The Karnataka Police will present the investigation findings to the High Court on Tuesday regarding the sexual assault of an American tourist by a staff member from Jharkhand at a homestay in Madikeri. The court declined to grant a stay on the investigation against the accused homestay owner, Palekanda Ponnappa alias Vishal, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime.
A petition filed by the homestay owner argued that the alleged offenses are bailable and that his arrest without prior notice violates his rights. The court postponed the matter to Wednesday for further examination. In April 2026, the American tourist was reportedly assaulted after being drugged by the cook, Vrijesh Kumar, while staying at the villa.
The investigation revealed that the homestay owner, Vishal, allegedly tried to cover up the incident by disabling the property’s Wi-Fi to prevent the victim from seeking help. Following the victim’s escape and report to the American Embassy, both the cook and the owner were arrested. The Ministry of External Affairs and local police have initiated a criminal case, with officials monitoring the investigation progress in Madikeri.
Former Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara condemned the incident, emphasizing the need for strict enforcement of safety regulations in homestays. He highlighted the negative impact such cases have on the state and society, particularly involving foreign nationals.
