A group of men attacked a group of tourists near Hampi, India, in March of last year, resulting in the sexual assault of two women and the death of one man. The incident, which occurred near the UNESCO World Heritage site, highlights safety concerns for travelers in the region.
According to police reports, the victims included a 27-year-old Israeli tourist and a 29-year-old Indian woman who operated a local homestay. The two women were stargazing with three male tourists – an American, and two Indian nationals from Odisha and Maharashtra – by Sanapur Lake when they were approached by three men on a motorcycle around 11 PM. The attackers initially asked for directions to a petrol station.
When informed there were no nearby fuel stations, the men allegedly demanded money from the group. After being refused, the assailants became aggressive, verbally abusing the tourists before physically attacking them. The male tourists were forced into a nearby canal, while the two women were subjected to sexual assault.
Two of the men were able to escape the canal, but the third, a tourist from Odisha, went missing. His body was recovered several days later. Authorities have identified three suspects but have not yet made any arrests. The development underscores the vulnerabilities faced by tourists in remote areas and the challenges in ensuring their safety.
