'Heinous crime': Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah directs 'immediate action' in Israeli tourist rape case

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday directed the police officials to take immediate action against the accused and termed the Hampi rape incident a "heinous crime".

On the night of March 6, two women, including an Israeli tourist, were allegedly raped by three men near the Hampi heritage site in Vijayanagara district.

Taking to his X account, Siddaramaiah stated, "The horrific assault and rape of an Israeli national and a homestay owner in Sanapur, Gangavati taluk, Koppal district, is deeply heinous crime."

The horrific assault and rape of an Israeli national and a homestay owner in Sanapur, Gangavati taluk, Koppal district, is a deeply heinous crime.As soon as the incident was reported, I directed the concerned police officials to take immediate action, conduct a stringent
Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) March 8, 2025

"As soon as the incident was reported, I directed the concerned police officials to take immediate action, conduct a stringent investigation, and swiftly apprehend the culprits. The police have already arrested two accused and are continuing the investigation. Our government is committed to ensuring the safety of every individual, including tourists visiting our state. We will take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents from recurring," he added.

Also Read: Karnataka: Two women including Israeli tourist raped, male traveller killed while stargazing near Hampi

The police have arrested two accused and further investigation is underway, the CM stated.

According to the police, a 29-year-old homestay operator, three male tourists and an Israeli tourist had gone to the Tungabhadra Canal near Sanapur Lake for stargazing. They were sitting near the canal, playing guitar, when the accused approached them and asked where they could get petrol.

According to the homestay operator, they told them that there was no petrol station nearby and that they could find petrol in Sanapur. One of the three men suddenly demanded Rs 100. "Since they did not know us, I told them that I did not have any money with me. However, as they repeatedly insisted, one of the male tourists gave them Rs 20," the complainant said.

When they refused to give them more money, the accused started arguing and threatening them with stones. Two of the accused allegedly assaulted and raped the homestay operator and Israeli tourist, while the third pushed the male tourists into the water canal, she said, ANI reported.

According to the FIR, two accused dragged the homestay operator to the side of the canal and raped her. While one other accused raped the Israeli tourist.

They fled on their motorcycle after committing the crime.

(With inputs from ANI)