US Tourist Drugged and Raped in a Homestay in Karnataka
A U.S. woman was allegedly drugged and assaulted at a homestay in Karnataka, after which both the cook and owner were arrested for the crime and attempted cover-up.
In April 2026, a woman from the United States travelled solo to a homestay in Kutta village, Kodagu, Karnataka—a place she had visited just weeks earlier.
On 12 April, shortly after arriving, she was given a drink by the cook, allegedly laced with an intoxicant. Within minutes, she lost physical control but remained conscious. In that vulnerable state, she was sexually assaulted.
Shaken but alert, she later refused further food offered by the cook and managed to contact a friend back home. Fearful and unsure of support, she stayed quiet initially. That night, when the cook approached her again, she panicked and sought safety.
What followed made matters worse. Instead of helping, the homestay owner allegedly tried to suppress the incident—cutting off WiFi, restricting her communication, and warning her against contacting anyone.
Despite this, she quietly gathered evidence over the next two days. Around 15–16 April, she left the property under the pretext of travelling to Mysuru. Once safe, she reached out to the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, while her friend had already alerted authorities.
This triggered official action. Karnataka Police registered a case, examined CCTV footage, and identified two accused—the cook and the homestay owner for attempted cover-up. Both were arrested and sent to judicial custody, and the homestay’s licence was cancelled.
The survivor has since returned to the United States, while legal proceedings in India continue.
