Police arrested a 47-year-old cook, Prabhanjan, from Odisha on Wednesday for allegedly sexually assaulting minor boys and recording the incidents on his mobile phone. Prabhanjan, employed at a prominent hotel, reportedly befriended the victims by offering them snacks, chocolates, and money. He then lured them to his rented residence in Siddalingeshwara Colony, Hubballi, where he threatened them with a knife and assaulted them. The acts were videotaped with the assistance of another minor boy.
The victims were assaulted multiple times and were warned of grave repercussions if they revealed the crimes. The issue became public when locals intervened, assaulting Prabhanjan before turning him over to the police.
Parents of two of the victims filed a complaint at the Old Hubballi police station. Authorities have since charged Prabhanjan under sections 377 and 506 (2) of the Indian Penal Code, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, and the IT Act.
