A US national was allegedly raped at a house in Karnataka’s Kodagu district, after consuming a drink laced with the substance. Police said on Tuesday that they had arrested two people in connection with the case.
She is a woman residing in Washington visiting India and was staying in a house in the village of Kota.
A police officer involved in the investigation said: “The victim claimed that she was given a drink mixed with intoxicants, and she was assaulted as a result. Based on her complaint and the evidence supporting it, we registered a case and detained the accused.”
The accused is a resident of Jharkhand, and the owner of the house is also being investigated for trying to prevent the woman from seeking help.
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The residence holder is under the scanner
The case has taken a more serious turn with allegations against the homeowner who is suspected of trying to suppress the incident. Police said the owner cut off the victim’s Wi-Fi service for three days, preventing her from contacting anyone or seeking help.
“Prima facie, there is evidence to suggest that the homeowner tried to restrict the victim’s communications. His role is under investigation and he has also been arrested,” the officer added.
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The police revealed that the victim was able to leave the house after three days and informed the owner that she was heading to Mysuru. She then contacted authorities in the US, after which US officials contacted the Indian police via email.
The officer said: “Based on communications from the US embassy authorities, we initiated official procedures. The case was registered immediately, and investigation teams were deployed.”
Both the accused and the homeowner were remanded in judicial custody until May 3 by a local court.
MEA officials are in contact with the police
The incident also caught the attention of the Ministry of External Affairs, with officials from Delhi and Chennai contacting the police to review the situation and coordinate further action.
However, the district administration has so far refrained from providing detailed public statements, due to the sensitivity of the issue.
Police officers said further investigations are underway, including forensic examination and digital evidence collection. “We are ensuring a thorough and impartial investigation. All angles, including possible collusion, are being examined,” the officer said.
