Bengaluru, Mar 18 (UNI) The recent gang rape of an Israeli woman and an Indian homestay owner at the UNESCO heritage site Hampi has triggered a major political storm, with the Karnataka BJP launching a scathing attack on the Congress-led government over what it calls a complete breakdown of law and order in the state.
The brutal incident, which took place near the Tungabhadra River on March 6, has sent shockwaves through Karnataka’s tourism sector. A group of five tourists was attacked by three individuals, resulting in the death of an Odisha-based tourist whose body was later recovered from the river. Two others managed to escape, while the Israeli woman and the homestay owner were sexually assaulted.
Raising the issue in Assembly, Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka stated that Israeli tourists, who make up over 60% of Hampi’s visitors, are now leaving in large numbers, dealing a severe blow to the local economy. He warned that it could take nearly a decade to restore international confidence in Karnataka as a safe destination.
The BJP accused the Congress government of attempting to shift blame onto the homestay sector instead of addressing the larger issue of deteriorating law and order. The attack in Hampi is not an isolated incident, the party claimed, pointing to a series of crimes that have raised concerns about public safety under the current administration.
One such incident involves the discovery of 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans on the walls of a Toyota company facility in Ramanagara. The BJP has alleged that the Congress government is attempting to cover up the matter and has demanded stringent action. Ashoka even called for severe punitive measures, including shooting those responsible for such acts.
Adding to the opposition's outrage, a nurse named Swati from Haveri was allegedly strangled with a saffron scarf, and her body was dumped in a river. The BJP has criticised the police for cremating her remains without informing her mother, raising serious concerns about procedural lapses and transparency.
Similarly, the murder of Neha Hiremath was cited by the BJP as another instance of rising crimes against women that the Congress government has failed to address adequately.
The controversy has deepened with allegations linking Kannada actress Ranya Rao to a gold smuggling racket with purported ministerial involvement. The BJP has condemned the lack of an official investigation into the matter.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal accused Congress ministers of skipping Assembly sessions, highlighting an apparent lack of seriousness in governance. Even Speaker UT Khader has reportedly acknowledged growing internal rifts within the Congress leadership.
With mounting criticism, the Congress government finds itself on the defensive, struggling to reassure the public about its ability to maintain law and order.
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