Karnataka Congress MP Terms Sanapur Rape-Murder 'Small Incident', Faces Backlash

Last Updated:January 24, 2026, 13:24 IST

The MP called the Sanapur rape and murder a "small incident," sparking controversy. He later termed it "serious," noting tourism in Koppal dropped by 50% due to negative publicity.

Koppal MP and Congress leader Rajshekhar Hitnal. (Image: ANI/File)

Karnataka Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Rajshekhar Hitnal has sparked a controversy after terming the rape and murder of a woman of foreign origin near Sanapur in Gangavathi taluk in Koppal last year as a “small incident."

Hitnal made the remarks while speaking at a tourism exploration programme, jointly organised by the Union Ministry of Tourism and the Koppal District Tourism Committee, held at the Koppal district administration building. “There was a small incident here. A rape and murder took place," the Lok Sabha MP said, repeating the description twice.

The Congress leader later said the incident was a “serious and painful" one that should never have occurred, but added that it received extensive national and international attention. He claimed the impact was severe, with tourism in the region declining by nearly 50 per cent.

He further stated that despite having several tourist attractions, Koppal does not receive positive promotion, and that a single incident can lead to widespread negative publicity.

News politics Karnataka Congress MP Terms Sanapur Rape-Murder 'Small Incident', Faces Backlash

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