BENGALURU: A 32-year-old man, who allegedly befriended several minor girls on social media and sexually exploited them, has landed in the custody of Byadarahalli police.
Diwakar alias Harsha, a resident of Turuvekere, Tumakuru district, was taken into custody based on a complaint filed by a 17-year-old II PU student from Byadarahalli last month.
She told police that Diwakar became her friend on Instagram and they later exchanged mobile numbers and began chatting. He claimed he was studying for KAS and she believed him. Their friendship turned into a physical relationship and he also borrowed money from her.
The girl alleged that Diwakar cheated her and sexually exploited her. Byadarahalli police registered a case under various sections of IPC and Pocso Act. Police arrested him on April 2 and found he was in touch with at least eight girls, seven of whom were minors.
"He was in a live-in relationship with a 24-year-old beautician in Kengeri for one year before he dumped her. But she is not willing to file a complaint against Diwakar," an officer said.
Diwakar had claimed he's studying for civil services but he had only passed PU. He used to shoot selfie videos in front of posh houses and send them to the girls.
He also made some of them believe he's a businessman and running many companies, police said.
Diwakar confessed to having lured girls to exploit them sexually since 2016. "He has cheated at least eight girls in the city. But none is ready to file a complaint," an officer said.