On Thursday night, the number of tourists in the UNESCO World Heritage destination in India has decreased sharply after the death of two women’s gang rape and male tourists.
The two women, a 27 -year -old Israeli tourist and a 29 -year -old Indian home -sty operator, were working with three male tourists near Sapor Lake in Hampp, Karnataka, when a group of men attacked them. A male tourist from Odisha was later found dead, police said.
The attack has raised concerns about safety in Hampi, which is known for the outstanding groups of the Vijayanagara Empire’s monuments and the temple complexes that attract thousands of domestic and international tourists.
Since the incident on Thursday, it seems that tourists have declined sharply while visiting the ancient village.
Hamp and more than 25 houses around it saw that travel agencies canceled the booking at the weekend, and local media reported that many tourists had reduced their stay and left the region.
The Secretary of the State Tourist Guides Association, Verpakashi Wei Hampi, confirmed that the booking of the homestick has decreased.
“Even tourists from other states are canceling or postponing the Hampi visit,” he said. New Indian Express. “The whole nation condemned the incident of Sunpur rape. It is hoped that the police increase patrols in Hampi and its surroundings. “
Vijayanagara Police Superintendent Shari Babu Bil said his force is ready to take care of the Hampi visitors and that he will issue guidelines for home -stage owners.
Foreign visitors in Hampp said they were instructed to travel to groups by 8.30 pm and return to their homes.
The attack came after similar incidents last year, including gang rape of tourists coming from Spain in Jharkhand and rape and murder of 28 -year -old Irish tourists in Goa.
According to the National Crime Record Bureau, reports of sexual abuse in India became more frequently in the country, as police recorded 31,516 rape cases in 2022, which is an increase from 2021 to 20 %. Nevertheless, it is believed that this actual data is a major lack of reporting due to the notorious stains around sexual violence in the country.
Official advice related to travel in India
The UK government’s foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has not issued any special travel advice on the attacks in Hampp.
FCDO suggests about sexual abuse cases in India generally: “There is a danger of sexual abuse, including attacks on foreign national visitors in tourist areas and cities.
“Women passengers often experience verbal and physical harassment by groups of men or men. Serious sexual assaults comprising both Indian and foreign citizens have been reported. In many states of India, British women have been subjected to sexual abuse, including rapes, when they are on the shores.
The FCDO also distributes suggestions about the state of Goa: “Many opportunistic criminals work for a large number of tourists in Goa.
“In recent years, there have been some serious incidents of British citizens, including sexual assaults and the killing of a young female passenger.”
Call if you are a victim of crime in India:
- Police Helpline: 100
- National Emergency Number: 112
- Women Helpline: 1091
The FCDO India advises against all travels except the mandatory journey of Manipur, 10 km of the Pakistan border and Jammu and Kashmir in the region.
FCDO advice for women traveling abroad in any country
Says FCDO That when you plan a traveling, it is capable of researching a country’s local culture, and whether traveling women have faced unwanted attention or difficulties because of their gender.
It has warned that violence against women and girls in many countries is a threat, but local contexts in the country can take different forms in terms of laws, history, history and culture.
It added that rape and sexual assault are a threat to people of all genders around the world, and local services and its behavior may vary in terms of the country.
The FCDO says they take a report of rape and sexual abuse seriously.
Guide on abroad rape and sexual abuse
The FCDO writes, “If you have been sexually assaulted, it is important to remember that this was not your fault.” Guidance page For British citizens who have been abused and sexually abused.
“Rape and sexual assault are always wrong – it doesn’t matter who commits or where it is. It is painful and it can affect you physically and emotionally. Don’t be afraid to get help.
When reporting rape or sexual abuse to the FCDO, it says that you will be provided immediate help on the telephone at any time or night, staff will try to personally see you as soon as possible, and will be sympathetic, patient, sensitive and non -decisive.
If you prefer to talk to a woman, they will do their best to provide you with a female consular official.
In most countries, if you want it to be investigated, you will have to report the crime before returning to the UK. The UK police have no jurisdiction to investigate any attack abroad and cannot instruct them to investigate anything.
You can report the crime to your local UK police that the information you provide should send to the country where the crime has been committed. However, it is up to the police forces in this country to investigate a crime.
It may be possible for a third party to report an attack to a foreign police force from the UK, such as representing a local lawyer by a local police.
The FCDO added that “in very few countries can be considered illegal because of rape or sexual abuse” and local authorities can be questioned. If you have concerns about this, contact the FCDO for advice.
Rape crisis provides assistance for people affected by rape and sexual abuse. You can call them at 0808 802 9999 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, and 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland, or go on their web.On site www.rapecRisis.org.uk. Unless You are in the US, you can call Ryan 800-656-hope (4673)
