Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Responds to Gang Rape Incident Involving Israeli Tourist and Homestay Owner

Bengaluru, March 8 (NationPress) Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the gang rape incident involving an Israeli tourist and a local homestay owner, labeling it a despicable crime. He emphasized that the Congress-led Karnataka government prioritizes tourist safety.

In a statement on social media platform X, CM Siddaramaiah remarked, “The assault and rape of an Israeli citizen along with a homestay owner in Sanapur, Gangavati taluk, Koppal district, is a deeply disturbing incident.”

“Upon receiving reports of the incident, I immediately sought updates from the relevant police authorities and instructed them to pursue a comprehensive investigation and swiftly capture those responsible. Two suspects have already been apprehended, and the investigation is ongoing,” the CM stated.

“Our administration is dedicated to safeguarding every individual, particularly tourists visiting our state. We will implement all necessary steps to ensure such events do not happen again,” CM Siddaramaiah stressed.

Koppal Superintendent of Police, Ram L Arasiddi, provided updates on Saturday, stating, “On the night of March 6, between 11 p.m. and midnight, five individuals, consisting of two foreign nationals and three Indians—three men were physically assaulted and two women were sexually attacked. Among the men, three fell into the canal; two survived, while one, identified as Bebaas, was recovered today.”

“An FIR was filed at the Gangavati Rural police station based on the victim's report. We arrested two suspects today, identified as Mallesha, also known as Handi Mallu, and Chetan Sai, both from Sai Nagar in Gangavathi town,” he detailed.

“The suspects will undergo further interrogation and will be presented in court. All appropriate protocols will be followed. If necessary, we will seek additional police custody,” the SP confirmed.

“All four victims have received medical evaluations and necessary treatment. One more suspect remains at large, and we have assembled teams to ensure his prompt apprehension,” SP stated.

The incident transpired on Thursday night when the homestay owner took female tourists from Israel and the U.S., along with a male tourist from Odisha and the deceased, to the banks of the Tungabhadra Left Bank Canal near Sanapura village for stargazing.

While the tourists were enjoying the view, the assailants arrived on a motorcycle, claiming they needed petrol and began demanding money.

When money was refused, they attacked the group with stones, shoved others into the canal, and assaulted the women.

The 29-year-old homestay owner, one of the assault victims, has lodged a complaint with the police.

Initial investigations indicate that the attackers approached the victims under the guise of needing petrol money. After receiving Rs 20 and being asked to leave, the attackers escalated to a confrontation, demanding Rs 100 and subsequently assaulting them.

The assailants targeted the group of five, using stones and physical force. They pushed three men into the canal and carried out sexual assaults on two women, one from Israel and the local homestay owner.

Two of the assailants gang-raped the local homestay owner, while one of the attackers assaulted the Israeli national, according to sources. Further details regarding the sequence of events and the nature of the assaults are still forthcoming.

The victims were previously unknown to one another and formed friendships after arriving at the homestay.