Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jan 1: The district chief and designated court for handing Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) cases, has extended the judicial custody of journalist, Chandra K Hemmady, till January 11. Chandra has been accused of forcing minor boys to meet his sexual desires and threatening them against revealing his sexual escapades to others.

On completion of the judicial custody period awarded to the journalist on December 31, he was brought from Hiriyadka district prison to the city and produced in the court.

Byndoor police circle inspector, who happens to be the investigating officer for the cases against the journalist, prayed for extending the period of judicial custody in one of the cases filed in Byndoor police station, and to extend period of body warrant in other cases. The court upheld his request, and extended judicial custody and body warrant period till January 11. Thereafter, the accused was led back to Hiriyadka prison amid tight security.

Chandra K Hemmady faces 21 POCSO cases filed in Byndoor, Gangolli, Kollur and Kundapur police stations. He happens to be the only person in Karnataka to face maximum POCSO cases.