US tourist sexually assaulted in Karnataka by Jharkhand man; homestay owner tried to cover up crime

Bengaluru: Shocking details have emerged in connection with the rape of an American tourist. In her complaint, the victim stated that the accused, Vrijesh Kumar, allegedly spiked her drink and sexually assaulted her after she lost consciousness. Following the incident, the homestay owner reportedly prevented her from contacting anyone for three days, police said on Wednesday.

The woman tourist from the US, who had come to India on a trip, was staying at Devi Villa Homestay in Kutta village. During this time, a man identified as Vrijesh Kumar, a native of Jharkhand, allegedly mixed an intoxicating substance into a sweet drink and gave it to her. According to the complaint filed by the victim, he sexually assaulted her after she lost consciousness.

The complaint also states that the homestay owner, Vishal, allegedly attempted to cover up the incident after learning about it. He reportedly prevented the victim from contacting anyone for three days and even disconnected the homestay’s Wi-Fi.

After three days, the victim told them that she was going to Mysuru and managed to leave the place. Upon reaching Mysuru, the woman contacted the American Embassy and informed them about the horrifying incident.

The Embassy officials then reached out to Mysuru authorities via email and directed them to register a case. Following these instructions, a case was registered at a police station in Mysuru.

After the incident came to light, officials from the Ministry of External Affairs from Delhi and Chennai visited Kodagu on Tuesday. Meanwhile, both the rape accused and the homestay owner have been arrested in connection with the case.

The court has remanded them to judicial custody until May 3. The district Superintendent of Police stated that the investigation is ongoing and that further details cannot be disclosed at this stage.

Karnataka Home Minister, G. Parameshwara, said on Wednesday morning that there were attempts to hush up the case, but those attempts were foiled by the police.

Home Minister Parameshwara stated, “As soon as the matter came to light, the police arrested the accused. Further action will be taken as per the law.”

He added, “It appears that after the incident, there were attempts to cover it up. But once the police received information, they acted promptly and gathered details.”

“Action must be taken accordingly. Whoever is running such establishments as homestays must have proper licencing. We have already laid down SOPs on what needs to be followed to operate a homestay. If such incidents occur in violation of those norms, legal action must be taken,” he said.

“Such incidents do not send a good message about the state or Indian society. Especially when outsiders or foreigners are involved, it reflects on our society and our country. That is why strict action is necessary, and we are taking it,” he added.

IANS