Synopsis
The Karnataka Police have arrested the third suspect involved in the gang-rape of an Israeli tourist and an Indian homestay owner. The crime, which resulted in the drowning of another tourist, has led to heightened security measures at tourist destinations in the region.Key Takeaways
- Third suspect, Sharanabasava, arrested in Chennai.
- Two other suspects already in custody.
- Incident involved assault and gang-rape of tourists.
- Victims recovering in the hospital.
- Authorities plan to enhance security at tourist locations.
Koppal, March 10 (NationPress) The Karnataka Police have apprehended the third suspect linked to the shocking gang-rape of an Israeli female tourist and an Indian homestay owner, according to police sources confirmed on Monday.
Another visitor from Odisha, who was thrown into a canal by the suspects, tragically drowned and perished after being swept away. The assailants also attacked an American and an Indian male tourist. Although both were pushed into the canal, they managed to survive.
The third suspect, identified as 27-year-old Sharanabasava, resides in Sainagar, Gangavathi town. The other two suspects are also from the same locality.
As per police sources, Sharanabasava was tracked down and apprehended in Chennai, where he had fled post-crime. He was taken into custody on Sunday night and returned to Gangavathi town on Monday morning.
The incident occurred on March 6, when four guests at the 'Heartland Homestay'—23-year-old Daniel from the US, a female visitor from Israel, Pankaj Rao Amrut Rao Patil from Nashik (Maharashtra), and Bebash from Odisha— ventured out late into the night for stargazing near the Tungabhadra canal.
The three suspects confronted them and demanded money. When the victims offered Rs 20 and asked them to leave, the attackers insisted on Rs 100, leading to a dispute. The assailants then attacked the tourists, pushing Daniel, Pankaj, and Bebash into the canal before gang-raping the homestay owner and the Israeli tourist.
While Daniel and Pankaj managed to swim to safety, Bebash drowned. His body was retrieved the following day near the hydel power park close to Mallapura village.
The homestay owner, a 29-year-old woman from Tamil Nadu, and the Israeli tourist later provided their statements before the magistrate under Section 164 of the CrPC on Saturday night.
The Karnataka Police had already arrested two of the suspects, 22-year-old Mallesh (also known as Handi Malla) and 21-year-old Chetan Sai Sillekyatar, on Saturday. Both are locals from Sainagar in Gangavathi taluk, Koppal district.
The third suspect, Sharanabasava, had evaded capture but was ultimately detained in Chennai. Special police teams intensified the manhunt prior to his capture.
Initial investigations revealed that the suspects initially approached the victims under the guise of asking for money for petrol. When they were denied a larger sum, they became hostile and assaulted the group with stones.
Two of the suspects gang-raped the homestay owner, while the Israeli tourist was sexually assaulted by the third suspect.
The victims, who had previously been strangers, became friends after arriving at the homestay. They are currently recovering in a hospital.
The deceased tourist, Bebash (40), was located in the Tungabhadra Left Canal near Gangavathi town last Saturday. Authorities had launched a search operation following the report of the attack.
Following the recording of their statements, the victims will be transported to Bengaluru before being sent to their respective countries.
In light of this crime, authorities have announced plans to bolster security measures at tourist sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage site Hampi.
