A Civil Court in Gangavathi Delivers Sentencing
In a significant legal ruling, a civil court in Karnataka has sentenced three individuals to capital punishment for their involvement in the gang-rape of an Israeli tourist and the murder of a young man in Koppal district. The Gangavathi Civil Court announced the sentences on Monday, marking a pivotal moment in a case that attracted considerable attention both nationally and internationally.
The court had previously found the accused, identified as Mallesh alias Handi Malla, Sharanabasava, and Chaitanya Sai, guilty on February 7. The sentencing was reserved until February 16, allowing the court to deliberate on the appropriate consequences for the heinous acts committed. The crimes reportedly occurred on March 6, 2022, near Sanapur, during an excursion led by a homestay owner for a group of tourists looking to experience stargazing along the Tungabhadra canal.
According to the prosecution, a confrontation arose when the accused approached the group on a motorcycle regarding a financial dispute. Evidence presented in court indicated that the three men physically assaulted the tourists and later initiated a gang rape. Tragically, one of the victims, Bibhas Kumar, drowned in the canal during the altercation. The remaining individuals involved, Pankaj from Maharashtra and Daniel from the United States, were also attacked; however, Daniel managed to save Pankaj from drowning.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Public Prosecutor Nagalakshmi detailed the nature of the charges, which encompassed gang rape, murder, attempted murder, robbery, and extortion. The court found sufficient evidence to impose the maximum penalty, signifying the severity of the crimes committed within the jurisdiction of the Gangavathi rural police station. Judge Sadananda Nagappa Naik issued the death penalty under section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, while also mandating that the offenders serve life imprisonment for the gang rape.
Additionally, the convicts were reported to have stolen mobile phones, cash, and a camera from the victims during their escape, further aggravating the situation. The prosecution emphasized that the case’s gravity warranted the harshest penalties available under Indian law.
Future Legal Options for Convicts
In light of the court’s decision, the three men retain the right to appeal their sentences in a higher court. This option allows for potential reassessment of the judgment, although the details surrounding the crime have generated substantial public interest and have raised concerns regarding safety for tourists in the region.
The outcome of this case underscores the broader issues of crime and safety in tourist destinations, and the implications it may have for the local economy and community image. As the legal process unfolds, the case reflects the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and the judicial system in addressing serious offenses against individuals.
