American Tourist Allegedly Sexually Assaulted At Karnataka Homestay; Owner, Staff Arrested

Last Updated:April 22, 2026, 17:05 IST

The survivor, who is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital, is said to have approached the United States embassy soon after the alleged assault.

An American female tourist was allegedly sexually assaulted at a homestay in Kutta village in Karnataka’s Kodagu district. Following a complaint, police have arrested the homestay owner and a staff member in connection with the case.

According to sources, the incident took place last week during the woman’s stay at the property. The survivor is said to have approached the United States embassy soon after the alleged assault. Embassy officials then alerted local authorities, after which police initiated action, sources told The Times of India.

Police sources said the woman had checked into the homestay for a three-day stay. “Immediately after the incident she approached the embassy," a police official said.

A report by The Hindu stated that the homestay owner has also been arrested for “withholding assistance and attempting to cover up the crime".

Kodagu Superintendent of Police R N Bindu Mani confirmed the arrests. “A case of sexual assault on a foreign national has been registered in Kutta Police Station. We have arrested two accused and produced them before a local court which has sent them to judicial custody," the IPS officer said.

She added that the investigation is currently underway and further details will emerge as the probe progresses. The victim is presently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Mysuru.

The case has also triggered political reactions. In a post on X, BJP leader and Karnataka MLC C T Ravi strongly condemned the incident and called for strict action. He said the assault was “deeply shameful and unacceptable," adding that it goes against India’s cultural ethos of Atithi Devo Bhava.

“The horrific assault on a foreign woman in Kutta village of Kodagu is deeply shameful and unacceptable… This is not just a crime against an individual, but a blot on our nation’s image and values," Ravi wrote.

He urged Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to ensure a swift and thorough investigation and to hold all those responsible accountable. “Safety, dignity, and accountability must be non-negotiable," he added.

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