‘Trapped for days’: American tourist alleges rape, claims Karnataka homestay owner silenced her

Kodagu: A chilling case of alleged sexual assault involving a foreign national has surfaced from Karnataka’s Kodagu district, where a US-based woman has accused a man of raping her after spiking her drink with intoxicants at a homestay in Kutta village.

Police have arrested two individuals in connection with the case, including the prime accused, while the homestay owner is also under investigation for allegedly attempting to suppress the incident.

According to investigators, the woman, a Washington-based tourist visiting India, alleged that she was administered a substance-laced drink, after which she was sexually assaulted.

“Based on the victim’s complaint and preliminary evidence, we have registered a case and taken the accused into custody,” a police officer said.

Reacting to the incident, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said strict action will be taken, stressing licensing norms and condemning any cover-up attempts.

The case took a more disturbing turn after allegations surfaced against the homestay owner, who is suspected of restricting the victim’s communication. Police said the owner allegedly cut off her WiFi access for nearly three days, effectively isolating her and preventing her from seeking immediate help.

“Prima facie, there is material suggesting an attempt to limit her communication. The owner’s role is being probed, and he has also been arrested,” officials added.

The victim reportedly managed to leave the premises after three days, telling the owner she was travelling to Mysuru.

She later contacted authorities in the United States, prompting intervention from US officials who alerted Indian law enforcement via email.

Acting on this communication, police in Karnataka initiated formal proceedings and launched an investigation.

Both the accused and the homestay owner have been remanded to judicial custody until May 3, police confirmed.

The incident has also drawn attention at the diplomatic level, with officials from the Ministry of External Affairs coordinating with local police.

Authorities said a detailed probe is underway, including forensic analysis and examination of digital evidence.

“We are ensuring a thorough investigation. All possible angles, including complicity, are being examined,” police said.