Bengaluru Man Swallows Lock-Up Key Fearing POCSO Case, Fed 10kg Bananas Over 3 Days

A missing person investigation in Bengaluru’s Nelamangala area took a highly unusual turn after a young man allegedly swallowed a police lock-up key while being questioned at a police station, leaving officers and medical staff stunned by the bizarre sequence of events.

According to a report in The Times Of India, the incident occurred at the Madanayakanahalli Police Station on Sunday, during the investigation into the disappearance of a 17-year-old girl. Police identified the youth as Ramu, who was reportedly traced using mobile tower location data after investigators linked him to the missing minor’s case.

According to police officials, Ramu allegedly panicked after being brought to the police station, reportedly fearing legal action under the stringent

Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act).

During questioning, he allegedly swallowed a lock-up key in what officers suspect was an attempt to harm himself. The unexpected incident triggered panic inside the police station, prompting officers to immediately shift him to a nearby private hospital for emergency medical attention.

Medical staff initially examined the youth to determine whether surgical intervention would be required to remove the metallic object from his digestive tract. However, doctors reportedly decided against an invasive procedure and instead opted for a non-surgical method to safely retrieve the key.

According to officials familiar with the case, Ramu was placed under close medical supervision and was reportedly fed nearly 10 kilograms of bananas over a span of three days to help the object pass naturally through his digestive system. Hospital authorities and police personnel closely monitored the youth throughout the treatment period to ensure there were no internal complications or health risks.

The unconventional approach eventually proved successful when the swallowed key was reportedly recovered through natural means after three days of observation and treatment.

Officials said the youth was later discharged from the hospital and brought back to the police station on Tuesday.

Police stated that a separate case was registered against the youth in connection with the alleged suicide attempt after he returned from the hospital.

Meanwhile, the investigation into the missing 17-year-old girl remains ongoing.

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