A brutal gang-rape and murder near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi has sent shockwaves across India, reigniting concerns about women’s safety and the impact of violent crime on tourism. The attack took place on the night of March 6 when a group of five people—two women, including an Israeli tourist, and three men from India and the United States—were stargazing near Sanapur Lake in Karnataka’s Koppal district.
According to police reports, three motorcycle-borne assailants approached the group and demanded money. When the victims refused, the attackers threw the three men into a canal before sexually assaulting the women. One of the men, 26-year-old Bibash from Odisha, was later found dead in the water. The other two men sustained injuries but survived. Both women were hospitalized and are receiving treatment.
The horrifying crime has prompted swift police action. Authorities arrested two suspects, 22-year-old Mallesh alias Handi Malla and 21-year-old Chetan Sai Sillekyatar, on March 9. A third suspect has also been taken into custody, though his identity has not yet been disclosed. “Out of the three accused, we have arrested two, and efforts are being taken to nab the third suspect,” Koppal police superintendent Ram L. Arasiddi stated. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the assault as a “deeply heinous crime” and assured that stringent action would be taken.
Tourism in Crisis as Foreign Visitors Flee
The incident has triggered an exodus of foreign tourists from Hampi, an ancient city that attracts thousands of visitors every year. Fear and uncertainty have gripped travelers, particularly Israelis, who make up a significant portion of the tourist population. “The incident is really scary, and we are concerned about our safety,” said 21-year-old Israeli tourist Talia Zilber, who, along with five friends, left for Pushkar, Rajasthan, cutting her trip short.
Tourism in Hampi has already been struggling due to past restrictions, and this latest crime has exacerbated the situation. Homestay owners report that nearly 400 tourists, mostly Israelis, have left since March 7. Jonathan Lemon, a 23-year-old Israeli visitor, said his homestay owner advised him to travel in groups and return before nightfall.
Read More: IHC Maintains Injunction on Greentree’s Acquisition of TRG Pakistan
The region has around 500 accommodations catering to travelers, particularly in villages like Basapur, Sanapur, Anegundi, and Hanumanahalli. Many of these establishments operate informally, lacking official permits. “The information about the gang-rape spread like wildfire on WhatsApp groups, and people panicked,” said local homestay operator Kiran Hanumanahalli, popularly known as Pablo. “Now, business is suffering again.”
Fear of Government Crackdown on Homestays
While safety concerns dominate the conversation, homestay operators now fear government crackdowns in the wake of the crime. Most guesthouses in and around Hampi operate without regulation, having emerged after a 2020 Supreme Court order led to the demolition of shacks on Virupapur Gaddi, once a hub for backpackers known as “Hippie Island.” With tourism booming, many farmers abandoned agriculture to build guesthouses instead.
However, following past violent incidents, authorities have responded with demolition drives, targeting unlicensed accommodations. “Whenever an incident like this is reported, the district administration conducts a demolition drive. It takes away our livelihood,” said a worried homestay owner, Ramanjaneyalu. Another operator, Harisha Sanapur, added, “Tourist numbers were already lower this season, and now this attack will further impact the industry.”
To address growing concerns, police and district officials from Koppal and Vijayanagara held emergency meetings with homestay owners and tour operators on March 9 and 10. While safety measures were discussed, operators remain skeptical about long-term support from the authorities.
A Pattern of Gender Violence and Weak Deterrence
This brutal crime is yet another reminder of India’s persistent issue of sexual violence against women. Official data reveals that nearly 90 rapes occur daily in the country, underscoring the magnitude of the crisis. The latest attack also echoes past high-profile cases that sparked nationwide outrage.
Just weeks ago, an Indian court sentenced the rapist and murderer of a 31-year-old doctor to life imprisonment, following mass protests and strikes by medical professionals. In 2012, the gang-rape and murder of a young woman on a Delhi bus led to sweeping legal reforms, but such crimes continue with alarming regularity.
Despite legal changes and increased penalties for rapists, many argue that the lack of swift justice and poor enforcement contribute to the problem. The Karnataka government has vowed strict action in this case, but whether it will lead to meaningful change remains uncertain.
As the investigation continues, the broader concerns of safety, tourism decline, and government response will shape the aftermath of this horrifying incident. For now, fear lingers in Hampi, a place once known for its rich heritage and serenity but now overshadowed by a brutal act of violence.