Abroad
Two people, the accused and the homestay owner, have been arrested in connection with the case.
April 27, 2026, 12:45 PM
Trigger warning: The following article contains descriptions of sexual assault.
An American woman was allegedly raped at a homestay in the southwestern Indian state of Karnataka.
According to the Hindustan Times, the Washington-based woman was a tourist staying at a homestay in Kutta village.
Indian police said the victim alleged that she was administered a drink mixed with intoxicants, and that she was assaulted afterwards.
Two people, a cook and the homestay owner, have been arrested in connection with the case, said Indian police on Apr. 21.
Homestay owner disconnected WiFi
According to the Hindustan Times, the homestay owner disconnected the victim’s WiFi access for three days, in a suspected attempt to suppress the incident.
Indian police said this prevented the victim from seeking help.
A police officer involved in investigations said, “Prima facie, there is evidence to suggest that the homestay owner tried to restrict the victim’s communication. His role is under investigation, and he has also been arrested.”
Indian police revealed that the victim managed to leave the homestay after three days and informed the homestay owner that she was heading to Mysuru, a heritage city in the same state.
Contacted U.S. embassy
The Times of India reported that the woman had arrived to stay in the homestay for three days and that she approached the U.S. embassy immediately after the incident.
The victim underwent treatment at a private hospital in Mysuru, reported The Times of India.
According to the Hindustan Times, the police officer said, “Acting on communication from US embassy authorities, we initiated formal proceedings. The case was registered promptly, and investigation teams were deployed.”
The accused and the homestay owner have been remanded to judicial custody until May 3 by a local court, reported Hindustan Times.
Image from Hindustan Times and Canva
