Death Sentences for Three Men Convicted of Rape and Murder in India

A district court in India has imposed death sentences on three individuals found guilty of gang-raping two women and murdering a man near a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site.

The convicts attacked a group of five individuals who were engaged in stargazing in a village in southern India back in March of last year, as reported by various news outlets.

The group was made up of two Indian citizens from the states of Maharashtra and Odisha, an American tourist, an Israeli tourist, and a local woman from Koppal who was accommodating them.

They were in the vicinity of Hampi, a popular destination well-known for its rocky hills and extensive temple ruins.

Reports indicate that the three assailants confronted the group, demanding money before proceeding to rape the Israeli tourist and her local host, subsequently leading to a chaotic struggle. Two of the attacked men were able to swim to safety, but tragically, Bhibas Nayak, a 26-year-old from Odisha, drowned during the incident.

On Monday, the district court judge pronounced the death penalty for the three perpetrators, who were also sentenced to prison for other crimes, including the rape charge.

The assailants were identified as Mallesh, also known as Handimalla, Sai, and Sharanappa, according to NDTV reports.

The crime was categorized by the judge as 'the rarest of rare,' which justified the severe sentencing.

The public prosecutor in the case, Sadananda Nagappa Naik, stated, 'The Judge, under section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, has sentenced them to capital punishment. For the gang rape, the court has ordered life imprisonment.'

The sentencing still requires confirmation by the Karnataka High Court and can be appealed.

During the attack, the local woman involved recounted to Indian media, 'I was bleeding profusely. Two of the attackers pulled me to the canal's edge. One restrained me and tore my clothes. They took turns beating and raping me.'

She further disclosed that the Israeli tourist was forcibly taken by one of the men before being assaulted.

'As we screamed and pleaded for help, the trio fled on their motorcycle,' she added.

The shocking incident has caused distress among the numerous tourists visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site in northern Karnataka, leading many to flee in fear.