MP Rajashekar Hitnal stirs row by terming sexual assault as minor issue

KOPPAL: Koppal MP Rajashekar Hitnal has sparked controversy by describing a rape and murder case as a “small incident” during a tourism event in Koppal district. He was speaking in the context of the rape and murder of a foreign woman near Sanapur in Gangavati taluk last year.

Hitnal made the remarks at a tourism exploration event, saying, “We had a small incident… a rape and murder happened, it’s a small incident”. He later clarified, “It was a big incident, it shouldn’t have happened, it’s a painful thing”.

He added that the incident had received widespread publicity, including international coverage, and had impacted tourism in the area, with a 50 per cent decline. The comments have sparked outrage, with many criticizing Hitnal for downplaying the severity of the crime.