Bengaluru: The Anekal Police have arrested a 64-year-old man under the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO) for allegedly molesting minor girls at a government school in the city’s outskirts.
The accused has been identified as Krishnamurthy alias Kitty, a resident of Weavers’ Colony on Bannerghatta Road. Police said he was selling pens for his livelihood and had been visiting the school premises for the past few months.
Complaint filed by teacher
According to a senior police officer, the case came to light after minor students disclosed the alleged misbehaviour to their parents. The matter was subsequently brought to the attention of the school authorities.
A teacher at the school filed a complaint with Anekal police on Friday after noticing the suspect’s suspicious behaviour and receiving information from students.
Speaking about the incident, the complainant said that about a week ago, the accused had come to the school to distribute calendars and was warned not to roam inside the premises. Later, a group of students complained about his alleged misconduct, prompting the filing of a police complaint.
Allegations of repeated misconduct
Police said Krishnamurthy allegedly targeted minor girls on multiple occasions, touching them inappropriately. He is also accused of luring children with chocolates during the incidents.
So far, four girls have given statements narrating their experiences, while the complainant claimed that more than eight minors may have been affected. Authorities are in the process of recording statements from other students and verifying the full extent of the allegations.
The school reportedly does not have CCTV cameras in the area where the alleged incidents occurred, which may pose challenges in gathering visual evidence. However, police said they are relying on witness accounts and other supporting material as part of the investigation.
Judicial custody and further probe
The accused has been booked under relevant sections of the POCSO Act and was handed over to judicial custody after being subjected to interrogation.
Police officials stated that further investigation is underway to ascertain whether similar incidents occurred elsewhere and whether the accused had approached other schools in the vicinity.
Authorities have urged parents and school managements to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity involving children. The police reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety of minors and taking strict action against offenders under the law.