Bengaluru: Gym trainer arrested for kidnapping minor student

A 30-year-old gym trainer from Bengaluru, identified as Abhishek M Gowda, was arrested for allegedly kidnapping his 15-year-old female student and absconding with her for 44 days. The arrest came after the owner of the rented apartment where the duo stayed alerted the police upon recognizing Gowda from a lookout notice aired on television.

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Gowda, a resident of JP Nagar, abducted the girl on November 23 last year, leaving behind a note claiming he was in love with her. Investigations revealed that Gowda was already married with a daughter and had told neighbors he was separated due to domestic issues. The girl had been attending his tuition classes for four years prior to the incident.

The police, unable to trace the pair, issued a lookout notice on January 3. Gowda had rented an apartment in Malavalli near Mandya, posing as a newlywed with the minor. However, his landlord, upon seeing the notice, informed the police.

The accused, who hails from Harohalli in Ramanagara district, has been booked under multiple sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, 2012. He has been remanded to the Central Prison. Police are continuing their investigation into the case, which has raised concerns over the safety of minors and the need for vigilance in such matters.