suspects have been arrested and that an investigation is actively underway. Arasiddi mentioned that the attackers may have followed the group before the confrontation escalated.
Eyewitness accounts detailed that the group was stargazing by a temple when approached by three men on a motorcycle seeking petrol directions. An altercation ensued over money, leading to the violent attack. Witnesses recounted that the homestay operator resisted the men’s demands for cash, provoking further aggression from them.
Reports indicate that the victims are currently receiving medical treatment at a local government hospital. Following extensive media coverage, Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the incident and vowed swift action. He communicated that law enforcement has been directed to promptly address the safety concerns surrounding female tourists.
Hampi has long been celebrated for its stunning ruins from the Vijayanagara Empire and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. However, incidents like this one have heightened fears over women's safety in India, a topic that gained significant attention following the tragic rape-homicide of a young doctor in Kolkata last year, sparking widespread protests and demand for reforms in public safety measures.
