A controversy has erupted in Karnataka following remarks made by a Congress MP regarding the Sanapur rape-murder case of March 2025. K. Rajashekhar Hitnal, a Congress MP from Koppal, reportedly described the incident as a "small incident," sparking widespread outrage and condemnation.
The Sanapur incident involved the gang rape of an Israeli tourist and a homestay operator near Sanapur Lake, close to Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A male tourist from Odisha, who was with the women, was pushed into a canal by the attackers and subsequently died. The crime sent shockwaves through the state and raised concerns about the safety of tourists in the region.
Hitnal's comment has been met with severe criticism from opposition parties, women's rights groups, and the public. Critics accuse the MP of trivializing a heinous crime and displaying insensitivity towards the victims and their families. The remarks have reignited debates about political accountability, the sensitivity of public officials, and the importance of ensuring justice for victims of sexual violence.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and civil society groups have strongly condemned Hitnal's statement, calling it "insensitive" and "deeply irresponsible". Women's rights activists have also joined in the criticism, emphasizing the need for elected officials to demonstrate empathy and understanding when addressing such sensitive issues.
The Sanapur case is currently under investigation, with demands for swift justice and stricter law enforcement to prevent similar incidents in the future. The police have registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including gang rape and attempted murder, and have deployed multiple teams to apprehend the culprits.
This is not the first time a Congress leader in Karnataka has faced backlash for insensitive comments regarding sexual violence. In December 2021, a Karnataka Congress MLA, K.R. Ramesh Kumar, apologized for making a highly reprehensible "enjoy rape" remark in the state assembly, which triggered massive outrage.
