Letter to DGP flags rising attacks on tourists near Hampi and Anjanadri

Koppal: Karnataka State Police Complaints Authority member Mohan Kumar Danappa has written to the state DGP on April 8, marking a copy to the IGP, Ballari range, seeking strict action against miscreants targeting foreign tourists in Koppal and Vijayanagara districts.He has also urged enhanced security measures to ensure the safety of foreign visitors across key tourist destinations in the region.In his letter, he has flagged incidents of assault, harassment, intimidation and extortion faced by foreign visitors at key tourist destinations. He stressed the need to ensure safety at major heritage sites such as Hampi and Anjanadri, which attract lakhs of domestic and international tourists every year.Visitors frequently stay in lodges at Hampi, Kamalapur and Hosapete, as well as resorts at Virupapur Gadde on the Tungabhadra River and homestays near Sanapur lake.He referred to an incident on March 6, 2025 near Sanapur lake under Gangavathi Rural police limits, where foreign and domestic tourists were allegedly attacked after refusing to pay money. An Israeli and a local woman were gang-raped, while others were pushed into a canal, leading to deaths and drawing international attention.He also cited a Feb 17 incident in Sanapur village, where a road accident involving a foreign national left a local resident, Shanthakumar, injured. Despite receiving primary treatment from the Israeli national, he was allegedly threatened and extorted Rs 6 lakh. The incident went viral and sparked public outrage.Warning that repeated incidents could damage the state's and the country's global reputation, Danappa called for immediate action.He recommended enhanced security and installation of multilingual awareness boards at homestays, resorts, lodges, temples, major roads and tourist spots.He said the boards should display emergency helpline 112 and contact details of local police and senior officials for immediate assistance.