Karnataka Christians outraged by assault and rape in Hampi
The young son of a bishop of the (Protestant) Church of North India died and two women were raped in a crime committed at a well-known tourist site. The Catholic bishop of Bellary, Mgr D'Souza, calls for “culture of safety and security for all women".
Hampi (AsiaNews) – A horrendous crime that took place in Hampi (Karnataka), involving a group of tourists, has deeply shaken the local community, in particular, Christians.
Last Thursday, three young men allegedly attacked a group of five people, pushing three men into a water canal and raping two women, an Israeli tourist and Indian homestay operator.
One of the three men drowned. Ninas Nayak, a young man from Odisha, was the son of Bishop Bijay Nayak of the Church of North India (CNI).
The place where the incident took place also caused a stir. Hampi is recognised UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is visited every year by tens of thousands of tourists.
The Indian woman was accompanying two foreign tourists and two Indians to stargaze near the Tungabhadra Canal. Three men approached the group with an excuse and then tried to extort money from them.
A verbal clash ensued between one of the tourists and the attackers, which led to a violent escalation. In a fit of rage, the attackers pushed the men into the canal and sexually attacked the women.
Karnataka Home Affairs Minister G Parameshwara tried to be reassuring, stressing that security measures in major tourist destinations, including Hampi, will be significantly strengthened.
Meanwhile, the three perpetrators of the attack have been identified and arrested.
The Church of North India expressed “profound sadness and deep grief” over the death of Bibhas Nayak “the beloved son” of its moderator and bishop of Agra.
The victim is remembered as “a God-fearing, humble, and dedicated young man, known for his unwavering faith in Christ and his commitment to the Church. He touched the lives of many with his gentle spirit, kindness, and compassionate heart.”
Bishop Henry D'Souza of the Catholic Diocese of Bellary extended his condolences. “I am really shocked and deeply upset that two women were brutally raped when the whole world was celebrating International Women's Day,” he told AsiaNews.
“We need to create a culture of safety and security for all women in all places. The police, the judiciary and the public must act quickly and in an exemplary manner to ensure that such heinous acts do not happen again."
Speaking about the young man who died, Bishop D’ Souza said: “We are shocked and deeply mourn his untimely death in a sad incident. We pray that he be welcomed into paradise and made to share in the glory of the Risen Lord! Our heartfelt condolences to CNI Moderator Bishop BK Nayak and all his dear ones.”
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07/02/2019 17:28
