A district and sessions court in India’s southern state of Karnataka has sentenced three men to death for the gang rape of an Israeli woman tourist and the murder of a local youth in a case that drew widespread national and international attention. The judgment was delivered on Monday, 16 February, bringing to a close months of investigation and trial proceedings.
The incident occurred in March this year in a remote area of Koppal district. According to evidence presented in court and widely reported in Indian and international media, five people were attacked while travelling to a nearby tourist site. The group comprised two Indian tourists from Maharashtra and Odisha, one American visitor, an Israeli woman tourist, and the owner of a local homestay who had accompanied them on the excursion.
During the journey, the three accused—identified as Mallesh (Handimalla), Saikumar and Sharanbasavaraj—allegedly intercepted the group on a motorcycle, claiming there was a financial dispute to be settled. What began as a verbal confrontation quickly escalated into violence. Prosecutors stated that the assailants pushed three male members of the group into a nearby canal and hurled stones to prevent them from climbing out. One local youth drowned at the scene. Another victim survived with assistance from the American tourist.
The two women were forcibly taken to a secluded area and subjected to gang rape. In addition to rape and murder, the accused were charged with attempted murder, robbery and extortion.
The prosecution relied on forensic reports, eyewitness testimony, victim statements and mobile phone location data to establish the presence and involvement of the accused. Presiding Judge Sadanand Nagappa Naik convicted all three men. Under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, they were sentenced to death for murder. For gang rape, the court ordered imprisonment “until their last breath”, effectively life imprisonment without remission.
Summary of Convictions and Sentences
| Charge | Proven Offence | Sentence Imposed |
|---|---|---|
| Murder | Death of local youth by drowning | Death penalty |
| Gang rape | Assault of two women | Life imprisonment (till last breath) |
| Attempted murder | Assault on two male tourists | Term of imprisonment |
| Robbery & extortion | Attempted unlawful financial demand | Imprisonment and financial penalties |
The verdict has been described by many observers as exemplary. Women’s rights and human rights organisations have argued that stringent punishment is essential to deter violent crimes against women and ensure the safety of both domestic and foreign tourists. Legal analysts note that the relatively swift investigation and trial may help restore public confidence in the criminal justice system.
In response, the Karnataka state government has announced enhanced security measures in tourist areas, increased police patrols and stricter registration and monitoring of homestay establishments. Experts contend that, alongside severe punishment, sustained public awareness, rapid response mechanisms and strengthened law enforcement capacity are crucial to preventing such heinous crimes in the future.