A police sub-inspector attached to Amruthahalli Police Station in Bengaluru was arrested on June 29 after being booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, for allegedly sexually abusing minor boys under the guise of interrogation.

Police said the alleged incident took place about a year ago when the officer, identified as Praveen, had detained the boys in connection with a murder investigation. He is accused of taking them to a lodge, assaulting them and forcing them into performing obscene acts, which he allegedly recorded on his mobile phone.

The case came to light after videos of the alleged abuse surfaced on social media. Following this, Amruthahalli police registered a suo motu case under the POCSO Act, 2012, and the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. The investigation was later transferred to Kothanur Police Station.

According to police sources, the videos are suspected to have been copied from the accused officer's phone during a domestic dispute before they were circulated. Police have not officially confirmed who leaked the videos.

The accused Praveen was arrested and produced in court, which remanded him to police custody. Police constable Raghavendra, who allegedly assisted the PSI, has also been suspended. Further investigation is on.