Israeli and Indian Women Gang-Raped in Southern India, Two Arrested; One Tourist Drowns

Koppal, India – Police in Karnataka have arrested two men in connection with the alleged gang rape of an Israeli woman and a local homestay operator in Koppal town, a well-known tourist hub near the UNESCO-listed Vijayanagar ruins. A third suspect remains at large.

The attack took place on Thursday night when the two women were stargazing along with three male travelers—an American and two Indians. According to police, three men on a motorbike approached the group, demanded money, and, after a confrontation, pushed the male tourists into a canal before sexually assaulting the women.

One of the Indian tourists, a 42-year-old man from Nasik, drowned in the Tungabhadra canal. The American and the other Indian, aged 26 and from Odisha, managed to escape and later informed the authorities. Police recovered the drowned man’s body on Saturday.

Koppal, about 350 kilometers (217 miles) from Bengaluru, is known for its historical significance and attracts both domestic and international travelers.

Police Investigation and Arrests

Karnataka police formed a special investigation team, leading to the arrest of two suspects on charges of attempted murder, gang rape, and robbery. The third suspect is still on the run, and authorities have intensified their search operations.

Koppal police chief Ram L. Arasiddi confirmed the arrests and stated that forensic evidence is being collected. “The accused are being interrogated, and we are working to ensure swift legal proceedings,” he said.

India’s Troubling Record on Sexual Violence

Sexual violence continues to be a major concern in India, with the National Crime Records Bureau reporting 31,516 rape cases in 2022, marking a 20% rise from the previous year. Experts argue that the real numbers are far higher due to underreporting and survivors’ lack of faith in the justice system.

India’s sexual violence laws were overhauled after the 2012 gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old student in New Delhi, which triggered nationwide protests. The amendments introduced stricter penalties, including the death sentence for child rapists and fast-track courts for rape cases. However, such attacks remain frequent.

Also See: Rape Culture in India: The Enduring Crisis

Growing Concerns Over Attacks on Foreign Visitors

High-profile cases involving foreign visitors have drawn international attention to the issue. In 2023, a Spanish tourist reported that his wife was raped in northern India, and an Indian-American woman alleged she was assaulted at a hotel in New Delhi. In 2022, a British tourist was raped in front of her partner in Goa.

The Israeli victim in the Koppal case, who had filed a police complaint, was running a homestay in the area and had been facilitating travel arrangements for visitors. The attack has raised fresh concerns over the safety of tourists, especially in remote and historically significant locations.

Government Response and Safety Measures

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous crime” and assuring that the state government would take all necessary steps to ensure justice and enhance tourist safety.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety of all visitors and preventing such incidents in the future,” he said in a statement on social media.

Authorities have pledged to increase patrolling in tourist hotspots and strengthen security measures, including better lighting and surveillance in isolated areas.

Meanwhile, the hunt for the third suspect continues as forensic teams analyze evidence collected from the crime scene.

Disclaimer: This news report has been compiled from DW and APP.