Koppal (Karnataka), Mar 8 (UNI) The body of 29-year-old Bibash from Odisha, who went missing after the Israeli Tourist was allegedly gang-raped near Hampi, has been recovered from the Tungabhadra canal, police confirmed on Saturday.
The case has sparked nationwide outrage over tourist safety in Karnataka’s famed heritage town, as authorities began an intensive investigation into the horrific crime that targeted a 27-year-old Israeli tourist and her companions.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar assured stringent action against the perpetrators, stating, "We will deal with this case without any mercy."
The attack unfolded late on Thursday night when the Israeli Tourist, Bibash, and two other male tourists were stargazing near a lake in the historic area. A group of men on motorcycles initially approached them, pretending to seek petrol and ₹100, before turning violent. The assailants overpowered the men, shoving them into a canal, before subjecting the woman to a brutal sexual assault.
Two of the male tourists—Daniel from the United States and Pankaj from Maharashtra—miraculously escaped and managed to alert authorities. However, Bibash remained missing until his lifeless body was discovered in the canal, marking a grim turn in the already horrifying case.
Koppal Superintendent of Police (SP) Ram L Arasiddi confirmed that an FIR has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including gang rape, robbery, and attempted murder. Six special teams have been deployed to track down the accused, with investigations progressing at a rapid pace.
The survivors are receiving medical care at a government hospital, while the incident has sent shockwaves across the tourism and activist communities, prompting calls for stricter law enforcement and better security measures at heritage sites.
Authorities remain on high alert, and further developments are awaited as the hunt for the attackers intensifies.
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