Israeli tourist and homestay host gang-raped in India, police say

In a shocking incident in India, two women were attacked while they were stargazing near a lake in Hampi, a popular tourist destination. The victims included an Israeli tourist and an Indian homestay operator. They were with three male tourists when a group of men approached them. According to police superintendent Ram Arasiddi, the assailants pushed the three men into the Tungabhadra River canal before attacking the women. This unfortunate event took place on a Thursday night. While two of the men managed to survive, the body of the third man was discovered the following Saturday morning. The police reported that five individuals, including two women and three men, were involved in the incident near Sanapur. Among the victims were an American man and the Israeli woman. Authorities have arrested two suspects in connection with the attack, and an investigation is currently underway. The police believe that the assailants may have followed the group before launching their attack. The US State Department has acknowledged reports of a US citizen being part of the group affected by this violent crime. Witnesses, including one of the women, recounted that the group was enjoying the night sky when three men on a motorcycle approached them, asking for directions to a petrol station. As one of the male tourists provided directions, one of the men demanded money from the group. The homestay operator, unfamiliar with the men, informed them that they had no money. When the men insisted, one of the tourists handed over a small amount of money. Following this, an argument broke out between the men. Tragically, the body of one of the male tourists was later found in the Tungabhadra canal in Karnataka's Koppal district. The police have registered a case at the Gangavathi Rural Police Station, charging the suspects with extortion, robbery, gang rape, and attempted murder. The victims are currently receiving medical treatment at a government hospital. Hampi, known for its ancient ruins and temples from the Vijayanagara Empire, was designated a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1986. In response to the incident, Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his outrage, calling the attack on the Israeli citizen and the homestay owner a heinous act. He stated that he had received information from the police and had instructed them to conduct a thorough investigation to quickly identify the culprits. The police have already arrested two suspects and are continuing their investigation. The issue of violence against women in India gained significant attention last year after a brutal case involving the rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata, which sparked national outrage and protests demanding better safety for women.