**Tragic Assault in Hampi: Two Women Victimized Near UNESCO Site**

**Authorities have launched an investigation and apprehended suspects following this shocking incident that highlights the urgent need for increased security for women.**

In a shocking incident that has sent ripples of outrage through both domestic and international communities, two women fell victim to a gang-rape near the famous UNESCO World Heritage site in Hampi, Karnataka. The women—a tourist from Israel and a local homestay operator—were out stargazing with three male companions on Thursday night when they were attacked by a group of assailants.

According to police superintendent Ram Arasiddi, the attackers forcibly pushed the men accompanying the women into the Tungabhadra River canal before committing the assault. Out of the three men present, only two survived the attack; the body of the third man was discovered on Saturday.

"Five individuals were targeted near Sanapur, including two foreigners—a woman from Israel and a man from America,” Arasiddi stated while providing initial details of the case. The Karnataka police have since arrested two suspects connected to the incident and continue to investigate the wider implications of the attack.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that the assailants followed the group as they were stargazing near a local temple. The altercation began when the attackers on a motorcycle asked for directions to the nearest petrol station; tensions escalated when they harassed the group for money, leading to far graver consequences.

The homestay operator and her companions were reportedly taken by surprise during the confrontation with the assailants, resulting in a physical struggle.

The ordeal concluded with the discovery of the third man's body in the canal, prompting authorities to act swiftly. Police have registered a case under various sections, including extortion and gang rape, and the victims are currently receiving care at a local government hospital.

Hampi, an ancient village renowned for its historical ruins, became a tourism hotspot when it was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1986. Following the incident, Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his deep concern, calling the act "heinous" and ordered immediate actions to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.

This horrific event comes on the heels of heightened global scrutiny regarding women's safety in India, especially in light of past incidents that have sparked widespread protests and affected public sentiment. The ongoing investigation aims to confront the issues of gender-based violence and the risks faced by women, both local and tourists, in Indian society.