KUTTA, India: A female tourist from the United States has alleged that she was drugged, raped and illegally confined at a homestay in India’s southern Karnataka state, police said, in a case that has raised fresh concerns about the safety of foreign tourists in the country.
Police in Kodagu district said two men — a homestay employee and the property’s owner — have been arrested in connection with the rape incident, which took place on April 12 in Kutta village.
According to police sources cited by Indian media, the woman had arrived at the homestay for a three-day stay when the sexual assault occurred.
A woman tourist from the #US was allegedly sexually assaulted in a homestay in #Kutta in Kodagu district. "The woman had arrived to stay in the homestay for 3 days. Immediately after the incident she approached the embassy," explained police sources.
Know more… pic.twitter.com/Vv11T5rlM9
— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) April 22, 2026
Police said the employee, identified as a resident of Jharkhand, is accused of lacing the victim’s drink with intoxicants before sexually assaulting her while she was unconscious.
“The victim has alleged that she was administered a drink mixed with intoxicants, following which she was assaulted,” a police officer told Hindustan Times.
“Based on her complaint and supporting evidence, we have registered a case and taken the accused into custody.”
Kodagu Superintendent of Police B. Indumani confirmed that the incident occurred on April 12.
A foreign woman has been raped at a private homestay in Kutta village, which falls under the Kutta police station limits in Ponnampet taluk, Kodagu district.
The woman, who is from Washington, USA, was staying at a homestay called Devi Villa on April 19th when she was allegedly… https://t.co/0kkyhQNX6U pic.twitter.com/Add9UzeP0Y
— Hate Detector 🔍 (@HateDetectors) April 22, 2026
Illegal confinement and cover-up
Police said the case intensified after allegations that the homestay owner attempted to suppress the incident.
According to investigators, the victim reported the assault to the owner after regaining consciousness.
The owner allegedly urged her not to report the crime to avoid reputational damage and offered to waive her stay charges.
A US tourist allegedly raped at a homestay in Karnataka's Kodagu; owner, staff arrested @sagayrajp #Karnataka #News #SoSouth @nagarjund pic.twitter.com/O8FcYpmOtZ
— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) April 22, 2026
When she refused, he allegedly confiscated her mobile phone and confined her inside a room for three days, restricting her ability to contact anyone.
Police told Hindustan Times that there was preliminary evidence suggesting her access to Wi-Fi was deliberately cut off during this period.
A US Woman drugged and raped by VRUJESH KUMAR in a homestay in Coorg.
The homestay owner disconnected WiFi services for three days, preventing the victim from seeking help. pic.twitter.com/oTobGwkisN
— Drunk Journalist (@drunkJournalist) April 22, 2026
“The role of the homestay owner is under investigation. Prima facie, there is evidence to suggest that he tried to restrict the victim’s communication,” an officer said.
The woman was reportedly released after she assured the owner she would not make the incident public.
US Embassy contact
After leaving the homestay, the woman travelled to Mysuru, where she contacted US authorities and reported the incident through the embassy.
“Immediately after the incident, she approached the embassy,” police sources said.
Officials said communication from the US embassy prompted Indian authorities to initiate formal proceedings.
“Acting on communication from US embassy authorities, we initiated formal proceedings. The case was registered promptly, and investigation teams were deployed,” police told Hindustan Times.
Concerns over safety of foreign tourists
The case has once again highlighted concerns about the safety of foreign tourists, particularly women, travelling in India.
Incidents ranging from sexual harassment and aggressive behaviour to serious crimes have regularly drawn international attention.
Travel advisories issued by several countries, including the United Kingdom, warn that women travellers should exercise caution, noting risks of physical harassment even in group settings.
Recent cases have reinforced these concerns. In February 2026, a foreign female traveller reported being sexually harassed by two men in Mumbai.
Earlier incidents have also underscored the risks. In 2014, a Danish tourist was gang-raped near New Delhi after being lured to an isolated area.
In 2017, a Swiss couple was attacked by a group of men near Fatehpur Sikri.
Other cases have involved harassment, fraud and inappropriate physical contact targeting foreign visitors.
Such incidents contribute to a perception of insecurity among international travellers.
