Bhatkal: A married man from Honnavar has been arrested under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses) Act in Bhatkal and subsequently sent to Karwar Jail following a court appearance.

According to reports, a woman was traveling back to Bhatkal from Udupi with her 14-year-old daughter on a private bus late Thursday night. During the journey, a man attempted to molest her daughter. When the woman intervened, he also behaved inappropriately towards her. The woman promptly informed her relatives in Bhatkal about the incident while still on the bus. Upon reaching Bhatkal, locals gathered around the bus and apprehended the accused individual, whom they then handed over to the Bhatkal police. The incident occurred while the woman was returning from Udupi Hospital to Bhatkal.

The police have filed a case against the accused, identified as Subramanya Ira Gowda (35) from Honnavar, under the POCSO Act. He was produced in court and subsequently incarcerated. Subramanya works as a boat worker in Malpe.

The case has been registered at Bhatkal town police station.