A district court in Karnataka, India, has sentenced three men to death for the gang rape of a 27-year-old Israeli woman and a 29-year-old Indian woman near the historic Hampi UNESCO World Heritage site. The court described the case as one of the “rarest of rare,” warranting the maximum punishment under Indian law.
The Attack#
The assault took place in March 2025 near the Tungabhadra Canal in the Hampi area. A group of five people — the Indian woman who was hosting the outing, two Indian men, an American man, and the Israeli woman — had gone on a stargazing trip when they were attacked by three men who arrived on a motorbike.
The attackers pushed the men into the canal, then gang-raped both women and stole their belongings. One of the Indian men, 26-year-old Bhibash Kumar Nayak, drowned in the canal during the attack.
The Verdict#
The three convicted men — Handi Malla (22), Chaitannay Sai (21), and Sharanappa Sharanabasavaraj (27) — were found guilty by the district court in Karnataka. The judge ruled that the brutality of the crime, which included sexual assault, robbery, and the death of a victim, placed it in the “rarest of rare” category reserved for the most severe offenses in India’s legal system.
The death sentences are pending confirmation from a higher court, as is standard procedure in India for capital punishment cases.
Tourism Safety Concerns#
The case drew significant attention both in India and Israel, highlighting safety concerns for tourists visiting India. Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient ruins, is a popular destination for Israeli travelers, many of whom visit India after completing their military service.
The swift trial and severe sentencing reflect India’s efforts to address crimes against tourists and signal that such offenses will be met with the harshest penalties available under the law.
Source: The Times of Israel
