In a stunning Karnataka case, a 27-year-old Israeli traveler and a 29-year-old homestay owner were allegedly gang-raped by three men on Thursday evening. Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the case, confirmed the police on Saturday.
The incident took place near the serene banks of the Tungabhadra Left Bank Canal in Koppal, 350 kilometers from Bengaluru, where the victims had vented out with three other visitors to go stargazing. The attackers reportedly pushed the men into the canal and followed it up by attacking the women. While American tourist Daniel and Maharashtra’s Pankaj managed to swim back to the safety of land, Odisha’s Bibash unfortunately drowned; his body was recovered on Saturday morning.
Koppal Superintendent of Police Ram L Arasiddi informed, “Out of the three accused, two have been arrested and we are trying to arrest the third suspect.”
The police provided additional details, sharing that the group was attacked after the attackers approached them on a motorcycle, initially requesting gasoline. Following a refusal for ₹100, the attackers brutally assaulted, throwing the men into the canal and raping the women before fleeing the area.
Firefighters and a police dog unit were sent to locate Bibash, whose body was later recovered on the canal bank. The two women are receiving treatment at a government hospital, with a chance of shifting to a private hospital if one so desires. A case has been lodged by police on charges of rape, gang-rape, and robbery.
Superintendent Arasiddi further said that immediate action was taken upon the complaint made by the women, with two special investigation units being sent to the case. Medical examinations have been conducted to confirm the assault.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah informed that he was determined to ensure everyone, even the tourists, is secure in the state. On his X post, he said, “As soon as the news came, I got this information from the respective police and asked them to trace the culprits at the earliest. Every effort will be made so that nothing of this kind occurs in the future.”
In a contrast, Karnataka BJP Chief B Y Vijayendra was critical of the ruling Congress government stating that it is still “delusional and indifferent” about the increasing crimes against women in the state.
