Three men have been sentenced to death following their conviction for the gang rape of two women and the murder of a man near Hampi, India. The Gangavathi First Additional District and Sessions Court rendered its verdict on February 6, 2025, with sentencing occurring on February 16, 2025, under the authority of Judge Sadananda Nagappa Naik. The men, identified as Mallesh alias Handimall, Sai, and Sharanappa, were found guilty of attacking a group of tourists who were stargazing at Sanapur Lake, located approximately 2.5 miles from the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The assault occurred in March 2025, targeting visitors from various locations, including the United States, Odisha, Maharashtra, and an Israeli woman along with a local homestay owner. During the incident, which unfolded while the group was enjoying the night sky, the attackers forced male members into the Tungabhadra Canal, leading to the tragic drowning of one victim, identified as Nayak. The women were subjected to gang rape, and the assailants also stole their belongings.
Prior to sentencing, the court mandated comprehensive evaluations regarding the defendants’ mental health and behavior in prison. Prosecutors argued that the severity of the crimes warranted the classification of this case as among the “rarest of rare,” given the combination of murder, sexual violence, and robbery. Charges against the men included murder, attempted murder, gang rape, grievous bodily harm, and robbery, with potential penalties ranging from capital punishment for murder to lengthy prison sentences for the other offenses.
The brutal nature of the attack has had significant repercussions, including a noticeable decline in international tourism to Hampi. In response, the Karnataka government has intensified safety measures for visitors, increasing patrols and reassuring the public that Hampi remains a secure destination for both domestic and foreign travelers.
According to reports, the assailants initially approached the tourists on a motorbike, asking for directions before demanding cash. When the victims refused, the attackers forced several men into the canal and proceeded to assault the group. The Israeli woman and the homestay owner were both victims of sexual violence, while the attackers fled with cash and mobile devices before escaping.
Following the crime, two male tourists successfully swam to safety and sought medical attention, while a tourist from Odisha tragically drowned. His body was recovered the following morning, prompting law enforcement to initiate murder charges against the defendants. A thorough search led to the apprehension of the suspects within days of the incident.
The trial concluded with the imposition of capital punishment less than a year after the assault, reflecting the judicial system’s response to such heinous acts. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders and raised serious concerns about the safety of tourists at historical sites in India.
