National

Karnataka Government to Enhance Security at Tourist Attractions Following Gang Rape of Foreign Visitor

Published

1 year ago

March 10, 2025

Aware of the detrimental effects of the shocking assault on a foreign national and a local homestay owner in Koppal, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara announced on Sunday that security measures at all tourist destinations in the state will be enhanced. The government is also set to issue a comprehensive advisory for tourists, outlining safety precautions and recommendations to help them remain secure during their visit.

This appalling incident, which involved three intoxicated individuals attacking a group of tourists stargazing along the banks of the Tungabhadra left bank canal, has left many in disbelief. The attackers pushed three men into the canal before assaulting two women—a tourist from Israel and a local homestay owner.

The events unfolded Thursday night on the road to Jangli village, close to Sanapura Lake—a popular tourist spot in Gangavathi taluk, located approximately 350 km from Bengaluru. While American and Maharashtrian tourists managed to escape the canal, another tourist named Bidash was not found immediately; his body was later recovered.

This incident has not only shocked the community but also tarnished Karnataka’s reputation as a safe tourist destination. Reacting promptly to the situation, the government acknowledged the seriousness of the matter. Home Minister Parameshwara emphasized that security measures at all tourist sites would be reevaluated and reinforced, particularly at locations like Hampi. He noted that tourists will be educated on essential safety tips to ensure their well-being.

Parameshwara remarked on the impact of violent crime on tourism, stating, “While we are striving to attract travelers from around the world, incidents like this certainly dissuade them from visiting our country.”

Chief Minister S Siddaramaiah affirmed that his administration is dedicated to safeguarding the tourists in the state, describing the crime as heinous and pledging that all necessary actions would be taken to prevent such incidents from happening again. In a post on X, he stated, “My government is committed to ensuring safety for everyone, including visitors to Karnataka, and we will implement measures to prevent future occurrences.”

In the ongoing investigation into the Hampi incident, police have apprehended two suspects, while efforts are underway to locate a third. According to local authorities, the assailants verbally abused the group in Kannada and Telugu. The victims reported that they were initially attacked, with the male tourists being pushed into the lake before the sexual assaults on the Israeli tourist and the local homestay owner occurred.

“Koppal SP Ram L Arasiddi stated that efforts to capture the third suspect are ongoing. The arrested individuals have been identified as Mallesh alias Handi Mallesh Ayyappa Dasara, a construction worker from Gangavathi Sainagar, and Chetan Sai Kameshwara Rao. They reportedly demanded money from the tourists and attacked when their requests were denied, later confessing to the assault during interrogation,” he added.

National

Killers Travelled 1,400 Km to Murder Delhi Professor

Published

5 days ago

June 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Delhi Police solved the murder case of Delhi University professor Debosmita Paul within three days.

Investigators found that the accused had travelled nearly 1,400 km from West Bengal to Delhi to carry out the crime.

Police used CCTV footage, cab booking records, and GPS data to trace the suspects.

Seven special teams conducted raids across four states and arrested the accused in Bardhaman, West Bengal.

The investigation revealed that the murder was linked to a property dispute involving Paul’s ancestral property.

The swift and technology-driven investigation has been widely praised.

National

Ex-IAS Officer Dhanendra Kumar Dies in Delhi House Fire

Published

2 weeks ago

May 29, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Former IAS officer and the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), Dhanendra Kumar, died after a fire broke out at his house in Delhi’s Hauz Khas area on Thursday night. He was 80.

According to police, the fire was suspected to have started after an air conditioner blast inside the house. At the time of the incident, five people, including family members and domestic staff, were present in the house.

Firefighters and police teams rushed to the spot and rescued the people trapped inside. Dhanendra Kumar and his son were taken to a nearby hospital. Kumar died during treatment due to smoke inhalation. His son suffered injuries and is now out of danger.

Police said no foul play is suspected in the incident. The house was badly damaged in the fire.

Dhanendra Kumar was a 1968 batch IAS officer. During his long career, he served in several important positions in the central and Haryana governments. He worked in ministries such as Defence, Road Transport, and Culture.

He also served as the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India from 2009 to 2011. He played an important role in strengthening competition laws and economic reforms in the country.

Even after retirement, he remained active in public policy and corporate affairs.

National

Woman Found Dead Six Months after Marriage

Published

2 weeks ago

May 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Lucknow: A young woman was found hanging at her in-laws’ house just six months after her marriage in Lucknow. The deceased has been identified as Shweta Singh.

According to her family, Shweta married Bhupendra Singh on November 22, 2025. Her father, Umesh Kumar Singh, alleged that her husband and his family harassed her regularly for dowry and demanded a car. He also claimed that Shweta faced mental torture from her husband and in-laws after marriage.

The incident took place at her in-laws’ house in the Thakurganj area of Lucknow. Shweta was rushed to a hospital, but doctors declared her dead.

Her parents suspect murder and alleged that the family tried to present the death as suicide by hanging the body. Based on the complaint, police registered a case against Shweta’s husband and his family under Sections 80 and 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Dowry Prohibition Act.

Police said the accused family members are absconding, and a search operation is underway. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and further action will be taken after the report arrives.