Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India]: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has condemned the recent Hampi rape incident, calling it a “heinous crime,” and instructed police officials to take swift action against the accused.
The incident occurred on the night of March 6 near the Hampi heritage site in Karnataka’s Vijayanagara district, where two women, including an Israeli national, were allegedly raped by three men, according to Koppal Police.
The horrific assault and rape of an Israeli national and a homestay owner in Sanapur, Gangavati taluk, Koppal district, is a deeply heinous crime.
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) March 8, 2025
As soon as the incident was reported, I directed the concerned police officials to take immediate action, conduct a stringent…
“The horrific assault and rape of an Israeli national and a homestay owner in Sanapur, Gangavati taluk, Koppal district, is a deeply heinous crime,” Karnataka CM posted on X.
Siddaramaiah confirmed that two of the accused have been arrested and that an investigation is ongoing. “As soon as the incident was reported, I directed the concerned police officials to take immediate action, conduct a stringent investigation, and swiftly apprehend the culprits. The police have already arrested two accused and are continuing the investigation,” he stated.
The Chief Minister assured that the Karnataka government is committed to ensuring the safety of all individuals, including tourists. “We will take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents from recurring,” he emphasized.
Reactions from Leaders
Congress MP GC Chandrashekhar condemned the incident, describing it as “unfortunate” and assured that the state would take action against the perpetrators. “This is unfortunate. This should not have happened. We condemn it. Our government will definitely take action against the culprits,” he said.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also responded, stating that the police are investigating the case and action will be taken as per the law. “I came to know about this yesterday. Two people have been recovered, and one has to be recovered. They had gone there at midnight for star watching. Police are investigating. We will take action as per the law,” Shivakumar told reporters.
Sowmya Reddy, President of the Karnataka Mahila Congress, criticized the rise in crimes against women in recent years. She stated, “I just want to say that in the last 11-12 years since the BJP government has come to power at the Centre, crimes against women have increased, women have become unsafe. The Karnataka government is taking steps to ensure security and safety.”
Details of the Incident
According to the police, a 29-year-old homestay operator, three male tourists, and an Israeli tourist had gone to the Tungabhadra Canal near Sanapur Lake for stargazing. They were approached by three men on a motorcycle who initially asked for petrol.
The homestay operator alleged that the men later demanded money and, when refused, started threatening them with stones. Two of the accused allegedly assaulted and raped the homestay operator and the Israeli tourist, while the third pushed the male tourists into the water canal.
The FIR details that the attackers also snatched the homestay operator’s bag, two mobile phones, and Rs 9,500 in cash. “I was seriously bleeding… Two of the accused joined forces and dragged me to the side of the canal. One of them strangled me and took off my clothes. One by one they forcibly beat me and raped me,” the homestay operator stated in her complaint.
The accused fled the scene on their motorcycle, and a case has been registered at the Gangavathi Rural Police Station under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, including charges of attempted murder, robbery, and rape.
Koppal Superintendent of Police Ram Arasiddi confirmed that two suspects, Sai Mallu and Chethan Sai from Gangavathi, have been arrested, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the third suspect.
The investigation is still underway.