Karnataka Police release photos of Hampi gang rape-murder accused

NEW DELHI: For the first time, images of all three accused in the Hampi rape-murder case have emerged, days after their arrest. While Chetan Sai Sillekyatar and Handi Mallesh were nabbed from Gangavathi, Sharanappa, the third suspect, was tracked down and arrested from Chennai before being brought back to Karnataka.

The trio is accused of gang-raping two women and killing a male tourist by pushing him into a canal near Sanapur Lake on March 6.

Superintendent of police Ram Arasiddi confirmed that all necessary legal procedures are being followed and that further action, including seeking police custody of the accused, will be determined as the investigation progresses.

The attack occurred when a group of five—two women, including an Israeli tourist, and three male companions—were stargazing near the Tungabhadra Canal.

Three men arrived on a motorcycle around 10.30pm, initially asking for petrol and later demanding money. When refused, they turned violent, attacking the group and sexually assaulting the two women.

One of the male tourists, 26-year-old Bibhas Nayak from Odisha, was pushed into the canal and later found dead.

According to survivor accounts in the FIR, the attackers used stones to threaten the group before dragging the women away.

The homestay operator, one of the victims, stated that she was strangled, hit with stones, and raped by two men before they fled with her belongings. The Israeli tourist also alleged sexual assault.

A case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, including charges of rape, murder, and robbery. Investigators are working on strengthening the case with forensic evidence and testimonies.

Following the incident, security measures in the Sanapur region have been ramped up, with increased night patrolling and surprise inspections at tourist accommodations. Authorities have also advised tourists to avoid venturing out alone at night.

(The victim's identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme court directives on cases related to sexual assault)