Israeli tourists flee India after brutal rape; Indian Court extends detention of suspects

An Indian court in Karnataka extended the detention of three men—Handi Mallesh, Chetan Sai, and Sharanabasava—by 14 days in connection with the brutal rape of a 27-year-old Israeli tourist and a local guesthouse owner, and the murder of an Indian tourist near Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site in southern India.

The suspects, known to police for prior theft, assault, and robbery offenses, face charges that have sent shockwaves through the region, prompting hundreds of foreign visitors—many Israeli—to flee the area in recent days amid heightened safety fears.

The assaults occurred late Monday near Hampi’s iconic monuments, a popular stargazing spot in Koppal district. According to local police, the Israeli woman and the guesthouse owner were attacked while with a group of five tourists. Three male companions—none Israeli—were beaten, with one pushed into a ditch and later found dead. The women were raped and injured; all survivors were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they remain under care.

A Region in Flight

The fallout was swift. “The incident is terrifying—we’re worried about our safety,” Talia Zilber, a 21-year-old Israeli tourist, told The Indian Express. She and her group, originally planning to stay through the Holi festival, decamped for Rajasthan instead. Local guide Syed Ismail told the BBC that “nearly 90% of tourists, mostly Israelis,” had vacated hostels and guesthouses since Thursday, leaving Hampi’s once-bustling backpacker scene eerily quiet. The exodus underscores a crisis of confidence in an area long cherished for its ancient ruins and starry skies.

In response, Koppal authorities launched a dedicated hotline offering safety assistance and emergency support, operating 12 hours daily as a pilot. Karnataka’s government intensified oversight of homestays, hotels, and resorts, conducting high-profile surprise raids. New rules mandate strict registration of foreign visitors within 24 hours of check-in, while hosts must notify police before taking guests to remote sites—failure risking legal action. Police also rolled out enhanced measures: nightly patrols, thorough lodging inspections, and stricter checks at high-risk spots.

Suspects with a Past

The trio’s criminal history—petty theft, assaults, and robberies—adds a grim layer to the case, per local media. Arrested shortly after the attack, they now face an extended probe as investigators piece together the night’s events. Their detention, initially brief, was prolonged to allow deeper inquiry into a crime that has rattled both Indian and international communities.

A Broader Reckoning

The Hampi assault echoes India’s fraught history with tourist safety. In 2019, four men accused of raping and murdering a woman near Hyderabad were killed by police in a controversial encounter, spotlighting vigilante justice and systemic failures. Now, with a high-profile case involving foreigners, pressure mounts on Karnataka to restore trust. “This isn’t just about one night—it’s about a pattern,” a local activist told The Times of India, pointing to underreported violence in rural tourist hubs.

For Israelis, a significant presence among Hampi’s visitors, the incident stings doubly. The community, drawn to India’s spiritual and historical allure, has faced prior tragedies here—yet this marks a rare convergence of rape and murder targeting one of their own. “We had plans to stay, but now we’re leaving,” Zilber said, her voice a mix of fear and resolve.

Safety Overhaul Amid Outrage

Authorities’ swift moves—raids, patrols, hotlines—aim to stem the tide of departing tourists and quell outrage. Yet skepticism lingers. “These are Band-Aids on a deeper wound,” said Ismail, noting Hampi’s lax security despite its global status.

The region, a jewel of Vijayanagara architecture, now grapples with a tarnished image as police vow to root out risks.