Karnataka Homestays Get New Police Checks After Assault

New rules mean police will visit homestays more often and check all staff. This is a big change after a recent assault.
By Newsroom | Travel, India |

Karnataka's tourism department is enacting a raft of new regulations for homestays and bed-and-breakfast establishments, following a widely reported sexual assault on a US national at a Kodagu homestay. The revised measures aim to bolster security, improve oversight, and enhance digital accountability across the state's lodging sector.

The core of the new directives involves integrating registered homestays into the police's 'Smart E-Beat System.' This system will utilize GPS tracking to verify visits by beat constables, creating an automated, digital record of police presence and activity at these establishments. Furthermore, all staff, both permanent and contractual, will be subject to mandatory police background verification. Emergency and helpline numbers will be prominently displayed, and homestay owners will be required to inform local police of any suspicious activity or guest complaints.

Digital Monitoring and Guest Information

A significant push is being made towards digital surveillance and enhanced traceability. All registered homestays will have their geographic coordinates mapped as mandatory checkpoints within the 'Karnataka Smart E-Beat System.' This integration mandates beat police constables to visit properties, check guest logs, and record their patrols via the application.

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"The geographic coordinates of all registered accommodation units must be mapped as mandatory checkpoints within the Karnataka Smart E-Beat System to create an automated, GPS-verified record of police visits."

Additionally, homestay operators must now upload details of all foreign guests onto a police department system. QR codes are to be installed at reception areas, enabling guests to download the 'Karnataka State Police SOS app.' The police will also maintain a beat register at jurisdictional stations overseeing homestay accommodations.

Kodagu tourist assault case: Homestays, bed-and-breakfast properties to be brought under GPS and police monitoring - 1

Addressing Unregistered Establishments and Owner Responsibility

The crackdown extends to unregistered operators, with calls from the Kodagu District Homestay Association for action against over 2,000 illegal units. The recent incident has highlighted enforcement gaps, prompting authorities to intensify oversight.

"Homestay owners were asked to inform local police before taking guests to secluded areas, particularly at night."

In the specific Kodagu case, the homestay owner was arrested for allegedly failing to report the assault promptly and attempting to suppress the incident. Under revised norms, operators must register with the state tourism department and display their registration certificates and licenses. Failure to comply or any involvement in illegal activities can result in stringent action, including licence cancellation, as demonstrated by the immediate revocation of the implicated homestay's license.

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Background: The Kodagu Incident and Previous Concerns

The impetus for these sweeping changes stems directly from the sexual assault of a US national at a homestay in Kutta village, Kodagu district. Reports indicate the victim's drink was allegedly spiked, leading to the assault. The incident brought to light allegations that the homestay owner attempted to conceal the event. Two individuals, a staffer and the owner, were arrested in connection with the case.

This is not the first instance prompting stricter regulations. It follows a similar incident last year involving allegations of gang-rape at a Hampi homestay, which also led to a review and tightening of homestay rules, particularly in remote tourist areas. The recent assault underscores persistent challenges in the enforcement of existing regulations.

The Karnataka government, through its Department of Tourism, has undertaken a high-level review meeting involving police and other law enforcement agencies to ensure stricter implementation of these new safety and monitoring mechanisms across the state.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What new rules are in place for homestays in Karnataka?
Karnataka's tourism department is making homestays use a new police system with GPS tracking for police visits. All staff must also pass police background checks.
Q: Why are these new rules being made for Karnataka homestays?
These rules are a direct result of a sexual assault on a US national at a Kodagu homestay. The government wants to improve safety and tracking.
Q: How will police check homestays under the new rules?
Police beat constables will visit registered homestays, which will be marked on a GPS system. They will check guest logs and record their visits through an app.
Q: What happens if homestay owners don't follow the new rules?
Homestay owners must register with the tourism department. If they break rules or are involved in illegal acts, their license can be cancelled, and they could face other strict actions.
Q: Do these new rules apply to unregistered homestays in Karnataka?
The government is also looking to crack down on unregistered homestays. Owners must register and follow all rules, or face action.
Q: What information must homestay owners give to the police?
Homestay owners must now upload details of all foreign guests to a police system. They also need to inform police about any suspicious activity or guest complaints.