Karnataka court awards death sentence to 3 men for gang rape of Israeli tourist, murder of youth near Hampi UNESCO site

A Karnataka court has handed down the death penalty to three men involved in the gang rape of an Israeli tourist and the murder of a local youth near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi. This high-profile case has drawn attention to the persistent issue of violence against women in India, a country grappling with a staggering number of reported rapes, nearly 30,000 in 2023 alone. The court's decision reflects a growing judicial response to such heinous crimes, aiming to deter similar offenses and provide justice for victims. The incident occurred in 2022, and the rapid legal proceedings leading to the sentencing underscore the urgency with which such cases are being addressed. Activists hope that this verdict will not only bring closure to the victims' families but also serve as a wake-up call to society about the need for increased safety and protection for women. As India continues to confront the challenges of gender-based violence, this ruling could mark a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice and change in societal attitudes towards women's rights.