A Karnataka court has pronounced the death penalty for three men found guilty of raping a foreign tourist and murdering another visitor in an incident near Hampi in 2025. The First Additional District and Sessions Court in Gangavathi reached this decision on February 6, confirming the sentences on February 16. Judge Sadananda Nagappa Naik decreed capital punishment for the defendants identified as Mallesh alias Handimall, Sai, and Sharanappa.
Details of the Incident
The case emerged from events occurring on the night of March 6, 2025, when a group of tourists ventured out after dinner to observe the stars near Sanapur Lake, situated approximately four kilometers from the renowned UNESCO World Heritage site. The group included a 27-year-old Israeli woman, a 29-year-old homestay owner, and three men from the United States, Odisha, and Maharashtra. While gathered by the Tungabhadra canal, enjoying music and companionship, their evening took a harrowing turn.
Attackers Strike During Stargazing
Assault and Robbery
While struggling in the water, two of the attackers sexually assaulted the homestay owner, whereas another perpetrator took the Israeli woman aside to assault her as well. In addition to this, the assailants made off with the victims’ mobile phones and cash before escaping the scene. Two of the male tourists were able to swim to safety and subsequently received hospital treatment for their injuries. Tragically, the American tourist drowned in the canal, which led to the inclusion of murder charges in the case.
Public Outcry and Response
The brutal nature of this crime, particularly involving foreign nationals at a popular tourist destination, elicited strong reactions from political leaders across the region and raised serious concerns regarding the safety of visitors. In the immediate aftermath, law enforcement initiated a manhunt. Within a few days, police apprehended the three suspects.
Impact of the Verdict
After nearly eleven months of legal proceedings, the court delivered its verdict, imposing capital punishment on the three individuals responsible for this heinous crime. The case has highlighted issues of tourist safety in India, particularly in regions frequented by international travelers.
