The Karnataka High Court has issued a notice to the Kutta police in response to a petition from the principal operator of a homestay in Kodagu, who is challenging his arrest in a rape case involving a 33-year-old American woman. The operator was taken into judicial custody for 14 days following a complaint that he claims does not implicate him. The First Information Report (FIR) was registered on April 18, 2026, citing charges under various sections for rape, destruction of evidence, and failure to report a crime. The alleged incident occurred on April 12, 2026, when the woman reported being drugged, held captive, and sexually assaulted at the homestay. The operator contends that the FIR only accuses a housekeeper of the sexual offense and lacks any allegations against him. He also highlighted that the remand application included an additional charge of common intention after his arrest. Furthermore, he presented WhatsApp communications with the complainant, asserting that these messages demonstrate he was not present at the homestay during the alleged assault.