Three men have been sentenced to death for the gang rape of two women and the murder of a man near Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India. The verdict was delivered by the Gangavathi First Additional District and Sessions Court on February 6, 2025, with sentencing taking place on February 16, 2025, under the authority of Judge Sadananda Nagappa Naik.
The convicted individuals, identified as Mallesh alias Handimall, Sai, and Sharanappa, were found guilty of attacking a group of tourists at Sanapur Lake, located approximately 2.5 miles from Hampi, during a stargazing event in March 2025. This group included visitors from the United States, Odisha, Maharashtra, and an Israeli woman aged 27, alongside a 29-year-old local homestay owner.
Before sentencing, the court requested detailed reports regarding the men’s mental health, behavior in prison, and their social backgrounds. Prosecutors argued that the crime fell into the “rarest of rare” category, given the violent combination of murder, sexual assault, and robbery.
The assault occurred while the group was enjoying the night sky along the Tungabhadra canal. The attackers approached on a motorbike, initially asking for directions before demanding money. When the victims refused, the assailants forced the male tourists into the canal, leading to the drowning of one man, later identified as Nayak. The two women were subjected to gang rape, while their personal belongings were stolen, including cash and mobile devices.
Charges against the three men included murder, attempted murder, gang rape, grievous bodily harm, and robbery, all under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The legal framework allows for severe penalties, with murder potentially resulting in capital punishment and gang rape carrying a sentence of up to 20 years.
The incident had immediate repercussions, resulting in a significant decline in international tourism to Hampi. In response, the Karnataka government increased safety measures for tourists, enhancing police patrols and reassuring visitors about their safety in the area.
Following the attack, two male tourists managed to swim to safety and received medical assistance. Tragically, one tourist from Odisha drowned, and his body was recovered the following morning, prompting the filing of murder charges against the assailants. Law enforcement launched an extensive manhunt and apprehended the suspects within days of the crime.
The trial concluded with the imposition of death sentences less than a year after the assault, highlighting the urgency with which the justice system addressed this grave incident. The case has drawn significant criticism from political leaders and raised concerns about the safety of tourists at historical sites across India.
As authorities continue to bolster security measures, the community remains vigilant, ensuring that Hampi can reclaim its status as a safe destination for travelers from around the world.
