Bengaluru:
Days after an Israeli tourist’s gang-rape near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi in Karnataka, the police have increased night patrolling and launched raids on hotels, assuring better security amid a reported outflow of foreign tourists from the state.
Koppal Superintendent of Police L Arasiddi held random checks for drugs at homestays and resorts in Basapura, Anegundi, and Sanapur area, and verified their documents.
The police have also asked resort and homestay owners to follow some security protocols, especially for foreign visitors. They have been strictly asked to install CCTV cameras and inform the local police station about foreign tourists visiting their place, he said.
“They (foreign tourists) need to compulsorily fill form C and share the details of visa, passport, and submit passport size photos to the nearest local police station,” Mr Arasiddi told news agency PTI.
Barricades have been erected for vehicle checks and highway patrolling vehicles have been doubled. To ensure better security during the late hours, an inspector-level officer will be on night rounds in the Anegundi and Sanapur areas, added the senior officer.
The police have also asked homestay owners to advise their guests not to step out at night in view of animal attacks in the past.
The gang-rape of the Israeli woman and a homestay owner by three men last week has sparked security concerns among tourists. Another traveller from Odisha was found dead after he and two others were pushed into a canal by the same attackers.
The incident took place late Thursday night when a group of travellers were stargazing near the canal. All three suspects have been arrested.
The gang-rape sparked fear among the foreigners and many reportedly left Hampi despite an assurance from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah that the state government was committed to providing security to tourists.
“Our government is committed to providing protection to everyone, including tourists, coming to the state. All necessary measures will be taken to ensure that such incidents do not recur,” the Chief Minister asserted.
