Bengaluru: Youth fed 10 kg bananas after swallowing lock-up key fearing POCSO case

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, May 8, 2026: Dramatic scenes unfolded at the Madanayakanahalli police station after a 22-year-old man allegedly swallowed a lock-up key in an attempt to end his life while being questioned in connection with a missing minor’s case. Doctors later recovered the key naturally after feeding him nearly 10 kilograms of bananas over three days.

The accused, identified as Karthik alias Ramu (22), originally from Ballari and currently residing in Bengaluru, was detained for questioning over the disappearance of a 17-year-old girl who had been missing since April 24. Police traced his location using mobile tower data.

According to police, Ramu panicked after fearing arrest and possible charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. In a desperate move inside the police station, he allegedly swallowed a locker key, triggering panic among the officers present.

He was immediately shifted to a private hospital for treatment. After examination, doctors decided against surgery and opted for a non-invasive method to retrieve the key. Under strict medical supervision and police security, Ramu was reportedly fed around 10 kg of bananas over three days to help the metallic object pass naturally through his digestive system.

The unusual treatment proved successful, and the key was eventually recovered through natural excretion.

After recovering and being discharged from the hospital, Ramu was produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody under the POCSO Act. Police have also registered a separate case against him for allegedly attempting suicide inside the police station.

Further investigation into the missing minor case is underway, police said.