Karnataka police have arrested the third accused in the brutal rape case near the Hampi heritage site, officials confirmed on Monday. The arrested individual, identified as 27-year-old Saranabasava, a carpenter, had been on the run since the incident.
Saranabasava was apprehended by Gangavathi Rural police in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and has been brought back to Karnataka. Koppal Superintendent of Police, Ram Arasiddi, assured that the necessary legal procedures will be followed, and if required, the accused will be taken into police custody.
In a statement to ANI, Arasiddi emphasized that the police had taken the case very seriously, forming multiple teams to investigate the incident, which led to the arrest of two suspects earlier. “We visited the spot and, based on information and technical assistance, the remaining suspect, Saranabasava, has been arrested from Chennai,” Arasiddi said.
The case revolves around a disturbing incident that took place on the night of March 6, when two women, including an Israeli tourist, were allegedly raped by three men near the Tungabhadra Canal, close to the Sanapur Lake in Karnataka’s Vijayanagara district. The victims had been stargazing with three male tourists when the attackers approached them, initially asking for petrol before assaulting the group.
As per the police complaint, the accused attacked the victims, assaulted the women, and raped them while the male tourists were pushed into the canal. The attackers also stole the victims’ belongings, including cash and mobile phones, before fleeing the scene.
In response to the gravity of the crime, the police have heightened security measures, increased patrols, and conducted surprise inspections in the area. Further investigations are underway as police continue to track down the remaining suspects.
