A disturbing case has emerged from Kodagu, where a US tourist was sexually assaulted at a homestay in Kutta village near Coorg. The woman had reportedly checked in for a three-day stay when a staff member, identified as Brijeshkumar from Jharkhand, spiked her drink with an intoxicating substance and ra*ed her.
The situation worsened as the homestay owner, Vishal Ponnana, is accused of attempting to suppress the incident by cutting off Wi-Fi services for nearly three days, effectively isolating the victim and preventing her from seeking help. The woman later managed to leave the property by informing the accused she was travelling to Mysuru. After regaining access to communication, she contacted the United States Embassy via email, which promptly alerted Indian authorities.
Based on her complaint, local police registered a case and arrested both the accused. A medical examination has confirmed sexual assault, and forensic procedures are underway. Statements are being recorded as part of the investigation. Both Brijeshkumar and Vishal Ponnana have been remanded to judicial custody until May 3.
