Mon Mar 10 09:02:59 UTC 2025: ## Odisha Swimmer Dies Protecting Tourists From Gang Rape Near Hampi
**Hampi, Karnataka – March 10, 2025** – Bibhas Nayak, a 29-year-old expert swimmer from Odisha, tragically lost his life while protecting two women, including an Israeli national, from a gang rape near Hampi, Karnataka, on March 6th. The horrific incident has sparked nationwide outrage.
Nayak, a BBA graduate and Masters student, was reportedly with four friends – two women and two men – when they were attacked by miscreants. According to survivors, Nayak initially attempted to de-escalate the situation by offering money. However, when the attackers turned violent, the three men intervened. Nayak was struck with a large boulder, rendering him unconscious before being thrown into a canal. Two of the friends managed to escape and swim to safety, while Nayak drowned.
His brother-in-law, Akash Paul, recounted the harrowing details provided by the survivors, highlighting Nayak’s bravery in the face of danger. Paul, along with Nayak’s father, Bishop Bijay Kumar Nayak of the Church of North India, travelled to Karnataka to retrieve his body after it was recovered from the canal on March 7th.
Nayak, described by his cousin as a nature lover with a passion for travel, was pursuing his Masters in Finance and Administration. His death has left his family and friends devastated. His funeral was held on March 9th in G. Udaygiri, Kanadhal district.
Karnataka Police have arrested three individuals in connection with the gang rape and murder. The investigation is ongoing.
First Piper 