An Israeli female tourist and an Indian woman were gang-raped by three men, with a man additionally getting killed, in a brutal attack late Thursday near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi in southern India, according to local police reports on Saturday.
The victims were said to have been stargazing with two other male tourists when the assailants attacked them following an altercation over money.
Police Superintendent Ram Arasiddi stated that the attackers pushed the men into a river canal before assaulting the women. Two of the men, including an American tourist, survived, while the body of the third victim, an Indian man, was recovered on Saturday morning.
Two Suspects Arrested as Police Begin Investigating Gang Rape Case
Authorities have arrested two of the three men accused of the attack and are conducting further investigations.
This ugly incident is coming amid growing concerns over women’s safety in India, which gained international attention last year following the brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata. That case sparked nationwide protests and calls for stronger measures to protect women.
The gang rape near Hampi, a popular tourist destination, has further spotlighted the vulnerability of women, both locals and foreigners, in India. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation and raised questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement in preventing such crimes.
The victims included an Israeli tourist, an Indian woman, and three male companions—two of whom luckily survived the attack. The deceased victim was an Indian man whose body was found in the river canal. At the time
of filing this report, survivors are receiving medical and psychological support even as investigation is ongoing.
India’s Struggle with Violence Against Women
India has faced ongoing challenges in addressing violence against women, despite stricter laws and increased awareness campaigns. High-profile cases, such as the 2012 Delhi gang rape and the 2024 Kolkata rape-murder, have sparked nationwide protests but have yet to fully address the root causes of gender-based violence.
Activists and citizens are now demanding swift justice for the victims and stronger measures to ensure women’s safety. The arrest of two suspects is a step forward, but many believe more needs to be done to prevent such tragedies.
