Survivor returns to Israel; Hampi sees exodus

KOPPAL: Four days after the attack, one of the two rape survivors — a 27-year-old Israeli tourist — returned to her home country on Monday. She was visiting the area near Unesco world heritage site Hampi when she was assaulted Thursday night.

The attack occurred while she was stargazing with a homestay owner, an American tourist, and two Indian tourists. Police have arrested all three suspects linked to the crime. The Israeli woman was escorted to Bengaluru before she left for her home country. According to a cop, she remained “deeply shaken” and was keen to get back home.

Meanwhile, the assault has triggered panic among foreign and domestic tourists alike, with many cancelling bookings and leaving the area. Every year, over a lakh foreign tourists visit Hampi. Following the attack, 50% of visitors — many Israelis — have vacated homestays and left, said an official.
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