In a landmark judgment that has drawn nationwide attention, a Karnataka court on Monday sentenced three men to death for their role in the brutal gang rape of two women and the murder of a tourist near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi.
Crime That Shocked the Nation
The crime took place on March 6, 2025, along the Tungabhadra Left Bank Canal near Sanapur village in Gangavati taluk. According to the prosecution, the three accused confronted a group consisting of two women and three men late in the evening and demanded money.
When the group resisted, the attackers pushed the three men into the canal. One of them, a tourist from Odisha, drowned and died, while the others managed to survive. The accused then proceeded to gang-rape an Israeli tourist and a local woman who operated a homestay in the area.
The brutality of the attack, carried out in a popular tourist region, triggered widespread outrage and renewed concerns over the safety of both domestic and international visitors.
Swift Trial and Conviction
The First Additional District and Sessions Court in Gangavati convicted the three accused—identified as Mallesh alias Handimalla, Sai, and Sharanappa—after a fast-track trial that concluded in under a year.
The court found them guilty under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including murder, gang rape, robbery, and destruction of evidence. The prosecution presented forensic evidence, survivor testimonies, and circumstantial proof that firmly established the role of the accused.
‘Rarest of Rare’ Case: Court
While pronouncing the sentence, the court described the crime as falling under the “rarest of rare” category, warranting the maximum punishment under the law.
The judge observed that the convicts showed extreme brutality, complete disregard for human life, and inflicted irreversible trauma on the survivors. The murder of an unarmed tourist and the sexual assault of two women were cited as aggravating factors.
“The collective conscience of society has been shaken by this act,” the court noted, emphasizing the need for deterrence in crimes involving sexual violence and murder.
Relief for Families, But Legal Battle Continues
Families of the victims expressed a sense of closure following the verdict, though they acknowledged that no punishment could undo the suffering caused by the crime.
Legal experts pointed out that the death sentence is subject to confirmation by the Karnataka High Court, as mandated by law. The convicts are also expected to appeal the verdict, which could extend the judicial process.
Tourist Safety in Focus
The case has once again brought tourist safety into sharp focus, particularly in heritage and remote travel destinations. Following the incident, state authorities had announced increased policing and surveillance measures in and around Hampi and nearby tourist circuits.
Officials reiterated that the government remains committed to ensuring the safety of visitors, stating that strict action would be taken against crimes that tarnish the country’s image and endanger public safety.
A Message from the Judiciary
The verdict is being viewed as a strong message from the judiciary against crimes involving sexual violence and murder. While debates around the death penalty continue, the court’s ruling underscores the seriousness with which such offenses are treated under Indian law.
As the case moves into the appeals phase, it is expected to remain under close public and legal scrutiny, symbolizing the broader struggle for justice, accountability, and safety in society.
