A group of guests from Bengaluru, including three couples and five children, who checked into Skylarc Resort in Napoklu, Kodagu, have accused the resort owner and his staff of assaulting and threatening them during their stay. The resort is owned by Manu Muthappa Appachettolanda, a reportedly influential BJP leader. The victims have filed formal complaints with the Kodagu district deputy commissioner, the police superintendent, and the Bengaluru police commissioner.
According to the complaint filed by Vinal Jain, the group had visited the resort for the Deepawali weekend, expecting the “premium” amenities promised on the resort’s website. However, they were reportedly denied even basic necessities, and their complaints were dismissed since they had already paid for their stay upfront.
Things escalated when Jain attempted to record a hostile response from Manu Muthappa Appachettolanda in the dining room. Upon noticing the recording, the resort owner allegedly physically assaulted Jain, tearing his T-shirt in the process. Jain stated that when his family members intervened, they too were attacked. The group, consisting of three women, three men, and five children, feared further violence and tried to leave in the middle of the night. However, the resort owner and his staff allegedly blocked their exit in the parking area, physically threatening and attacking the men.
The situation worsened as the group observed that the attackers were armed with hockey sticks and metal rods. The family was then chased for over 15 kilometers by a white Tata pickup truck, allegedly driven by the resort staff, including Muthappa’s wife, Rita Muthappa. The victims described the experience as life-threatening, and despite numerous attempts, they could not reach the police for help.
The traumatic incident has left the children in the group severely shaken, and they are now receiving emotional support through counseling at school.
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