Third Arrest Made in Hampi Gang-Rape and Murder Case

Karnataka police have arrested the third suspect in the horrific gang-rape case involving an Israeli tourist and a homestay host near Hampi. The incident, which occurred on March 6 in Koppal district, has sparked widespread outrage.

State Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi confirmed the arrest on Sunday, stating that while two of the accused were apprehended on March 8, the third was arrested in Tamil Nadu, where he had fled after the crime.

“Three people were involved in this horrific crime, which should never have happened. Two were arrested yesterday, and the third was caught today,” said Tangadagi, who is also the in-charge minister for Koppal district. He added that police have been instructed to strengthen security measures for tourists in the region.

According to Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara, the attack took place when two foreign tourists, including a 27-year-old Israeli woman, were out stargazing near the Tungabhadra canal along with two others. Three local youths approached them under the pretense of asking for directions to a petrol pump but soon turned violent, robbing and assaulting the group.

A verbal altercation ensued, during which the attackers pushed the tourists into the canal. Three managed to escape, but one, identified as Bibash from Odisha, went missing. His body was later recovered.

The police investigation is ongoing, with authorities assuring swift action against the perpetrators.