The Kodagu district administration has canceled the home stay license in Kota village following a sexual assault case involving a US citizen, officials said on Thursday.
The action follows an incident reported on April 12 at Devi Villa, a homestay in Kota in Bonampet taluk, where an American woman alleged that a staff member sexually assaulted her. The property owned by PA Ponnappa received permission from the Ministry of Tourism on January 15, 2024.
The police registered a case against the cook, identified as the main accused, and the owner. Officials said there were allegations of attempts to suppress the incident.
Kota police arrested both the persons and produced them before the court, which remanded them to judicial custody for 14 days till May 3. Investigators are also examining whether the victim’s drink was tampered with and whether communications at the property were restricted after the incident.
Following a recommendation from the police, Deputy Commissioner Vijay Kumar, who is also the Chairman of the District Tourism Development Committee, canceled the operating license of the accommodation.
“The homestay license has been canceled based on police recommendations and the seriousness of the crime. Strict action will be taken in such cases,” an officer said.
The repeal became the focus of a broader enforcement campaign, with authorities indicating that compliance with licensing standards would be strictly monitored throughout Kodagu, a region known for homestay tourism.
Superintendent of Police RK Bindu Mani said the investigation into the case is ongoing. “The investigation into the sexual assault case is ongoing. We are collecting all evidence related to the incident and ensuring a thorough investigation,” she said. “All station officials have been directed to conduct regular checks on accommodation and submit reports.”
The authorities have introduced additional monitoring measures, including mandatory monthly meetings with accommodation operators to ensure compliance with safety standards and legal requirements.
According to the region’s tourism official, Dee Sandesh, unregulated operations remain a concern. “According to official data, around 3,000 houses in Kodagu have been registered with the department. However, there are around 1,000 houses operating illegally. We will check these houses and take action against them,” he said.
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said the police acted quickly after receiving information about the case.
“As soon as the matter came to light, the police arrested the accused. Further action will be taken in accordance with the law,” the minister said.
He added that attempts were made to hide the incident. “It appears that after the incident, there were attempts to cover it up. But as soon as the police received information, they acted immediately and gathered details,” Parameshwara said.
Emphasizing the need to adhere to the regulations, he said: “Actions must be taken accordingly. Whoever runs such establishments as a homestay must obtain the appropriate licence. We have already established standard operating procedures on what must be followed to run a homestay. If such incidents occur in violation of those standards, legal action must be taken.”
The Home Secretary also noted the wider ramifications of such cases.
“Such incidents do not send a good message about the Indian state or society. Especially when it comes to outsiders or foreigners, it reflects on our society and our country. That is why it is necessary to take strict measures, and we are taking them,” he said.
