Koppal (Karnataka) [India]: Karnataka Police have arrested the third accused in the Hampi rape case, who had been on the run since the incident. The accused, identified as Saranabasava (27), a carpenter by profession, was apprehended by Gangavathi Rural Police in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and has been brought back to Karnataka, officials said.
Speaking to media, Superintendent of Police of Koppal, Ram Arasiddi stated that the police are treating the case with utmost seriousness.
“As I had told previously, we have taken this incident very seriously and we had formed teams… We visited the spot as well. Based on the information and some technical help, we had earlier arrested two persons. The other person, Saranabasava (27), who was absconding, has been arrested from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. We have brought him here. All the legal procedures will be done today. If necessary, we will take him into police custody also,” Arasiddi said.
The police have intensified security measures and increased patrolling in the area following the incident. Arasiddi mentioned that surprise inspections at resorts are being conducted at night using NDPS kits. In the last three months, ten cases have been registered related to contraband or violations during these checks.
The horrific incident occurred near the Hampi heritage site in Karnataka’s Vijayanagara district on the night of March 6, where two women, including an Israeli national, were allegedly raped by three men. A male tourist accompanying them was later found dead, police said.
According to the police report, a 29-year-old homestay operator, three male tourists, and an Israeli tourist had gone to the Tungabhadra Canal near Sanapur Lake to stargaze. As they were playing the guitar and enjoying the night, three men approached them on a motorcycle, initially asking for petrol.
The homestay operator recounted the ordeal, stating, “On the night of March 6, after dinner, we decided to go and watch the stars at night. We took our scooters and rode to the bank of the Tungabhadra Canal, near Durgamma Gudi, near Sanapur Lake. While we were watching the stars and playing the guitar, around 10:30 pm, three men approached us on a motorcycle, asking for petrol in Kannada.”
When the tourists refused to give more money, the accused reportedly began arguing and threatening them with stones. The FIR details that two of the accused assaulted and raped the homestay operator and the Israeli tourist, while the third pushed the male tourists into the water canal.
The complaint further alleges that the accused snatched the homestay operator’s bag, took her two mobile phones, and Rs 9,500 in cash. The accused also spoke in Kannada and Telugu, and the victims believe they might be able to identify them.
Following the incident, police registered a case at the Gangavathi Rural Police Station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, including charges of attempted murder, robbery, and rape.
Earlier, the police arrested two suspects, Sai Mallu and Chethan Sai, both from Gangavathi, in connection with the case. SP Ram Arasiddi assured that further investigations are underway to gather more evidence and ensure justice for the victims.
“On March 6, five people – two women and three men – were attacked by three miscreants. The attackers assaulted the three men and sexually abused the two women. Based on the victims’ complaint, we have registered a case of attempted murder, robbery, and rape,” SP Arasiddi said.
The police have vowed to continue their efforts to enhance security and prevent such incidents in the future.