US Tourist Alleges Rape at Kodagu Homestay, Two Arrested in Shocking Incident
In a deeply disturbing event that has rattled the serene hill station of Kodagu, a US national has alleged she was raped at a homestay in Kutta last week. The survivor, a solo traveler from Washington, reported being served a drink spiked with intoxicants, leading to her assault. She further claimed that she was unable to seek immediate help as the property's Wi-Fi remained disconnected for three days following the incident.
Arrests and Police Action
Authorities have arrested Brijeshkumar, a cook from Jharkhand employed at the homestay, on rape charges. Additionally, the homestay owner, Vishal Ponnana, was taken into custody for allegedly attempting to suppress the crime. Both individuals have been remanded in judicial custody until May 3. A top police officer in Bengaluru confirmed that a medical examination has substantiated the rape allegation.
Timeline of Events and Survivor's Ordeal
The survivor had checked into the homestay on April 12 for her second visit, having previously stayed there in March. According to her complaint, she slipped into a semi-conscious state after consuming the spiked drink and was then assaulted. The incident came to light when she contacted the US Embassy in New Delhi on April 17. This information was relayed to the Indian government, which alerted the Karnataka home department, resulting in a case being registered on April 19.
She stayed at the property until April 17 before traveling to Mysuru, where she was admitted to a private hospital. A police officer noted that the survivor was not comfortable reporting the incident immediately and only approached the authorities after leaving Kodagu.
Official Responses and Investigations
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that police acted on communication from the Union Home Ministry to arrest the accused. He emphasized that authorities will check whether the homestay possesses a valid license and adheres to standard operating procedures. "If violations are found, legal action will be taken," he added.
Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's legal adviser, A S Ponnanna, confirmed that details are being withheld to protect the survivor's identity, and she has requested privacy until her return to the US. Kodagu District In-charge Minister N S Boseraju directed police to conduct a thorough probe into the matter.
Ongoing Forensic and Digital Evidence Collection
Police officials have indicated that forensic analysis and the collection of digital evidence are currently underway. "We are ensuring a thorough and impartial probe. All angles, including possible complicity, are being examined," a police officer stated. The homestay management has cooperated by sharing CCTV footage with investigators and has temporarily suspended bookings.
Political and Public Reactions
The incident has sparked outrage, with BJP MLC C T Ravi posting on social media platform X, calling the assault "deeply shameful and unacceptable." He remarked that such events strike at India's ethos of "Atithi Devo Bhava" (the guest is god) and urged the state government to ensure swift justice. This case has raised concerns about safety protocols in tourist accommodations and the broader impact on India's international image.
