Three men have received the death penalty for the gang rape of two women and the murder of a man near Hampi, India. The verdict was delivered by the Gangavathi First Additional District and Sessions Court on February 6, 2025, with sentencing finalized on February 16 by Judge Sadananda Nagappa Naik. The convicted individuals, identified as Mallesh alias Handimall, Sai, and Sharanappa, were found guilty of attacking a group of tourists while they were stargazing at Sanapur Lake, situated approximately 2.5 miles from the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The incident occurred in March 2025, involving a diverse group of visitors, including individuals from the United States, the Indian states of Odisha and Maharashtra, a 27-year-old Israeli woman, and a 29-year-old local homestay owner. The group was enjoying the night sky along the Tungabhadra Canal when the assault took place. Prosecutors argued that the nature of the crimes, which combined murder, sexual violence, and robbery, qualified the case as one of the “rarest of rare” crimes under Indian law.
Prior to the sentencing, the court requested detailed reports on the mental health, prison behavior, and social background of the defendants. The attackers approached the group on a motorcycle, initially asking for directions before demanding money. After being refused, they forced the male tourists into the water, leading to the drowning of Nayak, one of the men. The women were subjected to gang rape, and the attackers stole cash and mobile devices before fleeing the scene, as reported by the Express.
Charges against the men included murder, attempted murder, gang rape, grievous bodily harm, and robbery, with potential penalties ranging from capital punishment for murder to up to 20 years for gang rape and 10 years for additional offenses. The brutal nature of the attack prompted concerns over tourist safety in Hampi, significantly impacting international tourism to the region.
In response to the crime, the Karnataka government has strengthened safety measures for visitors, increasing patrols around tourist hotspots and reassuring the public that Hampi remains safe for travelers. The incident has drawn significant criticism from political figures and raised alarms about security at historical sites.
Two male tourists managed to swim to safety and received medical treatment, while the body of the tourist from Odisha was recovered the following morning, prompting murder charges. Law enforcement quickly initiated a comprehensive search, apprehending the suspects within days of the incident. The trial concluded with the imposition of capital punishment less than a year after the assault, highlighting the severity with which the court viewed this heinous crime.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by tourists in certain areas and the ongoing need for robust safety measures to protect both locals and visitors alike.
