Hampi rape case: Karnataka government issues guidelines for tourist safety, police permission mandatory for trips to deserted spots

A circular orders the police to ensure implementation of these guidelines in all homestays and resorts in their jurisdiction. It also directs them to examine the sightseeing packages offered by tour operators to make sure that the destinations are not dangerous.  

After the recent rape of two women and murder of a tourists at one of Karnataka’s most famous tourist destinations, Hampi, the Home Department has issued guidelines to be followed by homestay and resort-owners for the safety of tourists. 

On March 6, a homestay owner had taken two domestic and two international tourists to a deserted area near Anegundi for stargazing. Three other men arrived at the spot and allegedly raped an Israeli tourist and the homestay owner while the three men were pushed into the Tungabhadra left bank canal. One of the tourists drowned. 

As per the guidelines, all homestay and resort-owners should take appropriate measures to keep the tourists safe, and to avoid such incidents in the future. 

“If homestay or resort-owners want to take their domestic or international guests to the outskirts or deserted places, then they should inform the jurisdictional police and obtain their permission. If they take them to deserted places or forest areas without the permission of the police or Forest Department, then the homestay or resort-owners will be responsible for any mishap that occurs due to wild animals or anti-social elements. They will be subjected to legal action and punishment,” it says. 

The circular orders the police to ensure implementation of these guidelines in all homestays and resorts in their jurisdiction. It also directs them to examine the sightseeing packages offered by tour operators to make sure that the destinations are not dangerous.  

The Tourism Department is circulating the guidelines in all the districts. “We already have existing guidelines for homestays and resorts. Now, we have included these points too. We are sending a copy to the Deputy Commissioners (DC) in all districts,” said Salma K. Fahim, Secretary, Tourism Department.

The homestay owners expressed their support for the new guidelines, but said that it is not right to hold them responsible for everywhere the tourists go.