Death Penalty for Three in Koppal Case Involving Assault on Israeli Tourist and Murder of Visitor

A district sessions court in Koppal, Karnataka, has awarded the death penalty to three men in a shocking case involving the assault of an Israeli tourist and the murder of a visitor. The verdict was delivered on Monday.

The incident took place in March last year near the Tungabhadra left canal. A 27-year-old woman from Israel, Daniel (23) from the United States, Pankaj (43) from Nashik, and Dibas (42) from Odisha were staying at a homestay in Anegundi.

On the night of the incident, they, along with the homestay host, attended a small music gathering near Rangapura Gangamma temple close to Sanapura lake. During the event, three intoxicated men approached them and demanded money. When their demand was refused, they allegedly misbehaved with the two women.

Daniel, Pankaj, and Dibas tried to intervene. In retaliation, the accused pushed the three men into the Tungabhadra left canal. They then assaulted the two women.

While Daniel and Pankaj managed to swim back to safety, Dibas drowned and lost his life.

Following the incident, police arrested Mallesh alias Handimalla, Sai, and Sharanappa. After detailed hearings, the Koppal Sessions Court found them guilty and sentenced all three to death.