Kodagu (Karnataka), Apr 22 (PTI) A US national was “sexually assaulted” by a staff member of a homestay in this district, police said on Wednesday.
The incident occurred a week ago at a homestay in Kutta village in Kodagu, they said.
The staff member, a native of Jharkhand who worked in the hospitality section of the homestay, has been arrested in connection with the incident.
The owner of the homestay has also been arrested for allegedly failing to inform the police after the woman complained to him about the assault, a senior police officer said.
According to police, the woman alleged that her drink was spiked and she was subsequently “sexually assaulted” by the staff member at the homestay.
Later, when she approached the homestay owner regarding the incident, he allegedly attempted to suppress the matter and disconnected Wi-Fi services for three days, preventing her from contacting anyone during that period.
After regaining access, she allegedly left the premises under the pretext of travelling to Mysuru.
She later approached US embassy officials, who facilitated communication with local authorities.
Based on her complaint, a case of sexual assault was registered, and due procedure was followed.
The accused have been arrested and remanded to judicial custody, Kodagu Superintendent of Police Bindu Mani R N told PTI.
State Home Minister G Parameshwara said that as soon as the matter came to light, the police arrested the accused and further action would be taken as per law.
“Action must be taken accordingly. Whoever is running such establishments, like homestays, must have proper licensing. We have already issued SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) on the requirements for operating homestays. If such incidents occur in violation of those norms, legal action must be taken,” he told reporters.
The minister said such incidents send a negative message about the state and society.
“Especially when foreigners are involved, it affects the image of our society and country. That is why strict action is necessary, and we are taking it. It appears that there were attempts to cover up the incident after it occurred. However, once the police received information, they acted promptly and secured the accused,” he added.
Kodagu district in-charge minister N S Boseraju has directed officials to conduct a prompt investigation and submit a detailed report.
Soon after the incident came to light, the minister’s office said in a statement that he spoke over the phone with the Kodagu Superintendent of Police and sought details of the case.
An FIR has already been registered, and two accused have been taken into custody while the investigation is underway, it said.
“Kodagu district is globally known for tourism. Such unfortunate incidents can have a serious negative impact on the district’s reputation and tourism sector. A fair and impartial investigation must be conducted, and stringent action should be taken against those found guilty,” he directed, according to the minister’s office.
BJP MLC C T Ravi said safety, dignity, and accountability must be non-negotiable, urging the state government to take swift and stringent action against all those involved and ensure justice is delivered without delay.
“The horrific assault on a foreign woman in Kutta village of Kodagu is deeply shameful and unacceptable. Such incidents strike at the very soul of India’s ethos of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (The guest is God). This is not just a crime against an individual, but a blot on our nation’s image and values,” he said in a post on X. PTI AMP SSK
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