The Kodagu district administration has cancelled the licence of a homestay in Kutta village following a sexual assault case involving a United States national.
The incident occurred at 'Devi Villa,' a homestay in Kutta of Ponnampet taluk, where an American woman alleged that a staff member sexually assaulted her on April 12.
The property, owned by PA Ponnappa, had received permission from the tourism department on January 15, 2024.
Police registered a case against the cook, identified as the main accused, and the owner. Officials said there were allegations that attempts were made to suppress the incident.
Kutta police arrested both individuals and produced them before a court, which remanded them to judicial custody for 14 days until May 3.
Following a police recommendation, deputy commissioner Vijay Kumar revoked the homestay's operating licence.
The cancellation has become the centrepiece of a broader enforcement push, with authorities signalling that compliance with licensing norms will be strictly monitored across Kodagu.
