Three Men Sentenced To Death In Hampi Attack Involving Rape Of Israeli Tourist And Tourist Murder

A Karnataka court has handed the death sentence to three men for a violent attack near Hampi that involved the gang rape of two women, including an Israeli visitor, and the killing of a male tourist.

The verdict was delivered on Monday by a sessions court in Koppal district, nearly a year after the incident shook public confidence in visitor safety at one of the state's most visited heritage regions.

Crime Took Place Near Sanapura Canal

The convicts, Mallesh alias Handimalla, Sai and Sharanappa, were found guilty of rape and murder. The assault occurred on the night of March 6, 2025, near the Tungabhadra Left Bank Canal at Sanapura, close to Hampi.

Police investigations found that the three men confronted a small group consisting of two women, an Israeli tourist and a homestay operator, along with three male companions. The attackers allegedly demanded money from the group.

When the demand was refused, the situation escalated into violence. The accused forced the three male tourists into the canal and sexually assaulted the two women.

Two Survived, One Tourist Drowned

Two of the men pushed into the water managed to swim back to safety. However, another traveller from Odisha drowned in the canal, turning the case into both a rape and murder trial.

The survivors later reported the crime, leading to a police investigation that resulted in the arrest of the three accused and the filing of charges.

Court Terms Offence 'Rarest of Rare'

The sentence was pronounced at the Gangavathi District and Sessions Court. While delivering the judgment, the court said the brutality of the act placed it in the "rarest of rare" category, making the maximum penalty appropriate.

The attack had drawn widespread condemnation across the country last year, with authorities facing pressure to ensure stronger security measures for tourists visiting heritage destinations in Karnataka.