Homestay Owner in Kodagu Rape Case Granted Bail

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Madikeri: Two weeks after a homestay owner in Kutta, Kodagu, was booked in connection with the alleged rape of a US tourist, the II Additional District and Sessions Court in Kodagu granted him bail on Saturday.

The owner had been charged with attempting to suppress the incident. He was arrested on April 18 along with a cook employed at the homestay, who has been accused of rape. Both were initially remanded in judicial custody.

According to court conditions, the owner has been granted bail on a personal bond of ₹1 lakh with two sureties of the same amount, TOI reported. The court directed him to appear for all hearings, refrain from tampering with witnesses or evidence, not leave the jurisdiction without prior permission, and cooperate fully with the investigation, according to the TOI report. His advocate, Kokkanda Appanna, said the release is likely to take place on Monday, as the bail order was issued late on Saturday. Until then, he will remain in custody.

Both the owner and the worker had been remanded to judicial custody until May 3.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka government has initiated administrative action in the case. The Tourism Department cancelled the registration of the homestay, citing violations of safety norms.

The incident has sparked concerns over the safety of tourists and the effectiveness of regulatory oversight of homestays in Kodagu, a popular destination among domestic and international travellers.

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