Two arrested for gang-raping Israeli tourist in Karnataka

Koppal police have arrested two individuals in connection with the brutal gang-rape of a 27-year-old Israeli tourist and a 29-year-old homestay operator near Sanapur Lake, close to Hampi’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The arrested suspects, Mallesh alias Handi Malla (22) and Chetan Sai Sillekyatar (21), are residents of Sainagar in Gangavathi taluk, Koppal district, approximately 350 km from Bengaluru. A third accused remains at large, with special police teams deployed to track him down.

Superintendent of Police Ram L Arasiddi revealed that the assault took place around 10:30 pm on Thursday when the victims, along with three male tourists, were stargazing near the Tungabhadra Left Bank Canal. The attackers, arriving on a motorcycle, initially asked for petrol money. When the tourists refused to give more than ₹20, the situation turned violent. The assailants attacked the group with stones and their hands, forcing the three men into the canal before sexually assaulting the two women.

One suspect raped the Israeli tourist, while two others gang-raped the homestay owner. The victims had met at the homestay and were not previously acquainted.

Co-traveller found dead

Two male tourists—Daniel from the US and Pankaj from Maharashtra—managed to swim to safety. However, their companion, Bibash from Odisha, drowned. His body was recovered on Saturday.

The accused also looted the homestay owner’s bag, taking ₹9,500 and two mobile phones before escaping. Police continue to hunt for the third perpetrator.

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