US Tourist Allegedly Raped at Kodagu Homestay; Accused, Owner Arrested

Bengaluru: The allegation that a female tourist from the USA was raped at a homestay in Kodagu district led to the arrest of the accused and the property owner on charges of trying to suppress the incident.

The incident reportedly took place about a week ago within the limits of Kutta police station near Nagarahole National Park. The victim, who was traveling alone and hailed from Washington, was staying with a homestay when a worker identified as Vrujesh Kumar from Jharkhand allegedly sexually harassed her.

Following the incident, the victim approached the Kodagu police to lodge a complaint through the US Embassy. Acting on the complaint, the police arrested the owner of the house, Vishal Ponnanna, as well as the accused. Both were kept in judicial custody until May 3.

Kodagu Police Commissioner Bindu Mani clarified that reports suggesting that the victim was drugged were false. “The claim that the woman was drugged before the attack is false,” she said, adding that the victim stayed at home for three days.

Reacting to the incident, Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwar said that the accused were arrested immediately after the police were informed. He said attempts were made to cover up the incident, but police moved quickly to secure the suspect and collect evidence.

He also emphasized that stringent Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are in place for operating homestays and warned that legal action will be taken against those who violate these norms.