Three men have been sentenced to death for their involvement in the gang rape of two women and the murder of a man near Hampi, India. On February 6, 2025, the Gangavathi First Additional District and Sessions Court delivered the guilty verdict, while the sentencing was announced on February 16 by Judge Sadananda Nagappa Naik. The convicted individuals—identified as Mallesh alias Handimall, Sai, and Sharanappa—were found guilty of a brutal attack that took place in March 2025 during a stargazing outing at Sanapur Lake, approximately 4 kilometers from the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The victims included tourists from the United States, Odisha, and Maharashtra, alongside a 27-year-old Israeli woman and a 29-year-old homestay owner. The court’s decision followed comprehensive evaluations of the men’s mental state, prison behavior, and social history, as requested prior to sentencing.
The prosecutors asserted that the case qualified as a “rarest of rare” crime, given the heinous nature of the offenses, which included murder, sexual violence, and armed robbery. The assault occurred as the group of tourists, accompanied by a local guide, enjoyed the night sky along the Tungabhadra canal. The attackers forced male tourists into the water, resulting in the drowning of one victim, Nayak. The two women were subsequently gang-raped, and their belongings were stolen.
Charges against the trio were filed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which encompasses murder, attempted murder, gang rape, grievous bodily harm, and robbery. The penalties for these crimes are severe; capital punishment applies to murder, while gang rape can lead to a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, with additional offences carrying potential sentences of up to 10 years.
The attack had a notable impact on tourism in Hampi, resulting in a decline in international visitors. In response, the Karnataka government has intensified safety measures for tourists. Reports indicate that authorities have increased patrols and reassured the public that Hampi remains a secure destination for both domestic and international travelers.
According to police reports, the assailants arrived on a motorbike, initially asking for directions before demanding cash. When their demands were refused, they violently attacked the group. Both the Israeli woman and the homestay owner were sexually assaulted, while the attackers fled with cash and mobile devices. Two male tourists managed to swim to safety and received medical attention, while a tourist from Odisha tragically drowned. His body was retrieved the following morning, prompting murder charges.
Law enforcement initiated a thorough search immediately after the incident and apprehended the suspects within days. The trial concluded with the imposition of capital punishment less than a year after the assault, reflecting the judicial system’s response to such grave offenses. The case prompted widespread condemnation from political leaders and raised significant concerns regarding the safety of tourists visiting historical sites in India.
