Karnataka tightens safety protocols for homestays post gangrape

In response to a brutal gangrape incident involving an Israeli tourist and an Indian homestay owner in Gangavathi town, near the historic Hampi site, the Karnataka government has issued a new set of guidelines to enhance tourist safety at homestays and resorts across the state.

The circular, issued by S. R. Umashankar, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, underlines the urgent need for stringent safety measures, especially for tourists in secluded areas.

It mandates that whenever tourists are taken to remote locations, prior police permission must be secured. Failing to do so leaves homestay owners liable for any incidents involving anti-social elements or wild animals, and they will face legal repercussions.

The directive, addressed to the State Police Chief, Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, ADGP (Law and Order), and the Director of State Intelligence, instructs officials to disseminate the guidelines to every homestay and resort.

Furthermore, homestay and resort owners are required to provide an undertaking affirming their adherence to these rules.

Officials are also tasked with reviewing itineraries to eliminate potentially dangerous visits, with a deadline set for their compliance report by March 18.

The catalyst for these stringent measures was a tragic event reported on March 6.

Two foreign nationals and two Indian tourists, staying at a homestay in Anegundi, Gangavathi taluk, were assaulted while stargazing post-dinner.

Three assailants not only attacked the male tourists, shoving them into the Tungabhadra Left Canal—which resulted in the drowning of an Odisha tourist—but also raped both the Indian homestay owner and the Israeli tourist.

The government described this brutal act as profoundly distressing and issued these new regulations to avert future tragedies.

The culprits have been apprehended by the police, which brings some relief, but the state government is determined to bolster safety protocols to prevent any recurrence of such heartrending incidents.