Hampi horror: Karnataka enforces stricter norms for foreign tourists, homestay owners

KOPPAL: Following the murder of an Odisha tourist and the rape of an Israeli tourist and a homestay owner in Koppal district on March 6, the state govt has tightened security measures for homestays, hotels, and resorts. A key focus of the new directives is the strict enforcement of Form C, a mandatory document for all foreign tourists staying in accommodations across the state.
Koppal SP Ram L Arasiddi emphasised the importance of Form C, stating that foreign tourists must complete the document upon check-in. "It must be submitted to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or local police within 24 hours of arrival, along with visa details, passport information, and photographs," he said.
The state govt Tuesday issued stricter guidelines for homestays, hotels, and resorts to enhance security of the guests. Terming the Sanapur incident as "very sad and regrettable", the govt emphasised that the new safety measures must be strictly followed to prevent such crimes in future.
The latest directives mandate that homestay owners to notify the authorities before taking tourists to remote or deserted locations. Homestays in tourist destinations must implement appropriate security measures for all visitors, including foreign tourists.
Before taking guests to remote areas, prior permission must be obtained from the relevant police station. If tourists are taken to secluded locations without approval, the homestay owner concerned will be held accountable for any incidents involving miscreants or wild animals and may face legal action. The district authorities have been instructed to oversee compliance, and homestays, resorts, and hotels must submit site visit programmes for risk assessment and safety approval.
Following the ghastly incident, night surveillance has been intensified, as also security checks at Basapur, Anegundi, Virupapuragadde, and Sanapur. Police have been conducting thorough inspections of homestays and resorts, reviewing legal documentation, and examining CCTV systems in accommodations. Vehicle checkpoints have been established, and highway patrol units have been doubled. An inspector-level officer will now conduct night rounds at Anegundi and Sanapur to enhance security.
"We have enhanced security in high-risk areas, conducting regular night inspections of resorts. We have registered 10 NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) cases in the past three months, and we will continue unannounced inspections to ensure compliance," Arasiddi explained.
Similar security measures have been introduced in Vijayanagara district, across the Tungabhadra River, with police in Hampi and surrounding areas advising foreign tourists to avoid night travel and stay in govt-registered accommodations.
Meanwhile, the Gangavathi JMFC court remanded the three accused — Mallesh alias Handi Mallesh, Chetan Sai, and Sharanabasava — who have been arrested in connection with the rape and murder of toursists, to 14 days of judicial custody on Tuesday. "The group was involved in minor theft, assault, and harassment. They were previously arrested for stealing chickens, motorcycles, and robbing shops."
Following his arrest, Sharanabasava led police to a two-wheeler hidden near the canal, which was used during the crime, Arasiddi said.
Koppal to launch ‘Tourism one' call centre for tourist safety
Koppal district administration is setting up ‘Koppal Tourism One', a dedicated tourism call centre, to enhance tourist safety and restore confidence in the region. The rape of two women, including a foreign tourist, and the murder of another visitor has raised security concerns among tourists visiting Sanapur Lake, Anegundi, Basapur, Virupapur Gaddi, and other attractions.
To address these fears, the authorities are prioritising safety and immediate assistance for visitors. DC Nalin Atul said Koppal has significant tourism potential, and the initiative aligns with the state tourism policy to create a common helpline for tourists. The call centre will provide information, emergency support, and assistance, operating initially for 12 hours daily as a pilot project.
"We are finalising officers for the call centre, and planning how to address tourists' grievances. A common contact number will be released soon," he said, adding police and other departments will collaborate on the project. Additional safety measures include better lighting, infrastructure upgrades, and strict regulations for homestays, hotels, and resorts. "Tourists can contact the call centre for any issue, and immediate action will be taken," Atul explained.