A suspect in a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case allegedly swallowed a locker key while being interrogated at a police station in Bengaluru. The incident occurred on Tuesday, after which the accused was produced before a local court and sent to judicial custody.
Incident Details
The suspect, identified as Ramu, was brought in for questioning in connection with the disappearance of a 17-year-old girl, who had been reported missing on April 24. During the interrogation, Ramu suddenly swallowed a key that belonged to a locker, prompting immediate action by the police personnel present.
Police Response
A senior police officer confirmed the incident, stating that Ramu was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation. Doctors examined him and confirmed that the key had been ingested but posed no immediate threat to his health. Following medical clearance, he was produced before a magistrate.
The court ordered Ramu to be sent to judicial custody, where he will remain while the investigation continues. The police have not disclosed the contents of the locker or the significance of the key, but investigations are ongoing to determine if the key was related to evidence in the case.
Legal Proceedings
The case has been registered under the POCSO Act, which deals with sexual offenses against minors. The police are also probing whether Ramu had any accomplices or if the locker contained crucial evidence. Authorities have assured that the suspect will be produced before the court as required during the investigation.
This unusual incident has raised questions about security protocols at police stations, though officials have stated that standard procedures were followed. The suspect's action is being viewed as an attempt to destroy evidence, and further legal action is expected.
