File photo of Chikkamagaluru police visiting a resort in the district to check if the owner has taken measures to ensure the safety of tourists. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
Following the sexual assault of an American tourist at a Kodagu homestay, the Karnataka government has introduced mandatory police verification of staff for all homestays and bed and breakfasts. According to a recent circular, passengers will be able to check whether the property is registered with local authorities before check-in.
Additionally, for police monitoring, all registered properties will be linked to the Karnataka Police Smart E-Beat system so that officers can make regular visits, verify guest records and record their checks through GPS-based tracking. District administrations have been told to form joint inspection teams with police and tourism officials to conduct surprise checks and identify unregistered properties operating illegally.
The Karnataka government plans to boost emergency response by linking registered properties directly to the 112 system so that emergency calls from these locations can be treated as priority tourist emergencies for faster police response, officials told The Hindu.
The rules were updated after a recent incident where a victim claimed her drinks were laced with narcotics by a family member who assaulted her. She accused the owner of the homestay of trying to cover up the incident and not helping her contact the police.
Background verification
As part of the new measures, every employee working at these properties, including permanent and contract staff, will have to undergo background checks at their local police station. Property owners must have these records ready, either physically or digitally, for inspection by police or tourism officials.
Report by May 15
All deputy commissioners, tourism officials, police and women and child development departments have been asked to coordinate and implement the new rules and submit a compliance report to the tourism department by May 15.
For properties hosting foreign tourists, owners and managers will be trained to correctly record and report guest details through a police-prescribed system, with random checks to ensure compliance.
Tourists can check the predecessor of the accommodation
According to a senior official, the tourism department will publish and regularly update an online list of all registered homestays and bed and breakfasts in Karnataka for tourists to check. Travel agencies, tour operators and online booking platforms have been instructed to only work with registered properties, while non-compliant properties may be removed from listings until they comply with the rules. These establishments will be required to display their registration certificates and licenses at the entrance or reception desk so that guests can easily verify whether the establishment is authorized to operate, according to a recent circular.
Emergency contact details, including 112, the National Tourist Helpline (1800111363 or the short code 1363), Women’s Helpline and Children’s Helplines, along with details of the nearest hospital and local authorities, must be displayed on all devices. Hospitality workers will undergo training on gender sensitization, POSH Act, 2013 and POCSO Act, 2012. Properties will have to display QR codes for Karnataka State Police’s SOS mobile app, the tourism department said.
Published – May 11, 2026 11:06 AM IST
