Karnataka: US National Allegedly Sexually Assaulted at Kodagu Homestay; Two Arrested

A US national was allegedly sexually assaulted at a homestay in Karnataka's Kodagu district, with police arresting two men in connection with the incident, officials said on Wednesday.

The incident took place about a week ago at a homestay in Kutta village in Kodagu. The victim alleged that her drink was spiked before she was sexually assaulted.

The main accused, a staff member from Jharkhand working as a cook and caretaker at the homestay, has been booked for sexual assault. According to a report by The New Indian Express, the homestay owner has also been arrested for allegedly attempting to cover up the crime and failing to inform authorities.

He allegedly disconnected WiFi services for three days, preventing the woman from contacting anyone during that period.

The victim later left the premises under the pretext of travelling to Mysuru and subsequently reported the matter. The case came to light several days later, after the woman managed to contact the US Consulate.

Kodagu Superintendent of Police Bindu Mani RK told NDTV that "a case of sexual assault involving a foreign national had been registered and all due procedures were followed."

Both accused have been arrested and sent to judicial custody until May 3, police said, adding that further investigation is underway.