Karnataka Court Hands Down Death Sentence in Tourist Gang Rape and Murder Case
A civil court in Karnataka delivered a landmark verdict on Monday, sentencing three men to death for the horrific sexual assault of an Israeli tourist and the murder of a youth in Koppal district last year. The Gangavathi Civil Court pronounced the quantum of punishment, awarding capital punishment to the convicts: Mallesh alias Handi Malla, Sharanabasava, and Chaitanya Sai.
Court's Verdict and Legal Proceedings
The court had previously found the three men guilty on February 7, following a thorough trial, and had reserved its order on sentencing for February 16. Public Prosecutor Nagalakshmi detailed the charges, stating that the case involved gang rape, murder, attempt to murder, robbery, and extortion.
Judge Sadananda Nagappa Naik, under section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, imposed the death penalty for these heinous crimes. Additionally, for the gang rape charges, the court ordered imprisonment until the convicts' last breath. Nagalakshmi noted that the convicts retain the right to appeal against the sentence in a higher court.
Details of the Crime That Shocked the Region
According to the prosecution, the crime occurred on March 6 last year near Sanapur, under the limits of the Gangavathi rural police station. The incident drew international attention and cast a significant shadow over tourism in the region, raising concerns about safety for visitors.
Nagalakshmi explained that the incident unfolded when a homestay owner took a group of tourists for stargazing near the Tungabhadra canal at around 10:30 pm. The group included Pankaj from Maharashtra, Bibhas from Odisha, Daniel from the United States, and an Israeli woman.
At that time, the three accused allegedly arrived on a motorcycle and initiated a fight over a financial dispute. "With an intention to rape these women, the convicts pushed the three men into the canal. To ensure that they do not come out, they threw stones on them. Later, they gang raped the home-stay owner and the Israeli national," Nagalakshmi told reporters.
Aftermath and Impact of the Assault
The prosecutor further revealed that Bibhas Kumar died due to drowning in the canal during the attack. "Pankaj did not know how to swim but Daniel saved him," she added, highlighting the bravery amid the chaos.
After committing the assault, the accused allegedly fled the spot, taking mobile phones, cash, and a camera belonging to the victims. This act of robbery compounded the severity of their crimes, leading to the comprehensive charges brought against them.
The case has been closely watched due to its brutal nature and the involvement of international tourists, prompting discussions on law enforcement and tourist safety in the area. The swift conviction and sentencing are seen as a strong message against such violent acts.
