P-Timeline – The Times of India
Horror near Tungabhadra canal
March 6, 9.30pm | A night of stargazing turns to terror
A group of tourists, including an Israeli woman, a homestay owner and three male tourists—Daniel (US), Pankaj (Maharashtra), and Bibash (Odisha) finished dinner and set out for stargazing near Tungabhadra canal, close to Sanapur lake. They had also taken a guitar and were playing music.
10.30pm| Strangers approach on a motorcycle
Three men arrived on a bike, asking for money to buy petrol.
10.40pm | A demand turns aggressive
The tourists offered Rs 20, but the men demanded Rs 100 and they became hostile when refused.
10.45pm | Violence erupts
The assailants attacked the group with stones and bare hands before pushing three male tourists into the canal.
10.50pm | Heinous crime unfolds
Two of the assailants gangraped the homestay operator, while the Israeli tourist was raped by the third attacker.
11.15pm | The assailants flee
After the assault, the attackers stole the owner’s bag and fled the spot.
11.40pm | A desperate escape
Daniel and Pankaj managed to swim back to safety, but Bibash went missing in the waters.
12.30am | Returning in shock
The traumatised survivors made their way back to the homestay.
March 7, 5am | Seeking justice
The survivors reported the assault at Gangavathi Rural police station.
6am | Police launch probe
A dog squad and fingerprint experts were deployed. SP Dr. Ram L Arasiddi arrived to oversee the investigation.
10.30am | Statements collected
Police recorded the homestay owner’s statement at the hospital
11.15am | FIR registered
A formal case was registered based on the survivors’ complaints.
March 8, 7am | A tragic discovery
Bibash’s body was recovered from Tungabhadra left bank canal near Mallapur powerhouse, 2-3km from the spot.
2.30pm | Arrests announced
Koppal SP Dr. Ram L Arasiddi held a press conference, confirming the arrest of two accused—Mallesh alias Handi Malla, 22, and Chetan Sai Sillekyatar, 21, both residents of Sainagar, Gangavathi.
Third accused still at large
A special team has been deployed to track down the remaining suspect.
Survivors recovering
The injured are receiving treatment at a hospital.
