Israeli national, homestay operator gangraped near Hampi; Male friend's body found from canal

BENGALURU: Two women, including an Israeli national, were gang-raped by a group of three near a canal in the Koppal district of Karnataka. The gang rape was committed after the accused pushed three male tourists into the canal. A young man named Daniel, a US national, Pankaj, a native of Maharashtra, and Bibash, a native of Odisha, were pushed into the canal by the assailants.

Daniel and Pankaj managed to swim to safety, while Bibash drowned. His body was recovered from the canal this morning. Police have announced that they have initiated steps to find those behind the attack. The women who were gang-raped are undergoing treatment at a government hospital. A 29-year-old homestay owner has filed a complaint about the incident.

The woman's complaint states that after dinner, she and four other tourists went to the canal bank for stargazing. At this time, the accused reached the spot on their motorcycle.

“First, they asked for a nearby petrol pump. Then they demanded Rs 100. When the men refused to pay, the assailants pushed them into the canal and then gang raped us. After this, they fled the spot,” said the complainant.

Bibash's body was found by the fire force and dog squad. The health condition of the gang rape victims have improved. A case has been registered against the accused on the complaint of the woman, charging them with gang rape and robbery. The police have identified the accused and an arrest will be made soon.