Karnataka High Court Rules Homestay Owner's Arrest Illegal in US Tourist Case, Grants ₹5 Lakh Compensation
The High Court of Karnataka has declared the arrest of a homestay owner in Kodagu district as illegal in connection with the alleged rape of a 33-year-old US citizen by the property's housekeeper. The court directed the state government to pay ₹5 lakh as compensation to the owner, who was arrested by the Kutta police in April 2026.
Justice M. Nagaprasanna delivered the order on July 15 while partly allowing a petition filed by the 55-year-old owner. The petitioner had challenged the legality of his arrest, claiming that the police lacked material evidence and failed to inform him of the reasons for his detention. He was held in judicial custody for 14 days before being released on bail.
The owner also contested allegations that he had pressured the survivor to conceal the incident. He stated that the woman did not report the alleged rape to him, his wife, or his mother, who jointly manage the homestay. The court, however, refused to quash the First Information Report (FIR) registered against the owner, stating that an investigation is necessary. It granted him the liberty to approach the court again based on the investigation's outcome.
The housekeeper, aged 45, has been charged with the rape. The case has drawn attention to legal procedures surrounding arrests and victim rights in tourist-related crimes.
