Kodagu Homestay Licence Cancelled After Alleged Assault of US traveller

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Kutta/Madikeri: The Karnataka government has cancelled the operating licence of a homestay in Kodagu following allegations that a solo woman traveller from Washington was sexually assaulted on the premises. Officials confirmed on Thursday that the property, located in Kutta village, has been ordered to shut after initial inquiries pointed to grave violations of safety standards and failure to protect guests.

According to the survivor’s complaint, she checked into the homestay on April 12. She has alleged that the cook, identified as the primary accused, allegedly tampered with her drink, leaving her in a semi-conscious state, after which she was assaulted. Sources indicated that she had stayed at the same homestay on a previous occasion as well.

Police officials stated that the woman continued to remain at the property until April 15, including for several days after the alleged incident. She later travelled to Mysuru, where she was admitted to a private hospital for treatment.

The matter came to the attention of authorities only after the woman contacted the United States Embassy in New Delhi upon leaving Kodagu. Following this alert, Indian authorities initiated action, and a formal case was registered on April 19.

Subsequently, the police arrested both the cook and the owner of the homestay. The owner is suspected of involvement in the case, including possible attempts to obstruct the investigation. Both individuals have been remanded to judicial custody until May 3.

Investigators are also examining claims that communication services at the homestay, including Wi-Fi connectivity, were deliberately disabled after the incident. A senior police officer confirmed that the survivor’s statement has been formally recorded before a magistrate under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

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