In March 2025, a horrific incident unfolded in Hampi, Karnataka, when three men committed gang rape against two women, including an Israeli tourist, and murdered a male companion during what was meant to be a joyful gathering. This egregious crime not only horrified the victims but also left a blot on India's reputation for safety among tourists. Following a ten-month investigation, a local court rendered its verdict, highlighting the severity of the crime and the impact it had on the victims and their families.

On Monday, Judge Sadanand Nagappa Naik of the Gangavathi Civil Court declared the case as one of the 'rarest of rare' and imposed capital punishment on the convicted individuals, identified as Mallesh (also known as Handy Malla), Sharanbasava, and Chaitanya Sai. The ruling echoed the sentiments of a society grappling with violence against women and underscored the need for harsher penalties for perpetrators of such heinous acts. The crime took place on the night of March 6, 2025, as a group of tourists enjoyed their evening by the Tungabhadra canal, when the attackers arrived on motorcycles, disrupting what was an idyllic setting.

This incident has prompted discussions about safety measures for tourists in India, reinforcing the importance of providing a secure environment for visitors. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the urgent need for systemic change to combat gender-based violence and protect the rights of women, especially in tourist areas that are pivotal to the country's economy. As the world watches, it calls for introspection and action to ensure such brutal acts become a rarity rather than a norm.