'Promised to make her star': Bengaluru dance teacher arrested for sexually harassing teen

The accused, Bharathi Kannan.

A 32-year-old dance instructor from Hoskote in Bengaluru was taken into custody for allegedly sexually harassing a 17-year-old girl while driving her in his car on May 24 at around 11 am, The Times of India reported.

The girl, who had just completed her pre-university course, was looking to enroll in a private college. On the day of the incident, she had visited a bank in Kadugodi to inquire about an education loan. While walking alone nearby, the accused, Bharathi Kannan, approached her, introduced himself as a dance teacher, and promised to train her and help her become a celebrity. Though she initially ignored him and kept walking, Kannan insisted and persuaded her to get into his car.

During the ride, Kannan allegedly started touching her inappropriately. When the girl tried to leave the car, she found that the doors were locked. Panicked, she started crying for help and banged on the window glass to catch the attention of passersby. Kannan then drove back to the place where she was picked up and left her there.

The victim, upon reaching home, informed her parents about the incident - following which they filed a complaint. Subsequently, Kannan was arrested.

The police initially suspected the girl might have known the dance master. However, during investigation, they found she met Kannan for the first time and was swayed by his assurances of making her a star dancer.

A case of sexual harassment and under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act was registered. Kannan was arrested on Wednesday and remanded in judicial custody.