Kodagu Homestay Owner Asks Karnataka High Court to Quash Sexual Assault Case FIR

The Karnataka High Court in Bengaluru on Monday issued a notice to the Kutta police in Kodagu following a petition filed by a local homestay owner. The petitioner, Vishal Ponnana, has approached the court seeking the quashing of legal proceedings and an FIR registered against him in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a 33-year-old American tourist.

Justice M Nagaprasanna, describing the matter as serious, directed the authorities to secure the investigation papers and present them before the court by Wednesday.

The legal proceedings against Ponnana began after a Washington-based solo traveler checked into his homestay on April 12. According to the complaint, the tourist consumed a drink that left her in a semi-conscious state, after which she was allegedly held captive and sexually assaulted at the facility.

Following the allegations, Kutta police arrested Ponnana along with the homestay's cook, Brijesh Kumar. Ponnana was subsequently held in judicial custody from April 19 until May 2.

Appearing for the homestay owner, the petitioner’s counsel argued during the hearing that the offences alleged against Ponnana are bailable in nature. The counsel further contended that the complainant’s statement does not show she had informed Ponnana about the alleged assault at any point before the FIR was registered.

According to the petitioner, the tourist had initially identified the housekeeper, who is the co-accused in the case, as the sole offender on April 12, rather than Ponnana. The defense also argued that available WhatsApp messages, call logs, and travel records contradict the woman's allegations of confinement and a communication blockade during her stay.

In his petition, Ponnana termed his arrest and subsequent judicial custody illegal. In addition to seeking the quashing of the criminal proceedings, he has requested the High Court to order an independent inquiry into the police investigation.