Hindutva accounts spread misinformation, falsely blame Muslims for Israeli tourist's gang rape
Koppal: Soon after reports emerged about the gang rape of two women, including a 27-year-old Israeli tourist, near Sanapur Lake in Gangavati, Hindutva-aligned social media accounts launched a misinformation campaign falsely blaming Indian Muslims and linking the crime to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
False claims and hate campaign
Several far-right X accounts selectively highlighted the Israeli tourist's assault, falsely claiming it was an act of revenge by Indian Muslims for Palestine. A widely shared post, originally crafted by Hindutva influencer "Mr. Sinha," suggested a conspiracy, stating, “Since an Israeli national is involved, the involvement of pro-Palestinian elements can’t be denied.” Many accounts copy-pasted this message, tagging Union Home Minister Amit Shah and demanding a CBI probe.
Karnataka: An Israeli tourist and a woman from Odisha were rap*d and and three other male companions were badly assaulted. One of them are found dead in a canal.
— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) March 8, 2025
Since an Israeli national is involved, involvement of pro Palestinian elements can't be denied..@HMOIndia should… pic.twitter.com/X2N6SE714o
The misinformation campaign led to widespread anti-Muslim rhetoric online, with several users calling for a crackdown on the minority community. Some posts even falsely suggested that Islam encourages such crimes.
All three accused arrested
Karnataka Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi confirmed the arrest of all three accused involved in the case. Two suspects, 22-year-old Mallesh alias Handi Malla and 21-year-old Chetan Sai, both from Gangavathi taluk, were arrested on March 8. The third accused was arrested in Tamil Nadu after fleeing the state.
Incident details
The attack occurred on the night of March 6 near the Tungabhadra Left Bank Canal. The victims, including a homestay owner from Odisha, were stargazing with three male companions, one from the United States and two from Maharashtra and Odisha.
According to police, the accused initially approached the group under the pretext of asking for directions and then demanded Rs 100 from the Israeli tourist. When the group refused, the situation escalated. The attackers pushed the three male companions into the canal before assaulting the women. They fled the scene on a motorcycle.
The Karnataka government has assured strict action against the perpetrators, dismissing communal angles being falsely spread online.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
