In India, a third suspect has been apprehended by the police in connection with the brutal rape and murder of tourists near a Unesco heritage site. The incident, which occurred in the southern state of Karnataka, involved the gang rape of an Israeli tourist and an Indian homestay owner, resulting in the death of a man. Following an argument over money while stargazing near Hampi, the victims were attacked by three men, causing shockwaves throughout the country and leading to a sense of fear among tourists, prompting many to leave the area.
Hampi, once the capital of the Hindu Vijayanagara kingdom and now a World Heritage Site, is renowned for its stunning stone ruins along the Tungabhadra river. The assault took place in Sanapur village, located approximately 28km from the primary ruins of Hampi, an isolated area according to the district’s police superintendent Ram Arasiddi. Sanapur, a popular destination for tourists, has also seen a decline in visitors post-incident, with cancellations and early departures being common.
Tourists, particularly from Israel and Europe, who frequent Hampi have expressed concerns about safety, prompting changes to their travel plans. The local tourist industry has taken a hit, with most visitors vacating homestays following the attack. Authorities have advised against late-night travel in the region, and survivors’ testimonies have led to the arrest of three suspects on charges of attempted murder, robbery, and rape.
Despite stringent laws implemented after the infamous 2012 Delhi gang rape and murder case, violence against women persists in India. The recent incident near Hampi serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by women in the country.
In the latest figures released by the National Crime Records Bureau, a staggering number of nearly 32,000 cases of rape were reported in India in the year 2022. However, experts caution that this number may only scratch the surface, as many instances of sexual violence remain hidden in the shadows due to social stigma, police mistrust, and a lack of faith in the justice system.
The insidious nature of unreported rapes came to the forefront once again in 2023, with public outcry erupting in response to the harrowing account of a Brazilian-Spanish tourist who was allegedly gang-raped in Jharkhand state. The victim and her husband bravely shared their traumatic experience on social media platform Instagram, shedding light on the brutal reality faced by many survivors. However, in a heartbreaking turn of events, the posts were eventually taken down, leaving a lingering sense of injustice and pain.
The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the pervasive culture of silence that shrouds sexual violence in India, where survivors often grapple with the daunting prospect of speaking out against their perpetrators. As the nation grapples with these sobering realities, it is imperative for society as a whole to confront these issues head-on and work towards creating a safe and supportive environment for survivors to seek justice and healing.
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