An accused in a POCSO case allegedly attempted suicide by swallowing a key while in custody at the Madanayakanahalli Police Station. Police later admitted him to a hospital, where doctors reportedly managed to recover the key after three days of treatment and an unusual diet involving nearly 10 kg of bananas.
The accused has been identified as Karthik alias Ramu (24), a resident of Ballari. According to police, on April 24, the family of a minor girl lodged a complaint alleging that their daughter had been taken away by her husband. Based on the complaint, police registered a missing person case and launched an investigation.
During inquiry, police traced Karthik and brought him to the station for questioning. A POCSO case was later registered against him.
Officials said that while at the police station, the accused allegedly swallowed a key in an attempt to harm himself. Alarmed by the incident, police rushed him to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Doctors reportedly monitored him continuously for three days and advised a high-fibre diet, including bananas, to help the key pass naturally.
Police said the accused consumed nearly 10 kg of bananas during the treatment period. Eventually, the key was recovered after he used the toilet, bringing relief to both doctors and police personnel.
Following treatment, Karthik was subjected to further interrogation and later remanded to judicial custody. Police said additional charges relating to creating panic among government officials were also invoked along with the POCSO case.
