Three Sentenced to Death for Hampi Gang Rape, Murder

Bengaluru: Three men have been sentenced to death for the murder of a foreign tourist and the gang rape of a homestay owner in Hampi, Karnataka.

Mallesh (22), Saikumar (21), and Saranabasavaraj (27) were sentenced to death by the Gangavathi First Additional District and Sessions Court. The court had found all three accused guilty in the gang rape and murder case a day earlier. The incident occurred on March 6, 2025.

According to the case details, the attack took place when four tourists and the homestay owner went to observe the night sky on the banks of the Tungabhadra Left Bank Canal after having dinner. The victims included an Israeli woman, the homestay owner, a US citizen named Daniel, Bibash from Odisha, and Pankaj from Maharashtra.

The attackers approached the group on a motorcycle, asking for directions to a petrol pump. When they were told that there were no petrol pumps nearby, they demanded money. After the group refused, the assailants attacked them.

During the assault, Daniel and Pankaj managed to run away and escape. However, Bibash was attacked and thrown into the canal, and his body was later recovered. The women were assaulted, and a bag containing two mobile phones and Rs 9,500 in cash was stolen.

The police filed a chargesheet against the accused, charging them with murder, gang rape, and robbery.