Two men have been arrested in India for allegedly gang-raping an Israeli tourist and a local woman. The incident occurred on Thursday night near a UNESCO World Heritage site in Koppal, a town in southern Karnataka.
The victims were stargazing with three male travelers—an American and two Indians—when they were approached by three men on a motorbike. The assailants asked the group for money, which led to an argument. In the chaos, the three men pushed the male travelers into a nearby canal. The American and one Indian man managed to swim to safety, but the other Indian man drowned. His body was recovered on Saturday.
The Indian woman was the host for the Israeli tourist, providing homestay accommodation. Following the attack, police have charged the arrested men with attempted murder, gang rape, and robbery.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about women’s safety in India. Last year, a high-profile case involving the rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata sparked nationwide protests and calls for better protection for women. In 2022, police reported over 31,500 rape cases, a 20% increase from the previous year; however, many believe the actual number is much higher due to societal stigma and distrust in law enforcement.
The issue of sexual violence has been a critical topic in India since the infamous 2012 gang rape of a student on a bus in New Delhi, which led to widespread outrage and legal reforms. In response to such incidents, the government has introduced measures such as fast-track courts for rape cases and harsher penalties for offenders.
As the investigation continues, this latest attack serves as a grim reminder of the challenges that remain in ensuring safety for women in India.