Major verdict in Israeli woman gangrape-murder case, court awards death penalty to three convicts

Koppal (The Uttam Hindu): A major verdict has been delivered in the shocking gangrape and murder case of an Israeli woman tourist in Karnataka’s Koppal district. The Sessions Court in Gangavati sentenced all three convicts to death, terming the crime as “rarest of the rare.”

The judgment was pronounced by Judge Sadanand Nagappa Nayak of the Gangavati District and Sessions Court. The convicts have been identified as Mallesh alias Handimalla, Sai, and Sharanappa. The court held that the brutality of the offence warranted the maximum punishment under law. The incident, which occurred in March 2025, had sparked nationwide outrage.

Dispute reportedly began over ₹100

According to the prosecution, the incident took place on the night of 26 March 2025. A 29-year-old homestay owner, along with four male guests, had gone to the banks of the Tungabhadra Left Bank Canal after dinner to listen to music and stargaze. During this time, three men arrived on a motorcycle and initially asked for petrol. They then demanded ₹100 from the Israeli woman tourist.

When the tourist refused to give money, the accused became aggressive and attacked the group.

Companions pushed into canal, women assaulted

As the Israeli woman and the homestay owner were attacked, the male companions tried to intervene. The accused pushed them into the canal, rendering them helpless. The three men then sexually assaulted both women and killed them before fleeing the spot.

Following the incident, the police registered an FIR and conducted medical examinations. After an extensive investigation, all three accused were arrested. Based on the evidence presented, the court found them guilty and awarded the death penalty, sending a strong message against heinous crimes.