During the preliminary probe into the alleged gang rape near Hampi, police revealed that the accused—construction workers from the Gangavathi region—were likely under the influence of illegal substances at the time of the crime.
Authorities have also linked the three suspects to an attempted chain snatching nearly 10 days before the incident. “The attempt was unsuccessful, and the target did not report it. Had the police been alerted, this crime might have been prevented,” an officer stated.
The accused, identified as Sai Chetan and Mallesh, both from Gangavathi, along with a third suspect, have been arrested. While Chetan and Mallesh were taken into custody on Saturday, the third accused was apprehended on Sunday.
The attack, which occurred around 10:30 PM on March 6 near Sanapur Lake, involved a group of five. The assailants allegedly pushed three men into a canal—resulting in the death of Odisha native Bhibas Nayak (30)—and gang-raped two women, including an Israeli tourist. The victims had initially reported the incident as a robbery before disclosing the assault.
A key breakthrough came from CCTV footage showing a motorcycle leaving the area at 11:17 PM, helping police track down the suspects.
The Gangavathi Rural Police have registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including robbery, dacoity, and gang rape. “Investigations are ongoing,” an officer confirmed.
The deceased’s body was found the following day with a head injury, possibly caused by a stone. Locals and accommodation owners in the area expressed shock, stating that such a crime had not been reported since the 1990s.
Homestay operators have long advised tourists, especially foreigners, against venturing out at night due to the presence of leopards and sloth bears. Some high-end resorts offer stargazing within their premises, but most homestays discourage such activities for safety reasons.