Attack Near UNESCO Heritage Site: Women Gang-Raped and Man Killed in India

In Hampi, Karnataka, two women were gang-raped while stargazing, prompting international condemnation and a police investigation. The assailants also killed one male tourist, with two arrests made so far.

A disturbing incident unfolded near Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern India, where two women—an Israeli tourist and an Indian homestay operator—were victims of gang rape. The attack occurred on Thursday night as they were stargazing near a lake accompanied by three male friends. According to police superintendent Ram Arasiddi, the assailants first pushed the men into the Tungabhadra River canal before launching their attack on the women.

The horrifying event left one male tourist dead, with the body recovered over the weekend. While the surviving men included an American tourist, details revealed the group had been approached by three men on a motorcycle under the pretext of asking for directions. When a dispute over money ensued, violence erupted, culminating in the assault on the women.

The local authorities confirmed that they have arrested two suspects and are actively pursuing the case. Eyewitness accounts suggest the group had been deliberately followed by the assailants. The victims are currently being treated at a government hospital, as the community grapples with the shocking nature of the crime.

Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, described the assault as a "most heinous act" and promised swift action from law enforcement. He indicated that criminal cases have been filed for extortion, robbery, gang rape, and attempted murder.

This incident has sparked renewed discussions about women’s safety in India, especially following a series of high-profile crimes against women that have stirred national and international outrage. Hampi, rich in history and culture, now faces a somber moment as authorities strive to ensure safety for both locals and tourists alike.