Bengaluru: The police have launched raids on hotels and heightened night patrolling following the gang rape of an Israeli tourist near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi in Karnataka. These measures come amid reports of foreign tourists leaving the state.
L Arasiddi, the Koppal Superintendent of Police, conducted random drug checks at homestays and resorts in Sanapur, Anegundi, and the Basapura area, verifying their documents.
New Security Guidelines For Homestay And Resort Owners
Furthermore, the police have directed homestay and resort owners to abide by certain security protocols, especially for foreign visitors, including installing CCTV cameras. They have also been asked to inform the local police station about any foreign tourists staying at their property.
“They (foreign tourists) need to compulsorily fill form C and share the details of visa, passport, and submit passport size photos to the nearest local police station,” Mr Arasiddi told news agency PTI.
Enhanced Highway Security And Night Patrolling
The number of highway patrolling vehicles has been doubled, and barricades have been erected for security checks. The senior officer further said that an inspector-level officer will take rounds at night in the Anegundi and Sanapur areas to ensure better security.
CM Assures Tourist Safety, But Fear Persists
Earlier, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured that the Karnataka government was committed to ensuring tourists’ safety. However, despite this, several foreigners reportedly left Hampi following the gangrape.
“Our government is committed to providing protection to everyone, including tourists, coming to the state. All necessary measures will be taken to ensure that such incidents do not recur,” the Chief Minister asserted.
Details of the Gangrape Incident
Last week, two young women were allegedly gang-raped by three men near Hampi. The incident reportedly took place on the banks of the Sanapur Lake around 11.30 pm while they were stargazing at the site. The women, identified as a 27-year-old Israeli tourist and a 29-year-old homestay owner, were attacked when they went there after dinner late at night.
According to reports, the accused men also assaulted three other travelers who accompanied the ladies. American tourist Daniel, another tourist from Odisha who was with the two victims, was pushed into the Tungabhadra left bank canal. Meanwhile, another traveler from Maharashtra, who was with them during the crime, sustained injuries, reports added.
Sequence of Events Leading To The Crime
As per the details shared by the homestay owner, three motorists approached the travelers and asked where they may get some petrol. She told them there were no petrol pumps nearby. However, an altercation broke out after the men demanded Rs 100, and they refused to give the money. Following this, the argument escalated, and the accused attacked all of them, including the victims. They fled the scene after committing the crime.
A case under various sections of the BNS was registered at the Gangavathi rural police station – 309(6) for theft or extortion, 64 for rape, 70(1) for gang-rape, 311 for robbery or dacoity with the intent to cause death or to grievously hurt and 109 for attempt to murder.
Meanwhile, all the three suspects wanted in connection with the gangrape have been arrested.
ALSO READ: Israeli Tourist And Homestay Owner Gangraped In Karnataka, Their Friends Attacked After Altercation Over Rs 100
