Karnataka MP sparks outrage: Calls Sanapur rape-murder 'minor incident'

• K Rajashekhar Hitnal, Congress MP from Koppal, termed a brutal gang-rape and murder near Sanapur village a "minor incident".
• The incident involved the rape of two tourists and the murder of one male tourist near Sanapur Lake in March 2025.
• His remarks, made at a tourism event, sparked widespread outrage from women's rights groups and opposition parties.
• Critics highlighted the insensitivity of the comments, especially given the significant tourism fallout in the Sanapur-Hampi region.
• Opposition leaders from JD(S) and BJP condemned Hitnal's statements, calling them irresponsible and unbecoming of an MP.

Why It Matters: Congress MP K Rajashekhar Hitnal faced severe backlash for downplaying a horrific rape-murder as a 'minor incident'.