Pramesh S Jain
A US National was allegedly sexually assaulted by the staff of homestay where she was staying in Kutta of Kodagu district.
The police arrested two persons including the staff and owner of the homestay in connection with the case.
The incident reportedly took place last week but came to light after the survivor alerted officials at the United States Embassy after she checked out .
Based on her complaint from the embassy the Kodagu police registered a case and initiated an investigation.
According to the complaint,the woman alleged that her drinks were laced with intoxicants before she was assaulted.
She also accused the homestay owner of attempting to suppress the incident and failing to assist her in approaching the police.
The accused even blocked the wifi connection of the victim to prevent her from escalating the incident.
The victim after three days or the incident managed to escape citing a reason that she has to go to mysuru . After which the victim contacted embassy officials,who then facilitated communication with local authorities.
The Police have arrested the prime accused, an employee at the homestay and a native of Jharkhand.
The homestay owner has also been taken into custody for allegedly withholding assistance and attempting to cover up the crime.
Superintendent of Police,Kodagu,confirmed the arrests and said further investigation is underway.
Kodagu Homestay Incident:Strict Action
Karnataka Home Minister,Dr.G.Parameshwara said that action was taken as soon as the police came to know about the rape of a foreign woman in a homestay in Kodagu.
Speaking to reporters in the city,he said that a circular has already been issued to homestays.According to it, homestay owners should behave.
Who runs a homestay,does it have a license?We have given an SOP on what steps to take to run a homestay.
When incidents go beyond that,action will have to be taken as per the law.The police arrested the accused as soon as they came to know about the incident that took place in Kodagu.He said that action will be taken as per the law.
Such incidents do not send a good message to the state or the society.What kind of message does it send when something else happens to those who come from outside?.
What kind of message does it send outside about our society and the country.Strict action will be taken in this matter, he said.
It seems that they tried to cover up after the incident happened.As soon as the police found out, they took him into custody and remanded him in judicial custody. It is said that the accused is from Jharkhand.They said that they will investigate.
I will not talk much about the court order regarding betting.I said it like everyone in the village talks when a kabaddi game is going on.
From a legal point of view,it is wrong.But how I said it is important.If I had said that I would promote betting,it would not be right.If I were a responsible person,it would be a lie.It depends on the interpretation.
It is as if I cannot do anything funny.I respect the law.I am handling the responsibility of protecting the law. Shouldn’t I respect the law?I have left it to the law to take whatever action it takes,he said.
No notice was given by the court.If a notice had been received,it would have been interpreted.They were convinced not to take it seriously.No notice was received.The order was issued suddenly.The law should be respected,he said.
He said that the issue of cabinet reshuffle is left to the Chief Minister and the high command.It is irrelevant if we say so.
