Hampi Gang Rape and Murder Case: Three Convicted Sentenced to Death by Karnataka Court !
Prime Vista News
A Karnataka sessions court awards death penalty to three men convicted of gang rape of two women, including an Israeli tourist, and murder near Hampi.
Koppal, Karnataka: A sessions court in Karnataka’s Koppal district on Monday sentenced three men to death after convicting them in the gang rape of two women including an Israeli tourist and the murder of a male tourist near Hampi last year.
The judgment was delivered by the Gangavathi District and Sessions Court, which held that the crime fell within the “rarest of rare” category, warranting the maximum punishment under Indian law.
The three convicts Mallesh alias Handimalla, Sai and Sharanappa were found guilty of rape and murder in connection with the March 2025 incident that shook the state and drew national and international attention.
The Incident Near Hampi
According to the prosecution, the crime took place on the night of March 6, 2025, near the Tungabhadra Left Bank Canal in Sanapura village, close to Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historic ruins and global tourist footfall.
Police said the accused approached a group consisting of two women an Israeli tourist and a local homestay operator along with three male tourists. The prosecution alleged that the men demanded money from the group. When the demand was refused, the situation escalated into violence.
Investigators told the court that the three male tourists were pushed into the canal during the assault. Two of them managed to swim to safety, but a third, a tourist from Odisha, drowned and later died.
Following the attack on the men, the two women were sexually assaulted, according to police findings presented during the trial.
Court’s Observations
In its sentencing order, the sessions court stated that the brutality of the crime, the vulnerability of the victims and the broader societal impact placed the case among the gravest offences under criminal law.
The judge observed that the actions of the convicts demonstrated extreme cruelty and a complete disregard for human life and dignity. The court rejected the defence’s plea for leniency, concluding that the aggravating factors outweighed any mitigating circumstances.
Legal experts note that courts reserve the death penalty for cases deemed exceptionally heinous, applying the “rarest of rare” doctrine established by the Supreme Court of India. The trial court’s classification underscores the severity with which the judiciary viewed the offence.
Evidence and Trial
During the proceedings, the prosecution presented forensic evidence, survivor testimonies and circumstantial proof linking the accused to the crime. The court found the evidence sufficient to convict all three men on charges of rape and murder.
The case had prompted intense scrutiny from civil society groups and women’s rights organisations, many of whom called for swift justice and stronger measures to protect tourists, particularly in remote heritage areas.
Given that one of the victims was a foreign national, the incident also attracted diplomatic and international attention, raising concerns about visitor safety in popular travel destinations.
Earlier Report : Viral Video Sparks Outrage After India–Pakistan T20 World Cup Match !
Impact on Tourism and Security Measures
Hampi, located in Karnataka’s Koppal district, is one of India’s most visited heritage sites. In the aftermath of the crime, state authorities increased police patrolling and surveillance in and around tourist hubs near the historic town.
Officials reiterated that ensuring the safety of domestic and international visitors remains a priority. The state government has previously stated that coordination between local law enforcement and tourism departments would be strengthened to prevent similar incidents.
Legal Next Steps
Although the sessions court has awarded the death penalty, the convicts retain the right to appeal before the Karnataka High Court. Any death sentence must be confirmed by the High Court before it can be carried out. The legal process may subsequently extend to the Supreme Court of India.
A senior government official said the state would pursue the case firmly in higher courts if appeals are filed, emphasising that due process would be followed at every stage.
A Wider Conversation
The verdict is being viewed as a significant moment in a case that sparked widespread outrage. It has also revived broader discussions around public safety, gender-based violence and accountability in crimes targeting tourists.
While the sentencing marks the conclusion of the trial court stage, legal proceedings are likely to continue as the appeals process unfolds. For many observers, the judgment sends a strong message about the consequences of violent crimes that strike at both individual dignity and public conscience.
