What was meant to be a peaceful night of stargazing turned into a nightmare for an Israeli tourist and her local host in southern India.
The two women, along with three male travelers—an American and two Indians—had ventured out to enjoy the night sky in Koppal town, Karnataka, on Thursday evening.
Out of nowhere, three men on a motorbike approached them. Initially, they demanded money, but when an argument broke out, things escalated in the worst possible way.
The attackers shoved the three men into a nearby canal before turning their attention to the two women, who were then subjected to a brutal sexual assault.
A Tragic Loss and a Desperate Escape
While two of the male travelers managed to swim to safety, the third—one of their American companions—tragically drowned.
His body was recovered two days later on Saturday, according to police official Ram L. Arasiddi.
The horrifying incident has sparked widespread outrage, leading authorities to launch a special investigation.
So far, two of the three alleged attackers have been arrested on charges including gang rape, attempted murder, and robbery.
Sexual Violence Remains a Grave Issue in India
This tragic event highlights the ongoing crisis of sexual violence in India.
Official statistics reveal a grim reality—over 31,000 cases of rape were reported in 2022 alone, marking a 20% increase from the previous year.
Experts believe the actual numbers could be much higher, as many victims choose to remain silent due to social stigma.
The issue gained global attention in 2012 after the brutal gang-rape and murder of a 23-year-old student on a bus in New Delhi.
That case ignited mass protests and led to significant legal reforms, including stricter penalties, the establishment of fast-track courts for rape cases, and amendments criminalizing stalking and voyeurism.
Foreign Tourists Also Affected by Rising Sexual Assault Cases
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident involving foreign visitors.
High-profile cases in recent years have further exposed the dangers women face while traveling in India.
In 2023, a Spanish tourist shared a now-deleted video alleging his wife was raped in northern India, while an Indian-American woman reported being assaulted at a New Delhi hotel.
A year earlier, a British woman was raped in front of her partner while visiting Goa.
Despite the implementation of harsher punishments, including the death penalty for child rapists, these cases continue to occur, raising concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement and the safety of both locals and tourists.
Ongoing Investigation and Call for Justice
With two suspects in custody and one still at large, authorities in Karnataka are under pressure to ensure swift justice for the victims.
As investigations continue, this case serves as another grim reminder of the urgent need for stronger measures to protect women in India—whether they are locals or visitors.