Tourist numbers quickly decreased in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi in India after the gang rape of two women and the death of a male tourist Thursday night.
The two women, a 27-year-old Israeli tourist and a 29-year-old Indian home operator, were sitting with three male tourists near Sanapur Lake in Hampi, Karnataka, when a group of men attacked them. A male tourist from Odisha was later found dead, police said.
The attack raised concerns about the safety in Hampi, known for its group of spectacular remains of monuments and temple complexes from the Vijayanagara rich that attracts thousands of domestic and international tourists.
Since the incident on Thursday, there appears to be a sharp decline in tourists making their way to the ancient town.
More than 25 homes in and around Hampi discussed travel agencies over the weekend, and the local media reported that several tourists had cut their stay short and left the region.
Virupakshi v Hampi, secretary of the State Tourist Association, confirmed that there was a decrease in the home discussions.
“Even tourists from other countries cancel or postpone their visit to Hampi,” he said The new Indian Express. ‘The entire nation has condemned the rape of rape in Sanapur. Hope police increase patrolling in Hampi and the surrounding area. ‘
Vijayanagara police -superintendent Shrihari Babu p said that she is ready to take care of visitors to Hampi and that they will issue guidelines for houses owners.
Foreign visitors in Hampi said they were instructed to travel in groups and return to their homes at 20:30.
The attack comes after similar incidents last year, including the gang rape of a tourist from Spain in Jharkhand and the rape and murder of a 28-year-old Irish tourist in Goa.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau, sexual assault reports in India, more often occurred in the country as police scored 31,516 rape cases in 2022. However, the actual figure is a much higher dueto deficit on reporting caused by the stigma of sexual violence in the country.
State advice on travel in India
The British Government’s Office for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development (FCDO) issued no specific travel advice on the attacks in Hampi.
The FCDO does provide advice on cases of sexual assault in general in India: ‘There is a risk of sexual assault, including attacks on female foreign national visitors in tourist areas and cities.
‘Female travelers often experience verbal and physical harassment by individuals or groups of men. Serious sexual attacks involving Indian as well as foreign citizens have been reported. British women were the victim of sexual assault, including rape, in several states in India. Avoid isolated areas, including beaches, when it is alone at any time of the day, ”writes the FCDO.
The FCDO also shares advice on the state of Goa: “Many opportunistic criminals work in Goa because of the large number of tourists.
“There have been serious incidents involving British citizens over the past few years, including sexual assaults and the murder of a young female traveler.”
Call if you are the victim of crime in India:
- Police -Helpline: 100
- National Emergency Number: 112
- Women -Helpline: 1091
The FCDO advises against all travel within 10 km of the Border between India and Pakistan and the Jammu and Kashmir region, as well as anything but essential journey to the state of Manipur.
Fcdo -advice for women traveling to any country
The FCDO says it is worth investigating the local culture of a country and whether women who travel have received unwanted attention or problems because of their gender.
It warns that violence against women and girls in many countries is a risk, but that it can take different forms depending on the local context, laws, history and culture in the country.
Rape and sexual assault are the risks to people of all generations worldwide, it adds, and local services and attitudes to it can differ according to the country.
The FCDO says they take any report on rape and sexual assault seriously.
Guidance on rape and sexual assault abroad
“If you were sexually assaulted, it’s important to remember that it wasn’t your fault,” the FCDO writes on his accompaniment page for British citizens who were raped abroad and sexually assaulted.
‘Rape and sexual assault are always wrong – no matter who is doing it or where it happens. It is traumatic and it can affect you physically as well as emotionally. Don’t be afraid to get help. “
If you report rape or sexual assault to the FCDO, it says that you will get support at any time of the day or night, staff will try to see you personally as soon as possible and be empathetic, patient, sensitive and non-judgmental.
They will also try their best to provide you with a female consular official if you prefer to talk to a woman.
In most countries, you must report the crime before returning to the UK if you want it to be investigated. British police do not have jurisdiction to investigate an attack that has taken place abroad and cannot direct anything to be investigated.
You can report the crime to your local British police that should send the information you provide to the country where the crime took place. However, it is up to the police forces in that country to decide whether to investigate a crime.
It is possible to report an assault from the UK to a foreign police force via a third party, such as a local lawyer to make representations on behalf of the local police.
The FCDO adds that “in a very small number of countries, the victim of rape or sexual assault, can be considered illegal” and can cause local authorities to question you. If you have concerns about this, contact the FCDO for advice.
Rape crisis provides support for those affected by rape and sexual abuse. You can call them on 0808 802 9999 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, and 0800 0246 991 in Northern Oilland, or visit their webwebsite at www.rapcrisis.org.uk. As You are in the US, you can call Rains at 800-656 heaps (4673)
