Rohan Umak
US woman raped: The Karnataka government on Friday landed on a decisive move signalling zero tolerance towards crimes against women, as the Kodagu district administration cancelled the license of a homestay in Kutta village, where a female US tourist was raped days ago.
Officials said that the incident was reported on April 12 at the Devi Villa homestay, located under Ponnampet Taluk. The American female accused a staff member employed at the homestay of violating her at the property, which had been granted tourism department approval earlier this year.
2 including homestay owner arrested
The police had already booked a case against the accused, as well as the property owner, PA Ponnappa, and had arrested them upon receipt of the information. The accused duo was produced before a local court, which remanded them to judicial custody until May 3, 2026.
The investigating police personnel said they are now examining the critical aspects of the case, as the woman alleged that her drink had been spiked with an intoxicant before she fell prey to the sexual assault. Claims of Wi-fi being disconnected at the homestay during the assault have also emerged, which are being probed at length.
US woman raped: License revoked after district administration’s order
Acting on recommendations by the police, Deputy Commissioner Vijay Kumar, who also heads the tourism development committee of the district, revoked the operating license of the homestay, keeping in view the gravity of the allegations.
An official aware of the development said that strict action would be taken in such cases, emphasising that safety and compliance remain non-negotiable. Since the license’s cancellation, the move has become central to a wider enforcement drive across the district, known for its thriving homestay tourism sector.
District’s Superintendent of Police (SP) RK Bindu Mani said that the investigation into the incident is underway, and the cops are amassing evidence to ensure a comprehensive probe. All station house officers (SHOs) of the district have meanwhile been directed to conduct regular inspections and submit detailed reports. Karnataka’s Home Minister G Parameshwara also weighed into the incident, underscoring that the police acted promptly upon receiving a complaint.
