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India: Two arrested for rape of Israeli and local woman

Shubhangi Derhgawen AFP, AP
March 9, 2025

The two women were reportedly stargazing with three male travelers when they were attacked near a popular UNESCO World Heritage site.

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An Indian protestor holds a placard saying 'Anger'
On average nearly 90 rapes a day were reported in India in 2022Image: picture alliance/AP Photo/A. Rahi

In India, two men have been arrested in connection with the alleged gang rapes of an Israeli woman and a local homestay operator in Koppal town, in the southern state of Karnataka.

Police said the attack took place on Thursday night, while the women were stargazing with three male travelers. A third suspect remains at large.

An Indian tourist who had been among the attacked group, drowned after he was pushed into a nearby canal, authorities said.

Attack took place near UNESCO heritage site

The victims had been in Anegundi, a well-known tourist spot near the UNESCO-listed ruins of the Vijayanagar empire.

The area, popular among backpackers, is known for its scenic landscapes along the Tungabhadra River and budget resorts.

According to police, three men on a motorbike approached the group and demanded money. When the group refused, they were then set upon.

A group of women stage a rally against rape in India
The attack comes weeks after an Indian court sentenced the rapist and murderer of a 31-year-old doctor to life in prison. Image: Arindam Shivaani/Nurphoto/zuma/picture alliance

The three male travelers included a 23-year-old American tourist and two Indian men from Nasik and Odisha, aged 42 and 26. The attackers shoved them into the Tungabhadra canal before sexually assaulting the two women.

While two managed to swim to safety, one drowned, with police recovering his body on Saturday.

What police have said

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the crime, calling it a "most heinous act." 

Karnataka state Chief Minister Siddaramaiah
The state of Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the attacksImage: MANJUNATH KIRAN/AFP

Siddaramaiah gave his assurance that the government was committed to ensuring the safety of all tourists and preventing such incidents in the future.

"All necessary measures will be taken to prevent such crimes from happening again," he said in a statement on X.

One of the Indian victims who had filed a police complaint on March 7, was running a homestay in the area and was involved in arranging accommodation and tours for visitors.

Indian Dalit women, girls targeted by upper-caste rapists

Edited by: Kieran Burke