A dramatic incident unfolded at Bengaluru's Madanayakanahalli police station after a man allegedly swallowed a locker key while being questioned in connection with a missing minor case.
The accused, identified as Karthik alias Ramu, a native of Ballari, had been brought to the station after police traced him during an investigation into the disappearance of a 17-year-old girl from Gangondanahalli.
According to police, the girl's parents had filed a missing persons complaint on April 24, following which investigators tracked the accused using tower location data.
Police said Karthik allegedly swallowed a locker key during questioning after officers warned him that he could face charges under the POCSO Act.
The incident created panic inside the station, following which he was immediately shifted to a private hospital for treatment.
He remained admitted under police security for three days.
Sources said doctors and police attempted to ensure the key passed naturally through digestion, during which Karthik was reportedly fed nearly 10 kilograms of bananas over several days.
The key was eventually recovered through excretion late at night, officials said.
Senior officers have reportedly warned concerned personnel over alleged lapses in handling the situation.
Further investigation is underway.
