A sessions court in Karnataka has sentenced three men to death for raping two women tourists and murdering one of them in a brutal crime that had sparked widespread outrage across the state. The court found the accused guilty of gang rape, murder and related offences after examining forensic evidence, witness testimonies and other material placed on record by the prosecution.

According to investigators, the crime occurred when the two tourists were targeted during their visit to a popular destination in the region. One of the victims later succumbed to her injuries, while the other survived and testified during the trial.

Delivering the verdict, the judge observed that the nature of the crime fell under the “rarest of rare” category, warranting capital punishment. The court noted the extreme brutality involved and the impact of the offence on public safety and the dignity of women. The three convicts were awarded the death penalty for the murder charge, along with life imprisonment and additional sentences for the rape and other related offences, subject to concurrent running of terms as per law.

Also Read: Assam CM Labels Congress as 'BM Party' Captive to Divisive Forces

The case had drawn significant public attention, with protests and calls for swift justice emerging in the aftermath of the incident. Law enforcement agencies had launched a detailed investigation, leading to the arrest of the accused within days of the crime. Authorities had relied on technical evidence, including call data records and forensic findings, to establish the sequence of events.

Legal experts note that death sentences awarded by trial courts are subject to confirmation by the High Court and may subsequently be challenged before the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the verdict has been seen as a strong message against sexual violence, with officials reiterating their commitment to ensuring safety for residents and visitors in Karnataka.

Also Read: India and Japan Deepen Ties Across All Sectors