A shocking incident unfolded in Koppal, Karnataka, late Thursday night when two women—a 27-year-old Israeli tourist and a local homestay owner—were allegedly gang-raped by three men while stargazing near the banks of the Tungabhadra Left Bank Canal. According to the complaint, the attackers first coerced several travelers by pushing them into the canal before turning their violent attention toward the women. While an American traveler, Daniel, and another visitor from Maharashtra, Pankaj, managed to escape, a victim identified as Bibash from Odisha remains missing.
Disturbing Details and Witness Accounts
Eyewitnesses report that the accused arrived on a motorcycle, initially asking for directions to procure petrol and demanding a small sum of money. When their request was refused, the attackers reportedly launched a brutal assault. In addition to physical violence, the women were subjected to repeated sexual assault, with one of the victims describing the attackers’ chilling remark that they acted because they “liked it.” The incident has ignited outrage on social media and drawn attention from local communities demanding swift justice.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities from the Koppal district, led by Superintendent Ram L Arasiddi, have registered a case under charges of rape, gang-rape, and robbery. Immediate action was taken following the lodging of the complaint, and two special investigative teams have been deployed to identify the perpetrators. Meanwhile, fire officials and the police’s dog squad are actively searching for the missing tourist. The injured women are currently receiving treatment at a government hospital, with options to shift to private care if needed.
