A chilling and tragic incident took place on March 6, 2025, near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi in Karnataka. Bibhas Nayak, a 29-year-old HR manager from New Delhi, died while heroically attempting to protect two women from a horrific gang-rape assault. This heart-wrenching crime has not only devastated his family but has also sparked outrage across the country, leading to swift action by the authorities.
The Incident: A Hero’s Sacrifice
On the night of March 6, 2025, Bibhas Nayak and a group of fellow travelers, including an Israeli tourist, a homestay owner, and two other male tourists, were stargazing near the Tungabhadra Left Canal in Gangavathi, Koppal district, Karnataka. During their outing, they were ambushed by three men who turned violent.
When the attackers advanced toward the women, Bibhas intervened, attempting to protect them. Despite his valiant efforts, he was struck by a large boulder and then pushed into the canal, where he tragically drowned. The two male tourists managed to escape, but Bibhas's life was lost in the fight to protect the women.
Bibhas, originally from Odisha, had a reputation for being a passionate traveler and swimmer. He had traveled across India on his bicycle, and his love for nature was well-known among friends and family. His courage in the face of danger, however, would ultimately cost him his life.
A Horrific Crime: The Aftermath
In addition to the tragic loss of Bibhas, the attackers also subjected the Israeli woman and the Indian homestay owner to gang rape. The survivors, two men from the U.S. and Maharashtra, managed to swim to safety, though they were severely traumatized by the events. The Koppal district police quickly apprehended the three suspects involved in this brutal crime.
The gruesome attack shocked the nation, especially since it involved foreign nationals and occurred near a popular tourist destination. Bibhas’s family, particularly his grieving father, Bijay Kumar Nayak, a prominent bishop in the Church of North India, continues to struggle with the loss. The family is calling for a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident.
Karnataka's Response: New Safety Guidelines for Homestays
In response to the tragic events, the Karnataka government took swift action to ensure the safety of tourists and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. A new circular was issued outlining strict guidelines for homestay owners and resorts in tourist areas.
Key Guidelines:
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Mandatory Reporting: Homestays must inform local police when taking tourists to isolated or remote locations. Prior permission must be obtained from authorities, and failure to comply will result in legal action against the homestay owners.
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Safety Measures: Homestay owners are now required to install CCTV cameras and ensure that their establishments adhere to basic safety protocols. They are also required to maintain a register of foreign tourists, with details submitted to the police.
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Regular Inspections: Police are conducting raids on homestays and guest houses to verify compliance with these safety regulations. Officials have also been tasked with reviewing itineraries and ensuring that tourists are not taken to high-risk locations.
These measures aim to safeguard the growing number of domestic and international tourists visiting Karnataka’s heritage sites, particularly those near Hampi, and ensure that homestays and resorts operate under regulated conditions.
The Investigation: Arrests and Legal Action
The Karnataka police acted promptly to arrest the three men responsible for the assault. Sai Chetan Kameshwara, Mallesh Dasara, and Sharana Basavaraj, all residents of the Gangavathi region, were taken into custody and sent to judicial custody after being charged with multiple serious offenses, including gang rape, murder, and attempted robbery.
The police are continuing their investigation under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to gang rape, assault, and homicide. They are also working closely with local homestay owners to ensure compliance with the newly implemented safety measures.
The Israeli Woman’s Return: A Deeply Traumatized Victim
The Israeli tourist, one of the rape victims, was reported to be in a state of deep shock following the ordeal. After enduring such a traumatic experience, she decided to return to her home country. While her recovery will take time, her decision to leave the country speaks volumes about the emotional toll the attack has had on her.
Community and Family Reactions
Bibhas’s family, particularly his cousin Firoz Pradhan, described him as a man driven by a love for adventure and a deep commitment to his faith. His funeral, held in G. Udayagiri, Odisha, was attended by numerous community members, including church leaders from various denominations.
His colleagues at St. Stephen’s Hospital in New Delhi mourned the loss of a kind and humble man. Those who knew him well described him as someone who lived by Christian values, always willing to help others, and a man of integrity.
A Call for Justice and Change
The tragic death of Bibhas Nayak, and the brutal gang rape of two women near Hampi, have ignited widespread calls for stronger protections for tourists and increased accountability for homestay owners. The Karnataka government’s new safety guidelines for homestays are a step in the right direction, but the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen.
Bibhas’s family continues to seek justice, hoping that this tragedy will lead to changes that will ensure the safety of all tourists, especially women, visiting Karnataka’s tourist hotspots. The community remains united in their grief, but they also demand that such incidents never happen again.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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