The Karnataka High Court rules that the arrest of a Kodagu homestay owner in connection with an alleged rape of a US national is illegal and directs the Karnataka government to pay the owner ₹5 lakh in compensation. The court characterizes the arrest as violating safeguards and constitutional personal-liberty protections, noting that police did not follow Supreme Court guidelines on arrest. It orders the compensation to be paid within four weeks.
While granting relief against the arrest, the High Court does not quash the criminal proceedings. It states that the FIR and investigation should continue, observing that challenges to the FIR are not accepted at this stage because the inquiry must proceed. Reports also indicate that the owner had sought higher compensation and had challenged both the arrest and the case.
The underlying allegations stem from an incident reported in April 2026 involving a 33-year-old US national staying at the homestay, where the complainant alleges she was drugged, lost consciousness, and was sexually assaulted by a 45-year-old housekeeper. The complainant also alleges the homestay owner’s involvement in coercion and attempts to suppress information. The housekeeper case continues under investigation.
