Koppal Court Delivers Death Penalty in Gang Rape and Murder Case
A local court in Koppal has handed down death sentences to three men convicted in a horrific case involving the gang rape of an Israeli tourist and an Indian woman, along with the murder of a tourist from Odisha. The crimes occurred near Sanapura Lake in Gangavathi taluk on March 6 last year, sparking widespread public outrage and condemnation.
Details of the Crime and Court Verdict
The incident took place approximately 25 kilometers from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi, a popular tourist destination. Judge Sadananda Nagappa Nayaka of the first additional district and sessions court pronounced the capital punishment, stating that the crime fell under the "rarest of rare" category. The court had previously found the three accused guilty on February 6 and reserved its order on sentencing.
The convicts are identified as Mallesh alias Handimalla, aged 22, Sai alias Chaitanya Sai, aged 21, and Sharanappa alias Sharanabasavaraj, aged 30, all residents of Sai Nagar in Gangavathi. The prosecution successfully proved their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, leading to the severe sentence.
Victims and Assault Details
The victims included a 29-year-old Indian woman, who owned a homestay, and a 27-year-old Israeli tourist. Both women were subjected to brutal gang rape, with the Indian woman also being assaulted and strangled. Bibash Nayak, a 26-year-old tour guide from Odisha who was accompanying the women along with two other male tourists, was killed during the attack.
The assailants, allegedly intoxicated, robbed the survivors, stealing two mobile phones and Rs 9,500 in cash before fleeing. The victims had met at a homestay near Hampi and were stargazing near the Tungabhadra Left Bank Canal when the attack occurred.
Police Investigation and Arrests
Superintendent of Police Ram L Arasiddi highlighted the challenges of the case, noting that two of the accused were arrested within 24 hours of the crime. The investigation involved gathering 101 witnesses and 84 articles for DNA testing, making it a particularly sensitive and demanding probe.
Family Reaction and Gratitude
Firoz Kumar Pradhan, a cousin of the deceased Bibash Nayak, expressed relief and gratitude for the swift justice. "We hail the court verdict. It was delivered in less than a year," he said. "We thank the Karnataka government for taking the case seriously and the police for filing the chargesheet and completing the probe quickly." Bibash Nayak, remembered as a 29-year-old travel enthusiast, lost his life in the tragic incident.
This case underscores the severity of crimes against tourists and the importance of prompt legal action in ensuring justice for victims and their families.
