Hampi, India — A district court in southern India has sentenced three men to death after they were convicted for a violent attack on two women, including an Israeli tourist, and the murder of a male tourist in March 2025. The ruling, which has drawn widespread attention, comes amid increasing concerns regarding the safety of tourists in India, particularly women.
The attack occurred on March 6, when a group of five tourists was ambushed near Sanapur Lake. Among them were a 27-year-old Israeli woman and her 29-year-old Indian host. Reports indicate that after the tourists were confronted and denied money, the assailants escalated their violence, pushing three men into a canal and sexually assaulting the women. Daniel Pitas, a 23-year-old American tourist, survived the ordeal, but another male tourist from Odisha was later found dead.
Koppal district court classified the case as one of the “rarest of rare,” underscoring the brutality of the crimes perpetrated against both domestic and international visitors. The judge emphasized the need for severe penalties to reinforce public safety and the rule of law in tourist areas.
The convicted men—identified as Mallesh, 22; Sai, 21; and Sharanappa, 27—were found guilty of gang-rape, attempted murder, robbery, and other offenses earlier this month. Following the verdict, the court requested information regarding the men’s backgrounds and their conduct in prison before passing the death sentence.
During the trial, evidence revealed that the group had been camping and stargazing along the Tungabhadra River when the suspects approached them on a motorcycle. Initially demanding money, the situation rapidly descended into violence. According to police, after receiving a small amount of money, the assailants became aggressive, threatening the tourists with severe physical harm.
The violent incident has reignited discussions about the safety of women and foreign tourists in India. Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historical architecture dating back to the 14th-century Vijayanagara empire, attracts numerous backpackers and travelers. Locals and authorities alike expressed outrage over the attack, prompting Karnataka police to establish six special investigation teams. Within days, two suspects were arrested, with a third captured shortly after.
The event followed a series of similar incidents, raising alarm about the growing prevalence of sexual violence in India. In 2022, police recorded over 31,000 rape cases, marking a significant rise from previous years. Many experts believe the true number of assaults is likely higher, attributed to societal stigma that often discourages victims from reporting incidents.
As the case enters a new phase, with appeals expected at higher courts, both local and international observers remain vigilant. The severity of the ruling reflects an urgent call for enhanced protections for tourists and a commitment to combating the cycle of violence that has shaken public trust and safety in popular destinations across the country.