In a shocking breach of public trust, a 30-year-old Bengaluru police constable on duty at Freedom Park was arrested on January 24, 2026, under the POCSO Act for allegedly sexually harassing a 16-year-old first-year pre-university student by inappropriately touching the minor boy in the central Bengaluru public park. The victim promptly filed a complaint at Upparpet police station, leading to the constable’s swift arrest and custody, with the incident drawing widespread condemnation for exploiting a position of authority in a space meant for safety and recreation. This case joins a short but disturbing list of similar POCSO-related allegations against Bengaluru police personnel over the past five years—including instances of rape and harassment of minors where officers abused their role—highlighting urgent calls for stricter accountability, mandatory child protection training, and enhanced oversight within the force amid the city’s broader challenges of rapid urbanization and public safety concerns.