Karnataka Police Authority Demands Enhanced Security for Tourists in Koppal and Vijayanagara
In a significant move to address growing safety concerns, Mohan Kumar Danappa, a member of the Karnataka State Police Complaints Authority, has formally written to the state Director General of Police (DGP) on April 8. The letter, which was also marked to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of the Ballari range, calls for immediate and stringent action against miscreants who have been targeting foreign tourists in the Koppal and Vijayanagara districts.
Urgent Call for Enhanced Security Measures
Danappa has emphasized the critical need for bolstered security protocols to safeguard foreign visitors across key tourist hotspots in the region. His communication highlights a series of alarming incidents, including assault, harassment, intimidation, and extortion, that have plagued foreign tourists at popular destinations. He specifically pointed out the necessity of ensuring safety at major heritage sites such as Hampi and Anjanadri, which draw hundreds of thousands of domestic and international tourists annually.
These tourists often stay in various accommodations, including lodges in Hampi, Kamalapur, and Hosapete, as well as resorts at Virupapur Gadde along the Tungabhadra River and homestays near Sanapur lake. Danappa stressed that the current security framework is insufficient to protect these visitors, putting the state's tourism reputation at risk.
Disturbing Incidents Cited in the Letter
The letter references several specific cases that have sparked public outrage and international attention. On March 6, 2025, near Sanapur lake under Gangavathi Rural police limits, a group of foreign and domestic tourists were allegedly attacked after refusing to pay money. In this horrific incident, an Israeli national and a local woman were gang-raped, while others were pushed into a canal, resulting in fatalities.
Another incident occurred on February 17 in Sanapur village, where a road accident involving a foreign national left a local resident, Shanthakumar, injured. Despite the Israeli national providing primary medical assistance, Shanthakumar was allegedly threatened and extorted for Rs 6 lakh. This case went viral on social media, fueling widespread anger and highlighting the vulnerability of both tourists and locals.
Recommendations for Immediate Action
Warning that repeated such incidents could severely damage Karnataka's and India's global image, Danappa has proposed several actionable measures. He recommended:
- Enhanced security deployment at all tourist locations, including increased patrols and surveillance.
- Installation of multilingual awareness boards at homestays, resorts, lodges, temples, major roads, and tourist spots.
- These boards should prominently display the emergency helpline number 112, along with contact details of local police and senior officials for immediate assistance.
Danappa's letter underscores the urgency of addressing these safety lapses to prevent further harm and maintain the region's appeal as a premier tourist destination. The authorities are now under pressure to respond swiftly and implement these recommendations to restore confidence among visitors.
